Video Transcript: People Smart Techniques Part 3 (Edited)

Alright, let's continue our discussion on people-smart techniques. Today, we're delving into the nuances of communicating emotions effectively over the phone. This is particularly crucial for leaders, whether in the church, business, or elsewhere, as poor phone skills can harm your interactions. Developing strong phone skills is essential. Liel Loundes offers valuable insights in his book "How to Talk to Anyone," where he suggests envisioning yourself as the star of a personal radio drama whenever you answer the phone. To convey your engaging personality, convert your smiles into vocal warmth and your nods into audible agreement. Instead of using gestures, express yourself through speech, boosting your impact by 30%. When conversing on the phone, avoid being too relaxed. Amplify your emotional delivery by speaking with greater fervor. Using the person's name while speaking on the phone can be highly effective. People become attentive when they hear their own name, so make a habit of using it more frequently over the phone than in person to maintain their focus. By mentioning the caller's name, you replicate the connection of eye contact and touch that you'd have in a face-to-face conversation.

When answering the phone, adopt an attitude that exudes enthusiasm rather than merely sounding consistently happy. Respond warmly, promptly, and professionally. Once you identify the caller, let your happiness radiate through your voice and facial expression. Convey the feeling that your immense joy is solely reserved for them. To elaborate, don't just say "Hi." Rather, introduce yourself like, "Hello, this is Henry Reyenga. How can I assist you?" And remember, when talking on the phone, elevate your emotional intensity. Acknowledge the significant others. When calling someone's home, always greet and address the person who answers the call. For repeated office calls, develop a rapport with the secretary. Those who answer the phone can influence important opinions. Treating everyone, regardless of their role, with respect is crucial. Next, consider your availability. When making a call, it's crucial to inquire about the other person's convenience. Incorporate this into your communication habit. For instance, ask, "Hi, Joe. Is this a suitable time for a call?" or "Hello, Susan. Do you have a moment?" Showing consideration for their time enhances your communication.

If your work involves regular phone interactions, ensure your voicemail greeting is concise, professional, and friendly. Avoid unnecessary elements like music, jokes, or inspirational messages. Changing your voicemail daily lends a touch of authenticity. An occasional cough or stammer can make your message more genuine. When leaving voicemails, add a hint of intrigue to pique curiosity. For instance, "Hey, Harry, this is Andrew. I've got an answer to your question from last week." Or, "Hi, Diane, it's Betsy. I've got some exciting news about our ongoing project." Creating a little suspense gives the listener a reason to return your call. Phone sensitivity is essential. If you hear background noise during a call, pause and inquire about it. Show concern for the person's well-being. It underscores your empathy and helps strengthen your rapport. Remember, when talking on the phone, you're momentarily interrupting their life, and this interaction is a privilege.

Follow-up is often harder to achieve than intended. While good intentions are great, making them a reality requires consistent effort. Imagine you meet someone at a gathering—be it a church event or a business function—and you desire to maintain contact. Emulate the strategies of successful politicians who expertly maintain connections. After the event, organize the business cards of people you've met. Utilize the "business Cardassia" technique, which we'll delve into later, to decide how to reach out to each individual. Should you call, send a handwritten note, or opt for an email? Apply the principles of maintaining connections, just like skilled politicians do. Remember, don't create profiles or assumptions about connections. God's divine appointments might surprise you.

Navigating social events requires sensitivity. In large gatherings, your body language can be a magnet or repellent. Adopt an open stance, allowing your arms and hands to convey warmth. Such body language attracts people and fosters connection. Don't discount the importance of chance encounters for chit-chats. Make the most of these casual conversations to build rapport, whether you're a pastor, church leader, or business professional. Parties, dining tables, and chance encounters are not the place for confrontations. Avoid tough conversations during these settings, as they are reserved for positive interactions and connection-building.

In summary, by practicing effective communication techniques, you can strengthen your relationships, whether you're a leader in a church, business, or any other setting. Remember that genuine connection should be your ultimate goal, devoid of manipulation. With these insights, you can enhance your ability to connect with others, building meaningful relationships based on understanding and empathy.