Are you being heard?

I recently MC'd the launch of the new Quickbooks QBi series Accounting Software for Reckon around Australia. It was a fabulous time as two blokes and a blonde told gathered audiences all about this fabulous new software that gives users more time for life, spending less time on bookeeping procedures. So, in each city, Clayton Oates from QA Business, Gavin Dixon ,CEO Business Division Reckon Ltd and I, would hit the stage, the two men informing and me entertaining. At night it was a different event, and a different crowd. We went from 300 to 500 business people, bookkeepers, accountants, to 100 retailers who were to sell the software, and hosted events for them at Bowling establishments around the country.

It's easy to keep people's attention when they want to know what you have to offer...it's an entirely different matter when they really want to bowl and have a drink and a chat to their friends. A decision was made to tie two coffee tables together and provide me with a microphone in order to reach the group...and this photo is me, unsteadily on the two tables, with Fran (Event Manager) and Alex (National Sales Manager) sorting out the prizes for best bowler beside me.

That was the easy part...and it worked....by making me the focus of attention, and loud, we got the message out and the audience had a great time but it made me think about how often in business, we are not being heard.
I don't mean like me of course..I mean, when you're speaking, and people appear to be listening, but don't seem to be getting your message.

It may be because you aren't communicating effectively, or it might just be that the person for whom your message is intended...just ain't listening!

What to do?

Firstly, make sure you are delivering your message to the right person...someone who is interested in what you have to say, and will act on it. Secondly, if you are delivering a tough message, to the right person, but they don't want to listen, start speaking in their language. Find a common ground on which to communicate. I liken it to going to a dinner party and launching into one of my jokes at full speed and top volume. Of course, we would never do that...! (would we??..only joking) We go in, quietly meeting people on their own level, doing a fair amount of listening, and working out who we want to be in conversation with by dessert. Success! Only ever foiled by nerves and too many bread rolls (you know what I mean). Love to know your thoughts...what is the most boring, uncomfortable message you have ever been forced to endure...and what have you done to spice up your comm skills!