Speech is the primary form of human communication. We are uniquely evolved or created to talk.
Most people can talk; few people can speak effectively. Most people can talk about their basic wants and needs or make demands. Few people can express complex ideas and convince or motivate others to take action.
Effective speaking
This ability to speak has little to do with talent or “a gift of gab.” Effective speech is a complex skill. It involves using techniques to apply certain principles to achieve an intended outcome. Speaking is the same as any other skill like martial arts or cooking. Martial arts uses biomechanics and physics. Cooking involves chemistry and the precise application of heat. The techniques in speaking apply to aspects of human nature and behavior. Master martial artists and chefs never ignore the basics; neither do master speakers.
Some people learn to use these techniques early, and it appears as talent. But most people can learn this skill through practice and feedback. The fundamental principles used in effective speaking are important because they apply to all forms of communication. People who grasp the basic concepts have better conversations, deliver more valuable reports, and write emails that get read.
Communication training
Investing in communication training gives significant returns because sales improve, losses due to miscommunication go down, and meetings produce real value. Employee engagement is enhanced when managers become motivating leaders.
Businesses that invest in communication training tend to be up to 47% more profitable and 22% more effective. Towers Watson 2009/2010 Communication ROI Study Report
Businesses with solid communication practices are 3.5 times more likely to outperform industry peers. Towers Watson 2013 – 2014 Change and Communication ROI
Training in the basics of speaking provides a solid platform for achieving strong communication skills. Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization that has provided training in communication and leadership for over 90 years.
The Toastmasters program is used by companies such as Amazon, Google, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle, Bank of America, Caterpillar, FedEx, General Electric, JPMorgan Chase, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. Almost 300 of the Fortune 500 companies have in-house Toastmasters Clubs. There are cost-effective training options that can fit any organization.
To get significant ROI from communication training, go to Toastmasters D42.org.
Submitted by: Ben Thorkelson
Sources:
Towers Watson 2009/2010 Communication ROI Study Report
https://docplayer.net/3195223-Capitalizing-on-effective-communication.html
Towers Watson 2013 – 2014 Change and Communication ROI
https://issuu.com/andyblacknell/docs/2013-2014-change-and-communication-