High-Flying Communication SKills

Hey there, future daredevils! Welcome to The International Stunt Academy's blog on better comms. We can help you learn to how to dazzle crowds with your high-flying feats. But even the most impressive stunts won't get you far if you can't communicate effectively. That's where this guide comes in. We'll provide you with some handy tips, examples, and lines to help you express yourself clearly, quickly, and confidently, and explain why this is an essential skill...

Ineffective communication can lead to various negative consequences, both personally and professionally. Here are some reasons why ineffective communication is bad:

1. Misunderstandings:
   Poor communication can result in misunderstandings, which may cause confusion, frustration, and even conflict among individuals or groups. This can hinder teamwork, affect relationships, and lead to errors and mistakes.
2. Decreased productivity:
   In a professional setting, ineffective communication can lead to wasted time, reduced efficiency, and a lack of progress towards goals. When people don't understand what's expected of them or fail to convey critical information, tasks take longer to complete, and overall productivity suffers.
3. Increased anxiety:
   Ineffective communication can lead to heightened anxiety, both for the sender and the receiver. When individuals are unable to express themselves clearly or struggle to understand others, they may feel anxious and stressed. This can negatively impact their emotional well-being, self-esteem, and overall mental health. In turn, anxiety can further exacerbate communication issues, creating a vicious cycle of stress and miscommunication.
4. Reduced trust and credibility:
   Ineffective communication can damage trust between individuals, as it may create an impression of dishonesty, incompetence, or indifference. This can harm relationships, both personal and professional, and make it difficult to establish credibility.
5. Poor decision-making:
   Inadequate communication can lead to ill-informed decisions, as individuals might not have all the necessary information or may misinterpret the information they receive. These decisions can have negative consequences for individuals, teams, or organizations.
6. Lower morale and job satisfaction:
   Poor communication can create frustration, confusion, and a sense of disconnection, which can contribute to lower morale and job satisfaction. This may lead to increased employee turnover and reduced commitment to the organization.
7. Conflict and tension:
   Ineffective communication can exacerbate conflicts, as misunderstandings and misinterpretations can lead to disagreements and tension. In some cases, these conflicts can escalate and become difficult to resolve, harming relationships and collaboration.
8. Missed opportunities:
   Poor communication can cause missed opportunities, as ideas may not be shared, problems may not be effectively addressed, and valuable input may be ignored or misunderstood.

Now lets look at some simple examples and key phrases we can use to change our negative communication habits for the better.

​Lesson 1:
Be clear and concise When you're flying through the air, there's no time for long-winded explanations. Keep your message short and sweet, so everyone understands exactly what you mean.
Example:
❌ Wrong: "I was thinking that it might be better if I tried to do the double backflip today since I feel more confident and I've practiced it a lot."
✅ Right: "I'm ready to do the double backflip today."
Handy line: "In a nutshell, [main point]."


Lesson 2:
Be polite but assertive Politeness is important, but don't let it overshadow your message. Be assertive and make your point without being aggressive or confrontational.
Example:
❌ Wrong: "I don't want to bother you, but I noticed you didn't secure my harness properly, and I'm concerned about my safety."
✅ Right: "Please double-check my harness for safety. Thank you."
Handy line: "I appreciate your input, but I believe [your opinion]."

Lesson 3:
Listen and acknowledge Good communication isn't just about talking; it's about listening, too. Show that you value the other person's opinion by listening and acknowledging their point of view.
Example:
Stunt Coordinator: "We need to change the sequence to accommodate the new pyrotechnics." You: "I understand the need for the change. Let's discuss how to adjust the sequence safely."
Handy line: "I hear what you're saying. Let's [proposed action]."

Lesson 4:
Use "I" statements To avoid sounding accusatory or confrontational, use "I" statements to express your feelings and thoughts.
Example:
❌ Wrong: "You never listen to my ideas!"
✅ Right: "I feel like my ideas aren't being heard."
Handy line: "I feel [emotion] when [situation]."

Lesson 5:
Stand your ground In challenging situations, it's crucial to stand your ground and not be intimidated by more confident or experienced people.
Example:
Veteran Stunt Performer: "Trust me, kid, you don't need a safety line for this stunt."
You: "I appreciate your experience, but I prefer to use a safety line for my own comfort and safety."
Handy line: "Thank you for your advice, but I'll stick with my approach for now."
Now that you've got these tips and examples under your (safety) belt, you're ready to soar through your time at The International Stunt Academy with effective communication skills. Practice using these techniques, and soon you'll be as confident in your conversations as you are in your stunts. Happy flying, and remember: clear communication is the key to a happy life, a great career and successful stunt!


Here are some popular books and resources on effective communication that you can explore for further reading:

TED Talks:

• "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown (https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability) 
• "10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation" by Celeste Headlee (https://www.ted.com/talks/celeste_headlee_10_ways_to_have_a_better_conversation) 
• "How to Speak So That People Want to Listen" by Julian Treasure (https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_how_to_speak_so_that_people_want_to_listen)

Books:

• "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
• "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
• "Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life" by Marshall B. Rosenberg d. "The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism" by Olivia Fox Cabane e. "Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone" by Mark Goulston

Online Courses:

• "Improving Communication Skills" offered by the University of Pennsylvania on Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/learn/wharton-effective-communication)
• "Introduction to Communication Science" offered by the University of Amsterdam on Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/learn/communication)
• "Speak Up! Stand Out: Mastering Public Speaking" offered by Toastmasters International on Udemy (https://www.udemy.com/course/speak-up-stand-out/)

These books, courses, and talks offer valuable insights and practical advice on improving your communication skills in various aspects of life. By exploring these resources, you'll be well on your way to becoming an even more effective communicator.