Effective Verbal Communication - How You Say It Makes a Difference

Agenda

Introduction and Objectives

• Understand That Effective Communication Is More Than Words - It's Tone, Timing, and Presence
• Recognize How Intentional Communication Improves Clarity and Relationships
• Identify the Core Objectives for This Session and Commit to One Personal Communication Goal

The Power of Verbal Communication

• Define the Three Key Components of Communication: Verbal, Paraverbal, and Nonverbal
• Explain How Tone and Emphasis Can Completely Change the Message's Meaning
• Describe How Misinterpretation Often Occurs When Tone or Body Language Conflicts With Words

Seven Keys to Clear and Confident Speaking

• Apply the Seven Keys - From Intention and Listening to Pacing and Tone - to Structure Clearer Messages
• Recognize How Pacing, Timing, and Word Precision Affect Understanding and Engagement
• Practice Balancing Professionalism With Approachability When Speaking to Different Audiences

Choosing Words That Work

• Identify How Specific Words Influence Emotional and Cognitive Responses in Listeners
• Rephrase Statements to Make Them Positive, Inclusive, and Solutions Focused
• Identify the Importance of Using the Right Word

What Your Body Says When You Speak

• Recognize How Posture, Eye Contact, and Facial Expression Influence Perception
• Demonstrate Nonverbal Alignment - Matching Words With Gestures and Tone
• Apply Practical Tips for Virtual Communication (Camera Angle, Facial Expression, Engagement Signals)

Building Connection and Positive Relationships

• Apply Ten Simple Tips for Building and Maintaining Professional Rapport
• Use Empathy, Gratitude, and Tone Awareness to De-Escalate Tension and Build Trust
• Reflect on One Personal Communication Habit to Improve Starting Today

Knowledge Check and Questions and Answers

• Review Key Concepts From Each Segment Through Short, Engaging Questions
• Address Participant Questions to Clarify Application of Skills
• Reaffirm That Communication Success Depends on Intentional Delivery - Because How You Say It Truly Changes Everything

Credits

Faculty

Cheryl Grazier, M.S.I.D., M.P.A.

Cheryl Grazier Training and Consulting, LLC

• Founder and Principal, Cheryl Grazier Training and Consulting LLC, providing customized leadership, management, communication, customer service, and professional development programs for public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
• More than 20 years of experience designing and facilitating leadership development, project-based learning, and organizational improvement programs across government, corporate, and nonprofit environments.
• Extensive experience working with federal, state, and national organizations including the U.S. Navy, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Army, General Services Administration (GSA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and numerous state agencies.
• Frequent speaker and instructor for organizations nationwide, delivering practical training programs in leadership, communication, supervision, project management, customer service, emotional intelligence, and professional development.
• Holds a Master of Science in Instructional Design and a Master of Public Administration; certified in DISC, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), conflict management, and negotiation.
• President of the Missouri 10-33 Benevolent Fund, a statewide 501(c)(3) organization providing immediate financial assistance to the families of Missouri public servants who lose their lives in the line of duty.
• Contact: [email protected] | 573-353-1315