As many of us imagine what life will look like 10 days, 1 month, and/or 3 months fromnow, I’d like to focus on and predict the future of communication (not communication technology, but how we speak to each other).
Since the stay-at-home order, I’ve been asked to present Concious Communication workshops to a fair share of brands and communities including Create & Cultivate, The Riveter, and InfusionSoft, and here are some of the trends I am seeing:
- Authoritative, autocratic language (as opposed to casual, free reign). Business owners, essential workers, managers and regular folks will speak with authority and with firm boundaries as a way to manage people due to safety concerns. Case in point, I was at Best Buy yesterday buying a computer widget, and they spoke to me in a military capacity. “Stand on that yellow arrow, and if we have what you need, we will come and get you.” I listened and obeyed. Suggestion: You can be firm and friendly: “Thank you for standing in the yellow box, 6 ft away from the cashier.”
- More “I love you’s” and air kisses. Maybe it’s just me, but as I hang up Zoom coaching calls, workshops, board meetings, and Marco Polos, I am telling people I love them, blowing them an air kiss, or if I don’t know them well, giving them a namaste and “be well” send off. Why: Because no one is promised tomorrow, and I want everyone, even my clients and colleagues to know that they matter and are loved. Question: Are you sending off your colleagues, clients and friends with love?
- Communicating with vulnerability and transparency. We have Oprah, Brené Brown and so many leaders to thank for exhibiting vulnerability and transparency. With 24/7 social media and news cycle, we must be ready to address real time issues with our community/followers in a humble and honest way.
What are some trends are you seeing in communication? Let me know!