As in any profession that relies on presentation, training, teaching, feedback, advice, and coaching, communicating clearly is vital. Luckily image consultants have many ways to share their information: visual (showing), verbal (speaking), and non-verbal (doing). We provide invaluable insights, tips, information, and guidance, helping our clients in many different arenas with their personal and professional challenges. For example, if qualified, we may help entry-level and higher-level business groups solve myriad workplace challenges in leadership, sales, customer service, and executive presence. We deal with our clients’ visual, verbal, and non-verbal details. Again, if we have the experience or training, we can work with a client on his style, tone, vocabulary, cadence, body language, and details of appearance. These all greatly affect how people communicate and enhance their self-esteem, credibility, and confidence.
Similarly, we also work with individuals often in transition, wanting a new look. Perhaps they need a personal brand to distinguish them from the competition, or they have been advised to create a more professional presence to be noticed for promotion. Often, they lack the skills necessary to do well with presentation, video, or interview skills. In the long run, experienced image consultants know or learn areas of expertise that cover a wide variety of personal and professional skill sets.
Connect and Empower
Effective communication helps consultants connect with clients, empowers them to make changes, delivers constructive personal critiques, fosters trust, and supports clients to reach their highest goals. This blog aims to shed light on the critical role of communication skills in image consulting and why they are indispensable for success in the field.
Active Listening: A Game-Changer
Contrary to the approach of some of the more entertaining TV programs when consultants issue good advice and blithely throw out lots of garments in the wardrobe, real image consultants don’t really do that! For example, our profession is very keen on recycling clothing, not allowing it to end up clogging the world’s oceans!
Great consultants understand that communication is not just about talking but also about listening. Engaging in active listening allows consultants to fully comprehend clients’ needs, preferences, and difficulties. By attentively absorbing information, consultants can develop tailored solutions that accurately address client requirements. Active listening also demonstrates respect and empathy, fostering strong client relationships based on trust and understanding.
Mastering Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal cues often convey more about a person’s intentions and emotions than spoken words. There is no need to frown or grimace when a client shares the history of her clothing. Our tone of voice isn’t judgmental when we have our creative hats on. We just want to help. In our profession, we are fortunate to have in-depth services like color, style, and figure analysis to help the client understand and join in any process of wardrobe purging! In that way, we can always base our information on known principles, and having had the education, she herself will realize and agree if something doesn’t fit, doesn’t match her chosen style, or if the color isn’t flattering.
Critiquing a Client
I have many individual clients who need my help and opinion. In addition, whenever I train a large class, many participants will come up to me in the break for personal advice. They want my opinion on their styles, color choices, hairstyles, and accessories. I learned the hard way how to critique individuals empoweringly.
- Never say anything negative. There is no need, as we are wardrobe wizards and have solutions to most image problems!
- Start with an authentic, enthusiastic appraisal of the client’s best assets and what she does well.
- To develop trust, ask questions, and listen acutely to their needs, any relevant background, and the main pain points. Their image is their most important communication tool, and they are putting it in our hands to suggest changes.
- Match your vocabulary, style, and demeanor to that of the client; being helpful, patient, and kind are the best mindsets. Suggesting specific solutions is ideal.
- Reflect back on the top two to three challenges you hear her say, such as fit, coordination, looking younger, etc. Then tailor a couple of useful suggestions directly to her needs and discuss if these are feasible.
- Check again to see if you have answered their most pressing needs.
Providing Clarity in Complex Situations
Image Consulting engagements often involve conceptual ideas and strategies but also need to be boiled down to the details. The other day I was training a communication model, and the topic of being judgmental came up. I thought my colleague and I gave several adequate demonstrations to illustrate judgmental communication and behavior. Then we gave them a couple more scenarios and said: “Let’s practice.” Nobody budged, and I stared at blank faces. Luckily one insightful participant said that she didn’t know what she was practicing and asked for a short list of specifics: words, phrases, body language, and verbal style. Obviously, I had been too conceptual without giving the class simple, doable actions.
Image Consultants must possess communication skills to distill complex information into clear, understandable terms for clients. The ability to simplify ideas to minimize confusion and clarify multiheaded concepts is crucial. Clear communication ensures that clients understand what’s involved so that they can put it into practice.
Diffusing Tensions
In a class where nobody is interested in the topic, thinks it’s fluffy, and has been made to be attended by their department, it’s vital to ensure that the group has buy-in. It’s all about their success, not ours, and it’s our job to enroll them in the techniques. At London Image Institute, we have developed an introduction to the seminar, which engages the participants in an exercise to share what they would need in image skills for verbal and non-verbal communication in various situations and appearances. We don’t tell them; they tell us and, in the process, become more involved.
London Image Institute: Your Partner in Communication Excellence
At London Image Institute, we recognize the profound impact effective communication skills have on consulting success. As a leading provider of professional communication training, we empower consultants to master the art of communication, elevating their performance and enhancing client relationships. Our comprehensive and tailored programs equip consultants with the tools needed to excel in every facet of communication – from active listening and non-verbal communication to virtual collaboration in today’s dynamic business environment.
Contact London Image Institute Today
Are you ready to unlock your true potential as a consultant by developing exceptional communication skills? Join London Image Institute today and embark on a transformative journey towards communication excellence. Contact us to explore our range of programs and resources. Let us empower you to connect, influence, and succeed as a consultant with our proven expertise in communication training.
Remember, in the world of consulting, effective communication can be the key that unlocks doors and propels you toward a successful and fulfilling career. Don’t delay – invest in yourself today and witness the positive impact it brings to your consulting journey!
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