Although email and phone conversations dominate today’s communication methods, there simply is no substitute for face-to-face communication.The instructors at Dale Carnegie Training always say, “Electronic communication is a great way to conduct business, but relationships drive business results.”
One of the best breakthrough technologies of the last decade is Skype which was founded by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis.Established in Luxembourg in 2003, its purpose was to break down barriers to communication by providing free video communication via the web.Skype enables it users to share a story, learn a language, conduct a meeting, collaborate with colleagues – just about anything you need to do together every day. Better yet, you can use Skype on your phone, computer or a TV. It is free to start using Skype – to speak, see and instant message other people individually or in groups.
Users quickly saw the value in using Skype and adopted it at record levels- its user base is now 663 million, 124 million of which use Skype monthly, and 8.8 million of which are paying customers of premium services.At peak times there are 23 million users online.Skype truly is an international institution on which many savvy web users are dependent.
After recent speculation about who would buy Skype, first Facebook and then Microsoft, the latter announced today that it has acquired the VoIP giant for $8.5 billion in cash.It’s no surprise that Skype will be integrated into Microsoft devices and systems such as Xbox and Kinect, Xbox Live, the Windows Phone, Lync and Outlook. The company has pledged to continue supporting and developing Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms as well.
Dale Carnegie once said, “There are four ways, and only four ways, in which we have contact with the world. We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts: what we do, how we look, what we say, and how we say it.”If you are a current user of Skype or plan to start using it, remember that although you may be alone in the comfort of your own office or home, your audience can see and hear you.It’s important to dress appropriately and mind the tone and rate of your speech.
If you have a desire to improve your performance as a persuasive communicator, problem-solver and focused leader, check out the Dale Carnegie Course: Effective Communications & Human Relations/Skills For Success.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Dale Carnegie Training of Michigan, providers of professional development and management development courses and information in Michigan. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @MarkWillDCT.
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