Introduction and some tips to empower your communication skills

1. The Art of
Communication
Christos K. Agrogiannos

2. The Art of Communication
““We have two ears and one mouth
so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

3. The Art of Communication
The importance in everyone’s life and work
Being able to communicate effectively is the most important of all
life skills. Communication is simply the act of transferring
information from one place to another, whether this is verbally,
written, visually (using logos, maps, charts or graphs) or non-verbally
(using body language, gestures and the tone and pitch of voice).
How well this information can be transmitted and received is a
measure of how good our communication skills are. Developing your
communication skills can help all aspects of your life, from your
professional life to social gatherings and everything in between. The
ability to communicate information accurately, clearly and as
intended, is a vital life skill and something that should not be
overlooked. It’s never too late to work on your communication skills
and by doing so improve your quality of life.

4. The Art of Communication
Empowered communication should be everyone’s priority
Empowered Communication is the exchange of information in such a
way that it will resolve differences without harming the relationship.
Empowered communication is result oriented and is focusing in
mutual understanding and beneficial outcome. It helps us identify our
shared values and needs, encourages us to use language that
increases goodwill, and avoid language that contributes to
resentment or lowers self-esteem.
Empowered Communication focuses our attention on compassion as
our motivation, rather than fear, guilt, blame, or shame. It emphasizes
taking personal responsibility for our choices and improving the
quality of our relationships as our goal. It is effective even when the
other person or group is not familiar with this process.

5. The Art of Communication
Empowered Communication is based on the premises
that:
• We are all simply trying to get our needs met.
• We fare better if we know how to get these needs met through
cooperation rather than aggression.
• People naturally enjoy contributing to the well being of others
when they can do so willingly.
The intent of Empowered Communication is to:
• Create more satisfying personal connections.
• Meet our needs in ways that honor and respect our values and the
values of others.
• Heal from previous experiences and relationships that have been
painful or unsuccessful.

6. The Art of Communication
Empowering your communication
Effective communication is critical to your personal and business
success. Harvard Business Review says, ‘Communication is the new
leadership skill.’ Fortunately, it’s a skill that can be developed with
time and a few simple tweaks. Contrary to what some people believe,
it has very little to do with your vocabulary or your level of education.
If you can’t communicate effectively, you’ll soon notice opportunities
slipping through your fingers.
Most successful people are exceptional communicators. You feel good
talking with them and you feel respected in their presence. They
know how to navigate difficult conversations. In negotiations, they
manage to gain the most concessions and gain consensus.

7. The Art of Communication
Empowering your communication
• Show interest in others
If you want someone to listen to what you want or need, be
interested in them as a person first, not just as a means to your goal.
Find out something about them during small talk. Listen for clues to
what interests in them and ask questions about those subjects. The
law of reciprocity will kick in and they will be more inclined to return
the favor.
• Show Appreciation
Appreciation is not flattery. Appreciation is genuine admiration about
something positive. Start with a compliment on what they’re
wearing, an interesting piece of jewelry or lapel pin, or something
you just heard them say. The only rule here is that it should be a
‘genuine’ compliment. Most people are more likely to open up when
they feel appreciated.

8. The Art of Communication
Empowering your communication
• Listen actively
Perhaps the most important component of effective communication
is ‘listening’. A good communicator draws you into conversation by
listening and showing interest in what you’re saying. Don’t multitask
when you’re talking to someone, or worse, when they’re talking to
you. Checking your phone or watch or looking around the room
broadcasts a message that says, “I don’t respect you or what you
have to say”. Listening makes the other person feel respected.
• Speak Confidently
Do you pay attention to people who are hesitant or unsure of
themselves? Effective communication skills begin with confidence;
and confidence comes from knowing what you’re talking about.
Always have a proper preparation, speak about topics you know
firsthand, and you will become a master at effective communication.

9. The Art of Communication
“Wise men speak because they have something
to say;
Fools because they have to say something.”