Proactive Communication

Proactive communication is an integrated set of skills and techniques that enable you to achieve your objectives. The tenets of proactive communication are strategically driven, involves the target audience, is information oriented, subject independent, and repeatable. The proactive communication model consists of a rigorous consistent planning process, a redefinition of ineffective communication practices and the reduction of communication backlog.

To develop an effective proactive communication methodology that's right for your personality type and communication needs, you can use the Proactive Communication Model. This model is comprised of the following components: Approach, Audience, Outline, Rehearse.

Approach

How you plan to communicate your message. What direction would you like for the communication to take? Are you attempting to persuade or educate the audience? Will your presentation be a technical review or a general overview?

Audience

Whom are you attempting to communicate with? What are their learning style? What are their likes and dislikes? Is this a highly technical group or is it a group of high-level managers?

Outline

What you would like to communicate. Prepare an overview of you intended message. The typical outline for a presentation is:

• Introduction - Tell them what you are going to tell them. Lay out a list of objects.

• Presentation - Tell them.
• Summary - Tell them again in a overview fashion using key points and ideas.
  • Review - Review the introduction/objects to ensure you accomplished each one.
• Questions - Allow time to answer questions to clarify any misunderstandings.

Rehearse

Practice in front of a mirror. Record your message. Video Tape your presentation. This is a good time to practice controlling the pitch, volume and tone of your voice. With a video camera are in front of a mirror, analyze your non-verbal communication skills. Rehearsing in front of a friend can be beneficial. They will be able to reveal any negatives that you may not have caught while rehearsing alone.