Email and faxes and web cams, oh my! Technology. Ah, yes, it was only a decade ago that we were told the need for traveling to meet face-to-face (FTF) would soon be obsolete. Not so fast my friend. It seems research confirms what your own experience has probably already proven. There’s no denying the power of face-to- face communication.

A study by specialist journal IRS Employment Review found that, while organizations use an extensive range of communication methods, including online systems, handbooks, newsletters and memos to communicate with staff, employers still value face-to-face sessions as being the most effective.

No matter how much we may value the FTF meeting we’re still left with the issue of overscheduled team members and colliding calendars. The challenge becomes orchestrating that FTF meeting and ensuring all participants feel it was a good investment of their most precious resource; time.

I would argue the most crucial element in making the most of your time together is effective communication. Why, you ask? Because with effective communication you meet one of the basic needs of every human being; to feel heard and valued.

Meeting basic human needs? But all you wanted was to approve a budget! Yes, I get that, but I submit that by understanding the empowering potential of your FTF time through good communication, you can help your team achieve your goals like never before.

So, stop talking and communicate! Here are just a few tips:

• Silence is a great communication skill. So much of communicating successfully is listening successfully. Repeating what you think you heard can often head problems off at the pass.

• Know what your body is saying - Body language accounts for more than half of what other people respond to and make assumptions about when they connect with you.

• Eye contact: Eye contact is one of the most important nonverbal cues you have for communication and connecting with other people.

• Attitude is infectious and drives behavior: Your attitude is the first thing people pick up on in face-to-face communication and it is contagious.

Because Mountainside Media values the effectiveness of FTF communication, we are proud to announce Bizgigs, a new division devoted to effective meetings, conferences and events.

At Bizgigs we intently listen to you. We combine the elements of FRAMEWORK, CREATIVITY AND TECHNOLOGY to design the environment that will deliver the results you want from your FTF events.

For more information, visit us as www.bizgigs.net