Five Tips for Communicating In A Mask

Facial coverings and masks can make it difficult for some people to communicate. People who often rely on facial cues may not understand you when your face is covered, or your voice is muffled. As an Executive Coach, I have seen how it can be hard to talk to neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family while wearing a mask.

When you are wearing a face-covering to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, be aware that you may inadvertently create a situation where another person may no longer understand you. Remember, how you communicate is just as important as what you communicate.

Here are five tips for communicating when using face coverings and masks:

1.Use Active Body Language

Body language, hand gestures, and posture are most important. Your non-verbal cues should reflect the tone and theme of your content. Nod when appropriate to acknowledge you are listening and understanding.Focus on

2. Eye Contact

Use your eyes and eyebrows. Good eye contact is critical. Let your eyebrows tell the story. Happiness can be seen by raised eyebrows, raised cheeks, and crow’s feet. Eyebrows pinched together can sometimes convey anger or frustration, so remember that your eyebrows are part of your eye contact when wearing a mask.

3. Adjust Your Voice Tone

Your tone of voice includes your inflection, rate, and pace, which can be equally as impactful as your speaking words. Articulate loudly and clearly, without shouting.

4. Look at Alternatives

If using a mask is a serious barrier to speaking and having others understand you, consider a face shield or a see-through face mask.

5. Send a Post-Conversation Summary

Consider using a written recap of the conversation, so nothing is lost. This could mean a quick recap email, a text, a short PowerPoint deck, or a formal document that summarizes what you shared.

As we begin to wrap up 2020, let’s keep masks on and spirits up. We can do this. Thanks for helping to keep everyone safe.

Author

Spread the love

Authors

MORE POSTS

Do You Sound and Appear Credible When You Speak? (Part 2)

Credibility is a building block for many communication goals, such as persuading, educating, and informing others. Whether you are pitching to a VC, working to develop new partnerships, or convincing a patient to listen to your medical advice, establishing and strengthening your credibility lays a strong foundation to help you reach your communication goals. In a previous blog, I explained how to boost your credibility through the content you deliver. A second way to boost

Spread the love
Handling Difficult Questions

Handling Difficult Questions

Answer Questions with Confidence — Every Time Whether you’re on stage or in the boardroom, your credibility is built in the moments you can’t rehearse. This eBook shows you how to handle tough, unexpected questions with poise, clarity, and strategic presence. You’ll learn proven techniques to stay calm under pressure, read the intent behind any question, and respond in ways that inspire trust. Plus, you’ll get access to recorded lessons, practice prompts, and phrasing tools

Spread the love
“Cover of the Book on explaining technical information clearly”

Presenting Technical Information to Non-Technical People

Technically-inclined professionals typically deliver technical presentations. We hear it repeatedly from the executives we coach: they face challenges in conveying technical information to laypeople or others who lack the same scientific background. They often face significant communication gaps when presenting to individuals outside their expertise and the listeners are left feeling overwhelmed or “lost in the weeds.” Spread the love

Spread the love

QUESTIONS? NEED HELP?

Tell us what’s on your mind: