If you read my original blog entry “REMEMBER TO BRING THE ORCHESTRA” you read how I associated the use of interpersonal communication skills to a conductor directing a symphony orchestra. You need to have sound interpersonal communication skills at your disposal at any given moment. One thing I did not mention is the fact that all your interpersonal communication skills must be performing at a high level. Your weakest skill will usually be the one remembered most and it could kill your presentation.

Imagine you are listening live to, Cleveland’s pride and joy, The Cleveland Orchestra. In a moment of absolute silence during the presentation a musician drops their triangle. I picked the triangle because it is the smallest infraction I could think of that would consciously be heard by all. Now, what one thing do you think you will remember from that experience? How often do you think you will share that story with others? Now let us compare that back to your interpersonal communication skills that you conduct.

You might have a great smile and fresh breath; you bring energy and have a terrific handshake. You may be well dressed, use terrific eye contact and converse smoothly; however, you don’t use the person’s name whom you just met or worse yet you call them by the wrong name. Now how do you think that person will remember you? Trust me people know if you are using their name and if you are pronouncing it correctly. Memorize this famous quote by Dale Carnegie; “Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

Anyone of the few interpersonal communication skills mentioned could be your weak link and remember there are a great deal more to consider such as manners, listening skills, verbal and writing skills, hygiene, patience and more. Anyone of them can ruin your NETWORKING opportunities. Understand you are presenting a marvelous product –You. You want people saying you sound sincere, genuine and personable not fake, phony or insincere.

Understand that all of your interpersonal communications skills must perform in harmony. You are being perceived 24/7 realize the importance of practicing your interpersonal communication skills on a daily basis so people remember you not your weakness. So the next time you have a NETWORKING opportunity REMEMBER TO BRING THE ORCHESTRA, it will benefit you greatly.

Join the Group LISTEN UP NETWORKING where we are discussing the ABC’s of successful NETWORKING.

Tags: ABC's of Networking, Donald Wayne McLeod, Interpersonal Skills, LISTEN UP NETWORKING, The Cleveland Orchestra, Use Names