Regardless of what you do for a living, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial to your personal and professional success. While entire books could be dedicated to this art, I am confident that these few insights will assist you in becoming the master communicator you wish to be.

Utilize Various Communication Methods

There are two key aspects to communication:

1. What you say (the message)
2. How you say it (the presentation)

The way you present your message does not have to be verbal; in fact, relying solely on verbal communication is one of the most common mistakes when trying to convey information.

Your message can be delivered through various mediums such as videos, dramas, pictures, or graphs. Choosing the right method requires careful thought and planning.

Attention to Presentation Details

My favorite form of communication is design; it truly is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Imagine a poorly designed business website that is unorganized, cluttered, and clearly hasn’t been updated in close to a decade.

At the bottom of the site, you read words like “professional, informed, expert, care, and value.” The greatest writer in the world couldn’t redeem that website using words alone — its message is flawed based on its presentation.

Whatever methods you use, it is always essential to look at every single aspect of your presentation and ask yourself, “Does this communicate my message effectively?”

Full-form Delivery

Even when you speak, only 10% of your communication is verbal. What you wear, your body language, your expressions, and your tone of voice are just as important as the words you say. This principle is incredibly important to understand, as it changes your entire approach to how you present your message.

For example, studies have shown that within the first 12 seconds of an interview, the interviewer has gathered enough information about you to decide whether or not they want to hire you — a crucial thing to know if you are looking for a job right now.

Communicate Clearly and Directly

The same applies to TV commercials, conference listeners, and people viewing advertisements. You have a very short time to communicate your points, so don’t bury your message too deep. The first thing someone hears or sees should clearly present your message to your audience just as much as your closing statement.

Preparation Time is Never Wasted Time

People’s attention spans are getting shorter and shorter. We have moved from books to papers, to emails, and texts, and now we even have to communicate using only 140 characters! This can make getting your point across very difficult if you don’t plan your message carefully.

Some people like stories and details; others just want the highlights and headlines. Some people prefer just listening; others need something to help them visualize. Regardless, you should be prepared to present your message effectively whether you have 5 minutes or 50.

Research what you are saying, and whom you are saying it to. I can’t stress enough how important preparation time is to effective communication. Taking the time to understand your audience’s mindset can completely change how you present your message, so before you do anything — study.

Focus on Your Audience

I used to be a nervous speaker because my mind was focused on me. I was so concerned with what the audience thought about me that I got caught up in self-absorbed criticism, resulting in terrible presentations. What I discovered after years of public speaking is that the opposite is true — your audience wants you to succeed.

No one wants to listen to a nervous speaker; it’s awkward for everyone. People want to learn, they want the information you have, and they want you to ‘wow’ them with a great presentation — so give them exactly what they want.

Encourage Questions

You have two ears and one mouth for a reason — to listen twice as much as you speak. Unless you are giving a lecture or speech, you should always allow the listener to ask questions or give input. When the other person is speaking, listen carefully and repeat parts of what they said back to them to show you are paying attention.

Engage with Your Audience

When it comes to general conversation, everyone’s favorite subject is themselves. Asking people questions about themselves is incredibly useful for several reasons:

1. They don’t need to think very much when talking about themselves. This reduces tension and creates a more friendly atmosphere.
2. They feel you are genuinely interested. Nothing makes someone feel more valued than when you sincerely want to know about them.
3. This takes the pressure off of you. Keep asking questions until you have something of real substance to contribute. This gives you a persona of intelligence.

Ultimately, your message and presentation revolve around your audience, not you. Always think from their perspective, focusing all your efforts on packaging your message to fit your audience.

Project Confidence as an Expert

Whatever you say, say it confidently. When conveying any information, you should be perceived as an expert on the subject (if you spent adequate time preparing, this shouldn’t be a problem). By portraying the confidence of an expert, you reassure those listening that you know what you’re talking about and are worth listening to.

This is especially important when speaking to people in authority, such as in a job interview or sales pitch. If you want the listener to take you seriously, you need to take yourself seriously.

Eliminate Bad Habits

People will pick up on the subtle things you do when you communicate (avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, stuttering, or saying ‘umm’). When practicing your presentation, try to eliminate your bad habits and distracting mannerisms.

Always Be Honest

Even experts can admit they don’t know something. Try to anticipate questions about what you’re presenting as best you can, and come prepared to answer them. If you don’t know the answer to something asked, say, “I am unsure about that” or even better, “I don’t know, but I will find out for you.” It’s always better to admit you don’t know than to lie to your audience.

Get to the Point

There is a saying in public speaking: “tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them.” This saying emphasizes the heart of any good presentation: get to the point and repeat your point.

Whether you’re communicating through a speech, a book, a design, or some other means, you should have a clearly summarized objective of what you want to communicate. The objective for this article, for example, is ‘to teach someone how to communicate better.’ From that simple sentence, I was able to expand the article into different key truths, then add specific examples and details — but all of it is meant to reinforce my main point.

Planning to Communicate

The first thing you should do when planning any communication is to write out in as few words as possible what you want to say. A great question to ask is, “If my audience only remembers three things from my presentation, what should they be?” When you know your key points, you can strategically plan your presentation to highlight those points. Using repetition and emphasis is the best way to ensure a message sticks.

Finally, and most importantly: find your voice. Your ‘voice’ is a term used to describe your unique and authentic perspective, which you should nurture and cherish. Apply the principles mentioned in this article along with your unique voice, and you will become a great communicator.

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Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human – a natural capability of the mind. It essentially represents your external manifestation of internal thoughts and feelings.

This indicates that there are two main obstacles that could impede your creativity: an internal barrier that constrains your imagination and inspiration, and an external barrier that hinders the way you express or showcase your creative ideas.

In both of these scenarios, there are straightforward yet highly effective methods to help unleash your creative potential.

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1. Identify Your Creative Spark

Discovering what triggers your creativity (or your “muse”) is essential. It might seem straightforward, but surprisingly, not many people can pinpoint what exactly ignites their creative spark.

Your muse might be hidden in the beauty of nature, the presence of people, the rhythm of music, a poignant memory, or a specific situation. Once you recognize it, you can learn to initiate your creative process anytime you choose.

Pay attention to anything that sparks thoughts like, “I want to do that!”, “What if?”, or “I have an idea!”.

Have you found your muse?

2. Immerse Yourself in Excellence

I’ve often found my favorite tunes by exploring not just talented musicians, but by discovering whom they admire. Invariably, good artists draw inspiration from great artists, and the great ones are influenced by the exceptional.

It’s vital to immerse yourself in and study outstanding works of art, music, literature, and, importantly, be around extraordinary people. This exposure cultivates a benchmark of quality and a standard of excellence that can elevate your creative abilities.

Emulating and learning from the masters of your field is completely valid. Echoing Pablo Picasso’s words, “Good artists copy, great artists steal.” However, it’s crucial to emulate their techniques, not replicate their creations.

3. Embrace the Act of Creating

What transformed Edgar Allen Poe from a somber guest into an inspirational figure? He embraced writing. If you don’t actively use your creativity, you won’t enhance it. Experiment with original ideas, try new things, put yourself in situations that demand creativity, and consistently practice your art.

This is the critical point where creativity either thrives or fades. Initially, your outcomes may not align with your expectations. This is normal. Behind every masterpiece in a gallery, there are numerous sketches, drafts, and abandoned ideas that remain unseen.

All creative legends, from Da Vinci to Edison, began with unsuccessful attempts. Their distinction lies in their persistence to refine their work until it aligned with their vision.

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4. Expand Your Creative Horizons

As someone involved in design, writing, and music, I can affirm that different forms of art influence each other. My growth as a musician aids my development as a designer, which in turn enhances my skills as a communicator.

Have you noticed how successful individuals often draw inspiration from a few key successes in their lives? An athlete applies sports strategies to business, a soldier applies military discipline to family life, a biologist uses principles of nature to enhance their photography.

Leverage your confidence in one field to venture into another. You’ll discover that skills and creativity are transferable across different challenges.

5. Balance Your Entertainment

The term “muse” in ancient Greek denotes deep thought or inspiration. Amusement, on the other hand, represents the lack of thought or inspiration.

While amusement is beneficial in moderation, excessive indulgence can stifle your creativity. Use mediums like TV or movies to stimulate your imagination, not to replace it.

Television, for instance, often requires minimal creative engagement. If you observe someone watching TV, their expression is usually passive, as the show does the imagining for them. This can be useful if used as a creative catalyst, not as a crutch for your imagination.

Engaging with literature, audiobooks, or narrative-rich songs is a great way to exercise creativity. The absence of visual imagery in these mediums compels you to utilize your imagination, a vital skill in today’s visually saturated world.

6. Prioritize Self-Care

In creative professions, it’s well-known that a few hours of focused, inspired work can be more productive than a whole day of distraction. Both physical and environmental disruptions can hinder the creative process significantly.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and an organized workspace can greatly enhance your capacity to imagine and create. Since creativity values quality over quantity, it’s crucial to ensure that your home, office, and physical well-being are conducive to your creative work.

7. Disregard the Critics

Expressing creativity often means being vulnerable to criticism and judgment. In various fields, be it business, sports, arts, or everyday life, you’ll encounter naysayers who believe they can elevate themselves by belittling others (and sometimes, you might be your own harshest critic).

Stay receptive to constructive feedback from well-intentioned people, but firmly ignore malicious remarks.

Disregard the detractors, or even better, transform their negativity into motivation. Remember, history doesn’t recall the critics; it celebrates those who brought innovation, inspiration, and creativity to the forefront.

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Every client is different. Although we can find faults with each client we work with, we as freelancers need to overlook their strange tendencies and learn how to interact effectively with them. I hope this guide will help you identify your client’s needs, and increase your success as a freelancer.

1. The Curious

The Curious client can be a frustrating one. When you first meet them, you are thrilled that someone can be so interested in your work! They are generally hyperactive, very friendly, and very talkative.

When you begin work on a project, you may be inclined to share the ins and outs of what you do with this client. Teaching a client is fine, especially if the work you are doing for them requires ongoing maintenance.

However, as time passes you may find they take up too much of your time, and can be to be a hindrance to your productivity.

How to handle them

They want information. This type of client doesn’t just want to know what you’ve done but also how you did it. They will request meetings on a regular basis and guides on how you performed specific tasks.

Once you start feeding them, they only get hungrier. With the Curious client, it is always beneficial to address the issue directly:

Say you’re busy. Let them know bluntly that your time is limited, and that you want to focus on the work they’ve assigned – they will usually understand and respect your time.

Set time limits. You should set end times for every meeting and every phone call you to have with this person. This will force both of you to focus on the work at hand.

Become a consultant. When they start asking too many questions, offer them your services as a paid consultant. This way, even if you do talk for a few hours, you will get paid for your time.

2. The Oblivious

The Oblivious client never ceases to amaze you with their lack of knowledge about your work. In their defense, they are usually part of an older generation. While they can be kind and patient, they bring with them a unique set of challenges. You cannot message the Oblivious on Facebook, because they don’t have an account.

You cannot use your favorite movie scene as an example, because they haven’t seen it. Don’t try to show the Oblivious how to do something on the Internet, because you’ll get a 15-minute tale about how great their nephew is with computers.

How to handle them

They want to be reassured that they are being treated fairly. This client, unfortunately, has been abused in the past for their lack of knowledge and is concerned that you will do the same. Be patient with the Oblivious. It may take extra time to communicate with them, but they can be an absolute joy to work for.

The extreme alternative is to exploit them and overcharge for your work – if you value your reputation, don’t do this. Do however:

Use terms and examples that they can relate to. Don’t bother with the long acronyms or technical terms that will only leave you with a confused and concerned client.

Use pictures and visual aids to illustrate your points. This is incredibly useful because it reinforces the authenticity of what you are saying, and promotes trust.

Write it all down. Work out a comprehensive contract with them to help them feel secure. They may not understand the details of your work, but they do understand a fair deal.

3. The Know-It-All

You can easily recognize a Know-It-All client because you will hate them shortly after meeting them. They are the ones who apparently know exactly how to do your job, yet for some reason hired you. They will interrupt you during your presentations, and not budge from a decision once it is made.

How to handle them

The Know-It-All’s desires are clear: they want to control, and they want respect. Their need for control is usually a reflection on insecurity within them. You can easily win their trust with some basic psychology.

If your client wants to control and demands respect, then let them have it. This client can be an absolute nightmare if they don’t get their way, so use these simple tactics to win their trust:

Give them an occasional compliment. A Know-It-All will be much more inclined to accept your proposals if their input and ideas are appreciated.

Pick your battles. Don’t fight on every little issue; save your strength for when the critical moments occur.

Don’t work for them. Sometimes the best way to win is to not participate. If a client doesn’t respect you or your work, I recommend looking around for someone who does.

4. The Helper

The Helper can be sweet at first, but can get in your way if not handled correctly. They are very hands-on people, who need to interact personally with your work. A Helper can be a fantastic client to work for, provided you can keep them busy.

How to handle them

The Helper wants to be involved in the work. They carry with them a lot of enthusiasm that needs to be released in a constructive and practical way. If a Helper wants to assist you, then give them that opportunity. This gives you a great chance to practice your skills as a delegator and team player, as well as help expedite your work for this client. When working with a Helper:

Give them tasks. Letting them assist you with some of the simpler tasks of your job can save you time and money. Be sure to identify your client’s skillsets before asking them to perform a complicated task.

Ask them to research. Whether you use the information they find or not, research tasks can keep a Helper out of your way for long stretches of time, leaving you the freedom to focus on your job.

Make noise. As unusual as this may seem: the Helper can be easily scared off by loud noises. If they won’t leave you alone, taking a phone call or turning on a power tool will most often cause them to give you some space.

5. The Cheapskate

Many clients today fall under this category. The Cheapskate is on a budget, and is willing to sacrifice time and quality in exchange for a lower price. They will always choose the cheaper option, which makes it easy for you to decide what tools to use for their projects.

How to handle them

The Cheapskate just wants the product to work. Talk to them about quality and durability all you want – they just want the job complete with the lowest total cost to them. If you want to make them happy, let them know you saved them some money.

This client can actually be great to work for if you are looking for a quick payday. The trick is to make sure the product reflects the price.

Do the work quickly. Time is your most valuable asset as a freelancer. This client just wants the job done, so that’s exactly what you need to do.

Get it in writing. Some Cheapskates are so cheap that they won’t even pay you. Be sure to sign a contract with them before beginning any work.

Start the estimates high. It doesn’t matter if your prices are fair or not, this client will want a lower price. By beginning your estimates with a higher-end price, you can haggle with a Cheapskate and come to a win-win compromise.

6. The Dreamer

The Dreamer doesn’t quite live on planet Earth. Their heads are filled with crazy ideas and big plans. Whether it is in style or in function, the Dreamer envisions his or her final product as being the best thing available.

How to handle them

Dreamers want their dreams to come true. This can be difficult if you are unable to live up to their high expectations. However, if you impress a Dreamer – they will absolutely adore you.

Without discouraging their passion, you must bring the Dreamer back into reality. Letting them visualize and interact with your work can help them:

Ask them to show you examples. You may be hit with the line, "it is so awesome it doesn’t exist yet!" but be persistent until they are able to think rationally.

Be straightforward with prices and timeframes. Sometimes what the Dreamer wants isn’t impossible, it’s just difficult. If this is the case, give them a solid price and timeframe to do the work in.

Ask them about the details. Dreamers rarely fill in the blanks. While their end goals are usually incredible, sitting down with them and discussing the details can help both you and them get a good grasp on the scope of the project.

7. The Sprinter

Some clients are born Sprinters, and some are just forced to run to meet a deadline. The Sprinter always has time on their minds. They are serious when it comes to deadlines, and are often very busy people.

They frequently think if a project can get done in one month; you should be able to get it done in three weeks.

How to handle them

For a Sprinter – time is of the essence. Their goal is to get projects done fast. This type of client is generally hardworking, so they expect the people around them to be the same way. When dealing with a Sprinter:

Proceed with caution. Sometimes it only takes an hour to negotiate your workload for the next month. Don’t get caught in a deal that leaves you stuck with an over-demanding assignment.

Guard your deadlines. You will be held accountable to the timeframes mentioned in your contract, so be realistic and flexible with them. The Sprinter may want you to complete work ahead of schedule, but don’t move from those deadlines unless you are comfortable doing so.

Pace yourself. When working for a Sprinter, follow the basic rules of productivity: stay focused, cut out distractions, take breaks, and stay organized.

8. The Underling

The Underling is not allowed to make any decisions. They are clients who work under a strict chain of command, meaning they need approval before making most decisions. They usually have no clue what is going on and are rarely prepared for the questions you have to ask.

How to handle them

What the Underling wants doesn’t really matter – what matters is what their superiors want. Ultimately, if the work you give the Underling pleases the ‘guys upstairs’, you will have a very happy client.

They key to dealing with an Underling is to think like an employee. Strategically plan ahead for the "let me get back to you" mentality. When working for an Underling:

Ask questions in bulk. Individual questions get lost in emails and sticky notes. The best way to save yourself time and stress is to compile a sizeable list of questions you will need answered and submit them all at once.

Prepare for the lag. Do you know how news reporters always take a minute to respond to questions? This is exactly what you will have with an Underling. Ask questions ahead of time so you are properly equipped for the next phase of your work.

Don’t bother explaining. If you are working for an Underling there is a good chance their boss is the next type of client on our list. This means that the Underling just needs to know the highlights of the work you’ve done because that’s all their boss wants to hear.

9. The Delegator

The Delegator is personally my favorite client. The Delegator hired you because they know what you’re doing, and expect you do complete your work with skill and professionalism. They won’t want to be bothered with the details or bogged down by long meetings; their credo is: "you do it".

How to handle them

They simply want a solid finished product completed within a reasonable amount of time. The work you are doing for them is usually just a small piece in a much bigger plan. Your work will have to speak on your behalf because the Delegator isn’t available to meet for the next two months. When working with a Delegator:

Respect their time. Delegators guard their time like they guard their very lives. When interacting with them, come prepared and keep it short.

Be direct and honest. Delegators loathe excuses. They are not interested in what tools are used on a project, how long it took you, or what went wrong along the way; they want to know if the job is done and if the product works.

Give them a document. This type of client can handle paperwork much better than they can handle human interaction (unless of course, they have delegated the paperwork to someone else). By giving them a written report, you are able to keep them informed without taking up too much of their time.

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