An Interview with the Master of Communication & Rhetoric - René Borbonus
Dear Mr. Borbonus, as an expert in professional communication, you inspire your audience nationwide. As an expert, do you have three special rhetoric tips for our customers? René Borbonus: Yes, firstly, it is recommended to include as many stories and vivid comparisons in a speech or presentation as possible, as this helps the content to be better remembered. Secondly, it is ideal if these stories are told in the present tense. Past or future tenses create distance, while the present tense allows listeners to experience the narrative more concretely. The impact is accordingly higher. It is particularly important, thirdly, to think of an opening (opener) that immediately generates attention. The last sentence should also be consciously considered in advance. Only with the right conclusion will the spoken words have a lasting effect. Why is it essential to read your book "Clarity - The Key to Better Communication"? René Borbonus: Clarity makes communication effective. Those who strive to understand and be understood can live and work better together. Clear individuals can better convince and lead others. Clear communication makes competence visible and reveals knowledge. It builds trust. Our communication determines whether our relationships function. And these are crucial for our happiness. We treat them far too carelessly, considering that our interactions significantly contribute to our mental health. Especially in today's world, where many unclear signals are sent, reading my book helps. The good thing is that clear communication is something everyone can learn. My book conveys what matters. What exactly do people do wrong when they treat their friends and enemies disrespectfully? René Borbonus: The fact is: disrespectful behavior strains relationships. Unfortunately, many of us do not think enough about communication, which is why we are often disrespectful without consciously realizing it. Therefore, we should question our communication style to recognize when we are acting disrespectfully. This is an important step in improving our communication. Taking the time to reflect on our communication is crucial in this regard. While deceleration is not a sufficient condition for respect, it is a necessary one. Let's not forget: Respect is only given to those who treat their fellow human beings respectfully. If you could switch roles with a person for a day, who would it be and why? René Borbonus: I would like to switch roles for a day with the partner of the US actress Lucy Liu - if she had one. You recently spoke at the 7th Austrian Knowledge Forum, do you get nervous before such an appearance? How do you handle it? René Borbonus: Of course, I get nervous before appearances. If this were no longer the case, I would stop working as a speaker professionally. Nervousness expresses a certain seriousness, it gives presence and shows respect for the audience. Nervousness, in my opinion, is always part of public appearances and simply belongs there. What many do not realize: Most of what makes up nervousness is not perceived by listeners at all. Therefore, only a fraction of what is going on internally actually comes across. In my experience, focusing on one's breath is the best way to control nervousness. Simply concentrating on your breath for a minute is enough. This is a proven mindfulness exercise. Please complete the following sentence: "I look forward to my next appearance at a knowledge forum because..." René Borbonus: ...it will be in Rosenheim, and in this way, similar to my experience in Vienna, I can contribute to intercultural communication. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________René Borbonus, born in 1977, is the leading specialist in rhetoric and communication in the German-speaking region. Top managers and politicians turn to him for training and preparation for difficult conversations.
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Book Recommendation:
René Borbonus
Clarity
The Key to Better Communication
Econ 2015
256 pages
ISBN: 978-3-430-20181-0
€ 18.00 (Germany) / € 18.50 (Austria) / Sfr 24.90
