The Importance Of Effective Verbal Communication

Effective verbal communication is essential for advocates. Advocates build and connect relationships, discover solutions, educate the public, and advise decision-makers. Verbal communication with stakeholders and face-to-face interaction is an essential component of any professional advocacy campaign. Verbal communication skills impact how effectively one communicates their intended message; thus, usefulness to decision-makers and those being educated. Additionally, advocates must adapt the skills in their repertoire to account for all settings and environments ranging from the office, a restaurant, a bar, a conference, an event, or an encounter with an issue stakeholder at a widely attended event.

Effective Verbal Communication Skills

Advocates who master these skills are positioned to effectively deliver new knowledge and influence the public policy process. They are better equipped at bridging relationships, keeping communication lines open and fluid, and are successful with influencing the decision-making process. This following discussion addresses metrics associated with effective verbal

First impressions are the most significant factor governing the likelihood of further communication between the parties in the future. Meeting and exceeding first impression expectations create a baseline standard for how future meetings or correspondences proceed. Failing to meet or exceed those expectations decrease the probability of further communication.

The following performance metrics serve as a standard to ensure positive first impressions with issue stakeholders:

• Introduce yourself, shake hands, making eye contact, and then initiate small talk on a neutral topic;

• Demonstrate a friendly disposition to encourage open communication, avoid sitting or standing with your arms crossed; and,

• Demonstrate you are well informed about the government’s perspectives on the issue as well as other key issue stakeholders. This builds confidence required to meet and exceed their expectations.

Reinforcing behaviors such as combining encouraging words with non-verbal gestures such as supporting head nods, warm facial expressions, and maintaining eye contact are ways to encourage openness in others. Encouragement and positive reinforcement signify interest in other stakeholder’s comments, establishes a pathway for development and/or maintenance of relationships, allay fears, and provides reassurance to the