Training Tip Tuesday: Add Keywords to Your Non-Verbals

Nine percent of the population is running the world and ticking off a lot of people at the same time!

Sounds harsh, doesn’t it?

The High D communication style is actually the most rare DISC profile according to HR Profiling Solutions.

Competitive and results-oriented, High Ds prefer to move fast, take risks, and get things done...now. As we saw in last week’s post about establishing rapport with each communication style, be sure to stick to business, provide facts and figures–not opinions, and provide alternatives to allow a D to make their own decision. This list is not exhaustive, of course, but it sets you up for increased success, especially if you are not a D.

Today’s Training Tip includes another tool for you to add to your communication toolbox:

KEYWORDS

Rather than focusing on non-verbals today, let’s consider the words you choose. Identifying style-specific keywords relating to your key messages will help you to communicate to a wider spectrum of people. This practice will ease communication stress by giving you the words to use in any given situation and it will increase preparedness for your important communications. The following style-specific keywords may be used when talking about products, features, and other elements with the D communication style. These keywords do not necessarily describe the D-style, but rather they are words you might use to excite, motivate, or communicate effectively to this style.

Consider these words:

award-winning	cutting edge	bottom line	strategic
immediate	innovation	results	elite
goals	certain	strong	excellence

Notice how these words would naturally interest someone who is results-oriented and makes quick decisions. A High D wants to achieve results efficiently while remaining focused on the bottom line. If your product or service is their ideal solution and you want to be heard by a High D, using Keywords is truly a way to speak their language. Though there is a caveat – you have to choose keywords that are true because that’s what will resonate with your audience.

Now put it to use. What conversations/meetings/proposals are on your agenda this week? And in which one(s) do you anticipate speaking with a High D communicator? Prepare several sentences using the keywords above and then practice them out loud.

To challenge yourself more, include nonverbals in your message: lean in, speak quickly and directly, use forward-moving hand gestures.