Matt Abrahams

There are things you can build into more formal or bigger types of communication situations.

I can take polls.

I can have people partner or pair with each other and share some information back.

Virtual tools allow you to do lots of things.

People can give you reactions as you're communicating.

There are ways to get feedback in real time that allow you to adjust and adapt.

But one, you have to build in those opportunities in the structure, and two, you have to be present enough to pay attention to what's going on.

I make all of my students as part of the work that they do.

Anytime they do a public presentation, it could be a panel simulation, a meeting simulation, a speech.

They digitally record themselves and they have to watch it three times.

Once with sound only, no video, once with video only, no sound, and then once both together.

Anybody who does this will notice different things, both positive and negative.

I tell everybody it's like going to the dentist.

Nobody likes going, but everybody's really glad they've been because you see so much and you learn.

I know many great communication teachers.

The best teacher is watching yourself communicate.

I assume you've watched yourself.

Have you learned things when you watch what you see?

I like, though, that you are taking the time to reflect and seek feedback.

I often say the only way you get better at communication is three things, repetition, reflection, and feedback.