Government Communication Skills for Impact & Influence Toolkit

Influential and impactful writing essentials

- Explore the components of effective written communication

- Understand the effect of voice and tone in creating impact

- Recognise loss of context in written communication

- The role of Emotional Intelligence in written communication

Taking a reader-centred approach

- Understand your target audience

- Articulate your desired goal and purpose, and align this with your readers' needs

- Build trust and demonstrate empathy

Impact, influence, and persuasion

- Understand the distinction between influence and persuasion

- Practical strategies for influential and persuasive writing

- Avoid adverse reader reactions

Planning, structure, and editing

- Develop your understanding of objectives and structure

- Learn classic structures for alternative communication styles

- Enhance formatting to create impact

- Improve editing of content, impact, flow, grammar, and spelling

Key strategies

- Utilise body language and tone of voice

- Tailor your message to better meet your audience's needs and rhythms

- Use curiosity to overcome assumptions and bias

- Explore alternative communication styles

Creating a connection

- Learn to build rapport quickly and authentically

- Explore the benefits of assertiveness and accountability in building trust

- Develop your questioning and listening skills

Making an impact

- Learn strategies for managing expectations

- Tools for giving and receiving feedback effectively

- Demonstrate confident and fluent presentations

- Persuasive techniques - questions, storytelling, insights

Overcoming barriers and managing challenges

- Understand the impact of emotions and manage them effectively

- Explore conflict and de-escalation strategies 

- Deliver disappointing news with empathy and professionalism