Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome provide essential techniques for improving project delivery through effective communication. Learn the importance of asking questions, understanding perceptions, developing empathy, and using visual aids like the Ishikawa diagram. They also discuss the value of active listening, body language, and public speaking skills. Get practical tips from seasoned experts to enhance your project management capabilities.

Main Take-Aways

Tips, tools, and techniques that project leaders can benefit from in improving their oral communication skills:

1)     developing strong oral communication skills is significant to improving your project management capabilities

2)     learn to use effective questioning techniques

3)     put yourself in the position of the person(s) you are communicating with

4)     work on developing a sense of humor

5)     develop strong active listening skills

6)     learn the Socratic Method to improve your conversations

7)     use visual aids whenever possible

8)     become a student of body language

9)     master public speaking skills

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Effective Oral Communication

00:27 The importance of oral communication in how you come across and how you present your information.

01:18 One of Tim’s favorite tips is to master questioning techniques to allow you to learn more from your interactions.

02:44 Merv states that understanding perceptions and expectations is very important in our oral conversations, and an effective way to do this is by putting yourself in the position of the person you are communicating with.

04:41 Merv has developed a sense of humor and offers that it has helped him keep conversations disarming and comfortable.

06:14 Tim agrees that active listening is a powerful aid to communication in signaling your participation and acknowledgement of the message.

06:45 Merv and Tim both recommend using the Socratic Method in enhancing conversations and making them more meaningful.

07:59 Merv attests to the power of visual aids to add clarity to our communication. Tim explains the use of Ishakawa diagrams to help in brainstorming for issue resolutions.

11:10 Merv recommends becoming a student of body language, vocal nuance, and facial expressions to become a better communicator.

12:16 Merv is adamant that project leaders mastering the skill of presenting formally to become comfortable in front of the room and to add to your credibility. He recommends Toastmasters International as an organization that is uniquely equipped to assist in developing this skill. Tim adds that continuing education and self-improvement are key opportunities for project leaders.