Emotional Intelligence

The best oral communicators don't just use well-chosen words, in well-structured sentences within a well thought-through structure: these are essential pre-requisites, but are not enough in themselves. For instance, the clearest speech, dully presented, has little effect - may not even be listenable to. One of the key Emotional Intelligence competencies for communication is emotional self-control. Others include empathy, self-confidence, transparency, organisational awareness, service orientation and influence. In simple terms, if we are striving to be a good oral communicator, we need to be able to listen and control our personal expectations and preferences. We need to be self-assured, speak in accordance with values and understand and allow for the climate and culture within which we are speaking. It is important that we engage and match the needs of our audience and anticipate the effect of our actions and words.