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Reigniting the Art of Conversation

Communicating via email is a growing trend among employees and employers in the workplace, but what is the effect it is having on our social skills? Does the ability to hold conversation with employees achieve the best results? Or is this fast-paced technological culture improving  productivity?

"The art of conversation has been lost," says Monique Rissen-Harrisberg, Chief Executive of The Voice Clinic. "People in the workplace are wasting more time than ever before as they send out a greater amount of written communication. This is damaging.

A conversation achieves far less than they would face-to- face. People used to meet in person, have conversations and focus on building a personal collection with clients and employees. Now it seems that time is money and this personal touch has been lost."

Meeting to discuss issues or ideas in people's place of work is being overshadowed by the convenience and simplicity of email. Monique believes that this has arisen from a lack of confidence and self- esteem within the workplace.

"There is a heightened fear of rejection when people meet face-to-face, as they feel that rejection in these situations affects them personally. Rejection of an idea by email doesn't tend to affect them too personally as they tend to depersonalise themselves through technology."

Monique Rissen-Harrisberg is warning employers to stop emailing their employees and engage them in a real conversation.

To improve employee productivity, boost confidence and get creative ideas blossoming in the workplace, managers can learn to communicate more effectively with their employees and reap the benefits.

"The most important thing is for people to get to grips with the corporate culture of the company and pay attention to how people operate within that company," Ms Rissen-Harrisberg said.

"Whether you are with your employees, your colleagues or your superiors, be sure to maintain good eye contact, use open gestures and body language, and be sure to pay attention to your image, grooming and dress.

Speak clearly to make yourself easily understood,  and remember to be an active listener. Get your voice to sound enthusiastic, positive and ensure that you smile."

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