Hello Mentor S2 EP1 | Natalie Kniese - #OTW To Communicating Better In The Workplace

Natalie Kniese—public speaking coach, radio announcer, and communication expert—shares practical tips on transforming workplace interactions and elevating your career growth!

By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-21 at 3:54 AM

Updated on 2024-10-21 at 7:07 AM

7 Key Takeaways on Enhancing Corporate Communication Skills: Insights from Natalie Kniese

Effective corporate communication skills are essential for professional success in Malaysia. Whether you're leading a team or working with clients, how you communicate directly impacts productivity and collaboration. Natalie Kniese, a seasoned public speaking coach and communication expert, shares seven key takeaways on mastering communication skills that will help you thrive in the workplace.

From overcoming stage fright to mastering active listening, discover how these insights can elevate your communication, transform workplace interactions, and unlock new career opportunities.

1. Say Yes to Every Speaking Opportunity

“The only way to improve is by doing,” Natalie emphasises. Even if public speaking or presenting makes you nervous, taking every opportunity to communicate will help you grow. Whether it’s speaking in meetings or volunteering for presentations, experience will gradually boost your confidence and refine your skills.

2. Value Experience Over Theory

With her dual career as a radio announcer and entrepreneur, Natalie highlights how hands-on experience is essential for mastering corporate communication skills. She encourages job seekers to gain as much practical experience as possible, noting that real-world application builds confidence and refines your personality at work.

3. Maintain Discipline Through Structured Routine

Natalie's disciplined daily schedule is a testament to the power of routine in developing communication skills. For those entering the workforce, establishing a clear routine can help manage multiple responsibilities and enhance focus, crucial traits for succeeding in any corporate environment.

4. Dismiss Common Misconceptions

Addressing the common misconception that extroverts naturally excel in corporate settings, Natalie encourages all professionals to develop their communication skills. Effective communication is vital for career progression and is not confined to those with extroverted personalities.

5. Recognise Communication as a Two-Way Interaction

One of Natalie’s key insights is recognising that effective communication is a two-way process. It involves listening as much as speaking. She advises professionals to be attentive to feedback and body language in the workplace, adapting their communication to ensure it fosters mutual understanding.

Engaging with peers in environments that support professional development can further enhance your skills. Professional communities bring together driven, ambitious individuals for peer-to-peer connecting, learning, and growing, creating a perfect setting to practice and refine your communication strategies in real-world scenarios. Those interested can join by filling out a simple form to start connecting with like-minded professionals.

6. Manage Anxiety with the Box Breathing Technique

Natalie introduces box breathing as a method to control nerves before speaking engagements:

• Inhale for 4 seconds
• Hold for 5 seconds
• Exhale for 6 seconds

This technique lowers stress levels and helps you stay composed under pressure. It’s a powerful tool not just for presentations but also for high-pressure workplace situations. Mastering such techniques can be invaluable for managing stress during interviews or critical corporate meetings, enhancing overall communication skills.

7. Commit to Continuous Learning

Natalie highlights that communication skills are at the core of every role. "Whether you’re a manager or a team member, your ability to communicate determines how well you perform and collaborate with others." Strong communication helps align expectations, reduce conflicts, and enhance productivity, setting you apart in the job market.

She recommends seeking out communication training, potentially supported by employer subsidies through HRDF or HRDC in Malaysia. Continuously improving your communication skills is crucial for professional development.

Participation in communities not only broadens your network but also provides a structured platform for continuous improvement and learning.

Conclusion

By incorporating these seven takeaways from Natalie Kniese, Malaysian job seekers and professionals can significantly enhance their corporate communication skills. Developing these skills makes you a more compelling candidate and a more effective communicator, capable of thriving in professional settings.

Take Natalie’s advice: start small, stay consistent, and practice often. The ability to communicate clearly and confidently will give you a significant edge in your career.

Looking for opportunities to put your communication skills to work? Browse jobs on Hiredly and make your next career move today.

Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring individuals who are accomplished in their own right.

Check out all our episodes on Spotify or YouTube for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who’ve been there!

By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-21 at 3:54 AM