Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication. Today, we explore the intricacies of communication, breaking down what might seem intuitive into practical skills.
In this episode, we discuss the concept of the "three V's" of communication: visual, vocal, and verbal. Visual communication, which constitutes 55% of our message, involves everything from body language to attire. We explore how aligning your visual presence with your message can prevent undermining your communication efforts.
We then move to vocal communication, accounting for 38% of our message, focusing on tone, pacing, and the nuances of voice that can alter the meaning of words. We highlight the importance of congruence between what we say and how we say it.
Finally, we address the verbal component, which, although only 7% of communication, plays a crucial role when aligned with visual and vocal elements. We discuss the importance of rhetoric, simplicity, positive framing, and strategic word choices to enhance message clarity and impact.
We also touch on the power of pauses, both in spoken and written communication, and how they can create anticipation and authority. As we navigate the digital world, we emphasize the importance of confident language and the use of white space in writing.
Join us as we uncover how mastering these elements can transform your communication skills, impacting your relationships, career, and influence in the world. Remember, communication is like an orchestra, and fine-tuning each element can create a harmonious symphony.
[00:00:08]
Martin Kloss:
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Hey, everyone, and welcome back for another deep dive. This time, we are diving headfirst into the world of communication.
[00:01:00] Unknown:
With People Play Story by Martin Kloss. You've sent in some fascinating excerpts. And I have a feeling this is gonna be one of those deep dives where you walk away with actionable insights. What I find so compelling about Kloss's work is how he takes something we often consider intuitive Communication. And breaks it down into these practical learnable skills. It's so true. We've all had those moments where we feel like we're not quite getting our point across. Right. Absolutely. And on the flip side We've witnessed those master communicators
[00:01:31] Unknown:
who can hold a room spellbound.
[00:01:33] Unknown:
Klaas actually kicks things off with this great anecdote about children.
[00:01:37] Unknown:
Feeling frustrated when they're misunderstood.
[00:01:39] Unknown:
Reminding us that at the core, effective communication is about connection. Absolutely. And that's where the concept of the three v's comes in. Kloss argues that these three elements are fundamental to how we communicate, how our message is received. Okay. Let's break this down. We'll start with visual. Which Kloss says makes up a staggering 55% of communication. That's huge. We're talking about everything from body language to our appearance. Even down to what we're wearing. It's about aligning your visual presence with your message.
[00:02:10] Unknown:
Kloss uses this very relatable example of
[00:02:13] Unknown:
feeling awkward in ill fitting clothes. You might not even consciously realize it. But that feeling of discomfort can translate into how others perceive you. Potentially undermining your message before you even open your mouth. It's so true. I know I've definitely been there. Alright. On to vocal. Which comes in at a respectable 38%.
[00:02:31] Unknown:
This one's all about how we sound. Our tone of voice. Our pacing. Even those pesky umms and likes that sneak in there. And get this. Kloss points out that children under 4 don't understand irony.
[00:02:43] Unknown:
Their brains just aren't there yet to process that disconnect between what we say and how we say it. It really highlights how much goes into vocal communication.
[00:02:52] Unknown:
Oh, it's fascinating, isn't it? The human voice is capable of incredible nuance.
[00:02:57] Unknown:
A slight shift in tone or delivery can completely change the meaning of our words.
[00:03:01] Unknown:
It really makes you realize, like, how much complexity there is even in our, like, just everyday conversations.
[00:03:07] Unknown:
Absolutely. And finally, we have the verbal component. Often misunderstood, I might add. Now Kloss points out that while this component only makes up about 7%. Yes. You heard that right. Just 7%. It's not that words themselves are unimportant. There's been some misinterpretation
[00:03:22] Unknown:
of Albert Mehrabian's research on this topic over the years. It's more about what happens when our words don't match our tone and body language right. Like that friend who says I'm fine. But their voice is tight, and they're avoiding eye contact. We instinctively know something's off.
[00:03:37] Unknown:
Precisely. Klaas emphasizes congruence.
[00:03:39] Unknown:
For communication to be truly effective, these three v's, visual, vocal, verbal, need to be aligned.
[00:03:47] Unknown:
When they are, our message is perceived as authentic and has a much stronger impact. So how do we actually put this into practice? Especially when it matters most, like during presentations or important meetings. That's where Kloss introduces the idea of rhetoric.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
And before you picture some slick politician using fancy words to manipulate people Remember that rhetoric at its core is simply the art of using language effectively.
[00:04:12] Unknown:
It's about making conscious choices about the words we use to maximize their impact. And speaking of impact Close dives into some really interesting rhetorical techniques in the excerpts you shared. One of those valuable takeaways, in my opinion,
[00:04:25] Unknown:
is the power of simplicity.
[00:04:27] Unknown:
There's this misconception that using complex jargon makes you sound more intelligent. Close actually uses Steve Jobs as an example. Pointing out that Jobs was known for writing at a 4th grade reading level. It's about clarity over complexity. Making sure your message resonates with everyone regardless of their background knowledge. Exactly. And another powerful technique he talks about is positive framing.
[00:04:51] Unknown:
The language we use not only impacts our audience, but also influences our own state of mind as speakers.
[00:04:57] Unknown:
He uses this humorous example of a pilot trying to reassure passengers by saying,
[00:05:02] Unknown:
don't worry. We're not gonna crash. Talk about the opposite of the intended effect. Right. It's a funny example, but it underscores the importance of being mindful of the impact our words can have.
[00:05:14] Unknown:
Both intended and unintended. Okay. So instead of saying, like, don't miss out on this, it's take advantage of this. Yes. But our brains, they just process positive information so much easier.
[00:05:26] Unknown:
It's strange how that works. So it's more about focusing on what you do want, not what you don't want. Exactly. Focus on that outcome. And you know what else Kloss talks about? Questions. Oh, interesting. Even if it's like a presentation where you're the one doing most of the talking. Because even then, questions, they kinda create this back and forth. Make people think. Exactly. It's like you're having a conversation with them even if they're not the ones actually talking. Engage that brain. I like it. Kolsa is a big fan of those rhetorical questions too. The ones that don't even need an answer. So instead of saying,
[00:05:57] Unknown:
we need to find a solution, it's more like, what if we could solve this once and for all? Exactly.
[00:06:04] Unknown:
You're not just stating a problem. You're inviting them to imagine the possibility. It's way more powerful. Way more powerful. It's this. Another intriguing technique Kloss explores is the power of because.
[00:06:18] Unknown:
He mentions the study where researchers found that people were more willing to let someone cut in line. If they provided a reason.
[00:06:25] Unknown:
Even if the reason made no sense. You're kidding. So even if the reason was something like, can I cut in line because I need to tie my shoe, it still worked? You got it. The study found that it was the word because itself Not the reason that followed. That made the difference. It's amazing how our brains are wired to look for those explanations even if they're a little absurd. Kloss also talks about this in the context of another fascinating technique he calls the butt eraser.
[00:06:50] Unknown:
The butt eraser. Right? He explains how using the word but can actually negate whatever you said before it. And the focus shifts to the but. Even if it's just a minor suggestion for improvement. Exactly.
[00:07:04] Unknown:
Claus encourages us to be more mindful of this and try flipping the script. Instead of saying, this is a good solution, but it has its limitations. That's right. This solution has its limitations, but it's a good place to start. Subtle shift. But a big difference in how the message is received. It's all about being strategic with our word choices. Now speaking of subtle but incredibly effective communication tools. Kloss also talks about the power of pauses.
[00:07:30] Unknown:
Yes. Pauses are so often underestimated. A well placed pause can create a sense of anticipation. Giving your listener time to process what you've just said. And make you sound more authoritative. It's like that moment when a really good storyteller pauses before revealing a crucial piece of information.
[00:07:47] Unknown:
Or when a comedian pauses for effect before delivering the punch line. Precisely. It allows the previous statement to resonate. It makes the audience lean in. Eager to hear what you'll say next. So Kloss gives us all of this info, these techniques for better communication when we're face to face. Mhmm. But I'm curious. How much of this translates to, like, our digital world? Emails, texts. So much of our communication is through a screen now. It's about being mindful of the subtle cues Okay. That we can convey through our word choices, you know, sentence structure, even punctuation.
[00:08:21] Unknown:
Okay. Give me an example. How can I sound more confident, more engaging
[00:08:26] Unknown:
in an email? Well, I'll tell you one thing to avoid, hedging language. Hedging. So instead of instead of saying something like, I think this might be a good idea Right. You could say something like, I'm confident this will be a successful strategy. Oh, okay. See the difference? Yeah. One is kinda wishy washy. Right. The other one, it conveys that confidence. Yeah. It's like a power stance, but for my words. Exactly. Okay. And just like we use pauses in in spoken communication. Right. White space is so important in writing. White space. What is white space? Hit that enter key. Okay. Break up your text. Because when you have these giant walls of text, it's really hard to read. Oh, yeah. Nobody wants to read that. Exactly. But if you have, like, shorter paragraphs, it just makes it easier to digest. Right. Just like those pauses. Makes sense.
So as we wrap up this deep dive into the 3 v's of communication,
[00:09:18] Unknown:
what really stuck with you? I think for me, it's just realizing how much goes into it. Like, it's not just about the words coming out of my mouth. It's a whole performance. It really is. It's my body language. It's my voice. It's the words I choose. It all matters. It all works together. Exactly. Kloss really opened my eyes to all of that. He's great. And, you know, you can't just master one of those v's in isolation. Right. It's like learning a new language, like you're saying. Exactly. You need the vocabulary, the grammar, and the pronunciation. And the best part, anyone can improve their communication skills. 100%. It just takes a little practice. And awareness. Oh, for sure. But it's so worth it. It really is. Because when you can communicate effectively, it changes everything. Your relationships, your career. Even your impact on the world. It's powerful stuff. So if you're ready to take your communication to that next level, remember those 3 v's. Visual, vocal, verbal. Think about it this way.
If communication is an orchestra, which instruments are you playing really well, and which ones could use a little more practice? Maybe this deep dive has inspired you to fine tune your own communication symphony. Love that. Thanks for joining us for another deep dive, and we'll see you next time.
[00:10:40] Martin Kloss:
Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on martinklaus.com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Hey, everyone, and welcome back for another deep dive. This time, we are diving headfirst into the world of communication.
[00:01:00] Unknown:
With People Play Story by Martin Kloss. You've sent in some fascinating excerpts. And I have a feeling this is gonna be one of those deep dives where you walk away with actionable insights. What I find so compelling about Kloss's work is how he takes something we often consider intuitive Communication. And breaks it down into these practical learnable skills. It's so true. We've all had those moments where we feel like we're not quite getting our point across. Right. Absolutely. And on the flip side We've witnessed those master communicators
[00:01:31] Unknown:
who can hold a room spellbound.
[00:01:33] Unknown:
Klaas actually kicks things off with this great anecdote about children.
[00:01:37] Unknown:
Feeling frustrated when they're misunderstood.
[00:01:39] Unknown:
Reminding us that at the core, effective communication is about connection. Absolutely. And that's where the concept of the three v's comes in. Kloss argues that these three elements are fundamental to how we communicate, how our message is received. Okay. Let's break this down. We'll start with visual. Which Kloss says makes up a staggering 55% of communication. That's huge. We're talking about everything from body language to our appearance. Even down to what we're wearing. It's about aligning your visual presence with your message.
[00:02:10] Unknown:
Kloss uses this very relatable example of
[00:02:13] Unknown:
feeling awkward in ill fitting clothes. You might not even consciously realize it. But that feeling of discomfort can translate into how others perceive you. Potentially undermining your message before you even open your mouth. It's so true. I know I've definitely been there. Alright. On to vocal. Which comes in at a respectable 38%.
[00:02:31] Unknown:
This one's all about how we sound. Our tone of voice. Our pacing. Even those pesky umms and likes that sneak in there. And get this. Kloss points out that children under 4 don't understand irony.
[00:02:43] Unknown:
Their brains just aren't there yet to process that disconnect between what we say and how we say it. It really highlights how much goes into vocal communication.
[00:02:52] Unknown:
Oh, it's fascinating, isn't it? The human voice is capable of incredible nuance.
[00:02:57] Unknown:
A slight shift in tone or delivery can completely change the meaning of our words.
[00:03:01] Unknown:
It really makes you realize, like, how much complexity there is even in our, like, just everyday conversations.
[00:03:07] Unknown:
Absolutely. And finally, we have the verbal component. Often misunderstood, I might add. Now Kloss points out that while this component only makes up about 7%. Yes. You heard that right. Just 7%. It's not that words themselves are unimportant. There's been some misinterpretation
[00:03:22] Unknown:
of Albert Mehrabian's research on this topic over the years. It's more about what happens when our words don't match our tone and body language right. Like that friend who says I'm fine. But their voice is tight, and they're avoiding eye contact. We instinctively know something's off.
[00:03:37] Unknown:
Precisely. Klaas emphasizes congruence.
[00:03:39] Unknown:
For communication to be truly effective, these three v's, visual, vocal, verbal, need to be aligned.
[00:03:47] Unknown:
When they are, our message is perceived as authentic and has a much stronger impact. So how do we actually put this into practice? Especially when it matters most, like during presentations or important meetings. That's where Kloss introduces the idea of rhetoric.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
And before you picture some slick politician using fancy words to manipulate people Remember that rhetoric at its core is simply the art of using language effectively.
[00:04:12] Unknown:
It's about making conscious choices about the words we use to maximize their impact. And speaking of impact Close dives into some really interesting rhetorical techniques in the excerpts you shared. One of those valuable takeaways, in my opinion,
[00:04:25] Unknown:
is the power of simplicity.
[00:04:27] Unknown:
There's this misconception that using complex jargon makes you sound more intelligent. Close actually uses Steve Jobs as an example. Pointing out that Jobs was known for writing at a 4th grade reading level. It's about clarity over complexity. Making sure your message resonates with everyone regardless of their background knowledge. Exactly. And another powerful technique he talks about is positive framing.
[00:04:51] Unknown:
The language we use not only impacts our audience, but also influences our own state of mind as speakers.
[00:04:57] Unknown:
He uses this humorous example of a pilot trying to reassure passengers by saying,
[00:05:02] Unknown:
don't worry. We're not gonna crash. Talk about the opposite of the intended effect. Right. It's a funny example, but it underscores the importance of being mindful of the impact our words can have.
[00:05:14] Unknown:
Both intended and unintended. Okay. So instead of saying, like, don't miss out on this, it's take advantage of this. Yes. But our brains, they just process positive information so much easier.
[00:05:26] Unknown:
It's strange how that works. So it's more about focusing on what you do want, not what you don't want. Exactly. Focus on that outcome. And you know what else Kloss talks about? Questions. Oh, interesting. Even if it's like a presentation where you're the one doing most of the talking. Because even then, questions, they kinda create this back and forth. Make people think. Exactly. It's like you're having a conversation with them even if they're not the ones actually talking. Engage that brain. I like it. Kolsa is a big fan of those rhetorical questions too. The ones that don't even need an answer. So instead of saying,
[00:05:57] Unknown:
we need to find a solution, it's more like, what if we could solve this once and for all? Exactly.
[00:06:04] Unknown:
You're not just stating a problem. You're inviting them to imagine the possibility. It's way more powerful. Way more powerful. It's this. Another intriguing technique Kloss explores is the power of because.
[00:06:18] Unknown:
He mentions the study where researchers found that people were more willing to let someone cut in line. If they provided a reason.
[00:06:25] Unknown:
Even if the reason made no sense. You're kidding. So even if the reason was something like, can I cut in line because I need to tie my shoe, it still worked? You got it. The study found that it was the word because itself Not the reason that followed. That made the difference. It's amazing how our brains are wired to look for those explanations even if they're a little absurd. Kloss also talks about this in the context of another fascinating technique he calls the butt eraser.
[00:06:50] Unknown:
The butt eraser. Right? He explains how using the word but can actually negate whatever you said before it. And the focus shifts to the but. Even if it's just a minor suggestion for improvement. Exactly.
[00:07:04] Unknown:
Claus encourages us to be more mindful of this and try flipping the script. Instead of saying, this is a good solution, but it has its limitations. That's right. This solution has its limitations, but it's a good place to start. Subtle shift. But a big difference in how the message is received. It's all about being strategic with our word choices. Now speaking of subtle but incredibly effective communication tools. Kloss also talks about the power of pauses.
[00:07:30] Unknown:
Yes. Pauses are so often underestimated. A well placed pause can create a sense of anticipation. Giving your listener time to process what you've just said. And make you sound more authoritative. It's like that moment when a really good storyteller pauses before revealing a crucial piece of information.
[00:07:47] Unknown:
Or when a comedian pauses for effect before delivering the punch line. Precisely. It allows the previous statement to resonate. It makes the audience lean in. Eager to hear what you'll say next. So Kloss gives us all of this info, these techniques for better communication when we're face to face. Mhmm. But I'm curious. How much of this translates to, like, our digital world? Emails, texts. So much of our communication is through a screen now. It's about being mindful of the subtle cues Okay. That we can convey through our word choices, you know, sentence structure, even punctuation.
[00:08:21] Unknown:
Okay. Give me an example. How can I sound more confident, more engaging
[00:08:26] Unknown:
in an email? Well, I'll tell you one thing to avoid, hedging language. Hedging. So instead of instead of saying something like, I think this might be a good idea Right. You could say something like, I'm confident this will be a successful strategy. Oh, okay. See the difference? Yeah. One is kinda wishy washy. Right. The other one, it conveys that confidence. Yeah. It's like a power stance, but for my words. Exactly. Okay. And just like we use pauses in in spoken communication. Right. White space is so important in writing. White space. What is white space? Hit that enter key. Okay. Break up your text. Because when you have these giant walls of text, it's really hard to read. Oh, yeah. Nobody wants to read that. Exactly. But if you have, like, shorter paragraphs, it just makes it easier to digest. Right. Just like those pauses. Makes sense.
So as we wrap up this deep dive into the 3 v's of communication,
[00:09:18] Unknown:
what really stuck with you? I think for me, it's just realizing how much goes into it. Like, it's not just about the words coming out of my mouth. It's a whole performance. It really is. It's my body language. It's my voice. It's the words I choose. It all matters. It all works together. Exactly. Kloss really opened my eyes to all of that. He's great. And, you know, you can't just master one of those v's in isolation. Right. It's like learning a new language, like you're saying. Exactly. You need the vocabulary, the grammar, and the pronunciation. And the best part, anyone can improve their communication skills. 100%. It just takes a little practice. And awareness. Oh, for sure. But it's so worth it. It really is. Because when you can communicate effectively, it changes everything. Your relationships, your career. Even your impact on the world. It's powerful stuff. So if you're ready to take your communication to that next level, remember those 3 v's. Visual, vocal, verbal. Think about it this way.
If communication is an orchestra, which instruments are you playing really well, and which ones could use a little more practice? Maybe this deep dive has inspired you to fine tune your own communication symphony. Love that. Thanks for joining us for another deep dive, and we'll see you next time.
[00:10:40] Martin Kloss:
Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on martinklaus.com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
