TOP TIPS: Does your leader have the Oprah-factor?
Thanks to her ability to project authenticity in her communications talkshow host Oprah Winfrey is considered a major opinion-maker and influencer in the United States.
When coaching senior leaders to be effective communicators, remember: it's not just words that captivate an audience. Consider these four characteristics that Oprah displays:
1. Her body language reinforces her wordsIt isn’t surprising that the majority of what we say comes from our non-verbal signals. When facing an audience, make sure posture, gestures, facial expressions and eye-movements are congruous with what is being said. A useful tip for leaders is to act like they're always under the spotlight, this way they'll be more concious of both their words and actions.
How can you expect to engage a workforce if you’re not interested yourself?
2. She’s always “present”Whether she’s hosting, interviewing, or simply standing behind the president singing the national anthem, Winfrey is always absorbing the task at hand when in the public eye. How can you expect to engage a workforce if you’re not interested yourself?
3. She’s sincereRemember the fabrications surrounding James Frey’s book A Million Little Pieces? Following the exposure of his lies, Winfrey publicly apologized for endorsing Frey. Her taking ownership of the blame made a refreshing change from the culture of finger-pointing so prevalent among public figures today.
4. She puts herself with the audienceAlthough she phsyically sits apart from her audience, Oprah remains attuned and approachable. In the same vein, by putting themselves in the mind of their audience, leaders can anticipate the questions and concerns of their workforce and address them quickly and constructively.
Have your say
What other communication characteristics do you think are important for senior leaders?
Other recommendations
Popular
leadership blogs at General Motors
Got a news story? Contact the newsdesk