Communicating effectively in business: The Aussie guide to getting your yakka across
Special report from Darren Hill (or ‘DH’ as he prefers to be known)
Here are a couple of examples of how DH takes mere words and turns them into art:
In the realm of business, ‘having a good chinwag’ isn’t just about nattering over a cuppa. It’s about getting your point across clear as day, whether you’re spruiking ideas in a boardroom or crafting a report that could double as a sedative. Let’s dive into the art of effective communication across various mediums—from the formality of speeches to the casual banter of podcasts—with a cheeky nod to Australian humour because, why not add a bit of spice to the mix?
1. The art of business speeches: More than just a gobfull
The key to delivering a ripper of a speech is to know your audience. Are they high-flying execs or easy-going tradies? This dictates everything from your tone to your content. Begin with a hook sharper than a croc’s tooth. A surprising stat or a yarn that piques interest will do. Keep your messages clear and dodge the jargon unless it’s industry-specific and even then, explain it. Remember, even in the staidest boardrooms, no one’s too posh for a punchy story or a light-hearted quip to keep them keen as mustard.
2. PowerPoints: Not as boring as watching paint dry
PowerPoint presentations are like vegemite on toast; everyone’s had ‘em, but few have had really good ones. The secret? Simplicity mate. Too much text on a slide and you’ll lose your crowd faster than a roo in mating season. Use key points, impactful images, and let the fancy transitions be. Always rehearse beforehand because stumbling over slides is about as awkward as a long goodbye. And humour, when appropriate, can be the spoonful of sugar that helps the proverbial medicine go down.
3. Writing reports: Don’t be a drongo
Report writing in business can often feel like you’re recreating War and Peace. However, the trick is to be more like Hemingway—short and sweet. Start with a summary because let’s face it, not everyone’s keen to wade through pages thicker than a snag on a barbie. Use headings and bullet points to break up text, and charts or graphs to show what words can’t. And a bit of light humour can serve to keep the reader engaged, rather than them fantasising about their next holiday to Bali while they read.
4. Commanding the email frontier
Emails are the trusty workhorse of business communication, but there’s an art to not being as dull as dishwater. Subject lines should be sharp enough to get a click—think of it as the headline of your daily newspaper. Keep your message clearer than a Bondi morning—no one has time for scrolling through a saga. And remember, a friendly tone goes a long way; a bit of politeness doesn’t mean you’re soft, just well-raised. Sprinkle a joke or a witty line if you know your recipient well—it could be the difference between a swift response and being ghosted.
5. Video calls: The new face of business
Since working from home became the new norm, the ability to communicate effectively via video has become as crucial as wearing pants to an office (at least from the waist up). Ensure you’re not just a mysterious silhouette; proper lighting is key. Maintain eye contact by looking at the camera, not the screen. Dress to impress, or at least, don’t look like you’ve just rolled out of bed. And remember, everyone loves a good backdrop—it could be a conversation starter, but maybe save the inflatable palm tree for virtual happy hour.
6. Podcasts: The business world’s wireless
Podcasts are the laidback larrikin of business communication. They offer a platform for a more relaxed, conversational style. If you’re hosting, keep your audience in mind, and like any good barbie, make your guests feel at home. Prep but don’t script the entire session—spontaneity is key to keeping it fresh. Use engaging stories and sprinkle some humour like fairy dust—it’ll keep your listeners hooked and coming back for more like a shrimp to a barbie.
In conclusion, whether you’re waxing lyrical in a speech, jazzing up a PowerPoint, penning the next great Australian report, firing off emails, conquering the video call world, or podcasting your way into business conversations, the key ingredients remain the same: clarity, brevity, engagement, and a wee bit of humour. Here’s to communicating effectively, and remember, a good yarn is the secret weapon in any Aussie business communicator’s arsenal.
Cheers!
Also check this out, digger: https://au.news.yahoo.com/us-embassy-roasted-over-baffling-list-of-aussie-slang-words-002337805.html