Direct Communication
Canadians are outspoken and to the point. They aren’t afraid to put themselves on the line, to take a stand and tell it like it is. When you’re decisive in communication, you say what you mean and mean what you say. The clearer you are, the better you will be understood.
Decisive
Decisive communication is goal-oriented. It is very direct and to the point. It drives at a quick and firm answer or solution. It may seem harsh to people who prefer to reflect and mull over a subject; but it can be very useful in pressured situations where time is of the essence, or where safety is a concern and immediate action must be taken.
Designer
Corporations and organizations have been able to develop their own lingo through straplines that become common everyday language (Nike: “Just do it”). Being big in business has that kind of influence: Pass me a Kleenex. I’m going to Hoover. Want a glass of Coke?
It’s not just the marketing world that encourages us to speak in brands. An entire mobile (cell) phone language now has been developed that is so engrained, colleges have trouble getting students to write assignments in proper English.
Developing
Developing communication skills is essential to thrive in life. Shyness or remaining quiet can be disempowering and debilitating. Developing confidence and learning to communicate in various ways with any category of audience will enhance life fulfillment.
Diplomatic
While directness is desirable, it goes hand in hand with diplomacy. Canadians do strive to balance directness with diplomacy. It’s important to befriend, rather than alienate. Active listening, showing empathy, and expressing oneself in a diplomatic, thoughtful way encourages receptivity.
Diverse
The ability to talk to anyone about anything is a highly valued skill. It’s important to practice in a variety of scenarios with people from diverse backgrounds. Appreciate views that stem from gender, cultural and professional differences. The ability to communicate successfully in diverse situations is vital both professionally and personally.
When everyone agrees, someone probably isn’t thinking. So, welcome diverse thinking.
Dramatic
Dramatic communication grabs you from the inside. It’s emotional. Emphasis is used for effect.
No matter what’s being conveyed, it will draw out a feeling from you. You may roll your eyes with intolerance, or heave with disgust; you may get teary-eyed or infuriated. It’s effective because it gets your attention on an intimate level.
Dynamic
The benefit of dynamic communication is that you sure get people’s attention.
Picture this: you’re in an audience listening to someone at a podium giving a lecture. They’re standing motionless, reading from their notes in a monotone, evenly paced voice. The subject could be riveting. Asleep yet?
Now, picture someone else on the stage instead. This guy’s holding a microphone, walking around the stage, making eye contact directly with various audience members, gesturing appropriately in accordance with his talk. He’s also varying his voice: louder, softer, quick, slow, high and then low pitch. He paces. He pauses. You cannot help but follow him attentively. He’s interesting (even if his topic isn’t so much).
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