Effective Communication Is Something You Learn, Not Something You're Born With

Once you’ve developed a fresh idea, work on organizing your message and polishing your delivery. Think about:

• How  you will launch a stunning opening and closing line
• How you will organize your material succinctly so that it is both moving and memorable (perhaps tweetable and repeatable)
• Compelling details that should be included.
• Your vocal and non-verbal communication (body language).

It's often a good idea to send your draft material to someone you trust for honest, constructive feedback.

Practice it in front of someone with a good eye and ear for impeccable delivery. Whatever you do, don't become defensive. Throw your ego out the door and apply what you learn.

Poor listening skills create roadblocks to communication, especially when the single-minded goal of the speaker is to be heard.

A speaker communicates best while he or she listens actively, which helps them to respond more organically to the needs of the audience, while simultaneously expanding their understanding of the nuanced dialogue taking place. 

... involves purposeful exchanges between all interested parties. 

If you’re doing all the talking, you’re not maximizing opportunities to create reciprocal understanding or expand the reach of your thought leadership. 

Develop rapport by engaging in real dialogue.

People who engage in dynamic, interactive dialogues, rather than defaulting to stale monologues, establish trust, develop rapport and experience greater empathy from their audiences.

Check in with your audience to make sure that they "got" what you intended to give:

• Emphasize the main points of the presentation by strategically reintroducing them at the end.
• Elicit feedback and answer audience questions, especially when a live Q&A session is part of the engagement. It allows the audience to flesh out any unanswered questions, resolve any misunderstandings and walk away with greater value.