Communicating for fundraising

Public speaking and negotiation are two essential skills in the field of communication. These skills play a fundamental role in persuasion, influence and the search for mutually beneficial agreements in different contexts, whether in our personal or professional lives.

In this section, the importance of both skills will be explored in greater depth. In addition, the fundamental characteristics that make a good negotiator and a skilled speaker stand out will be analyzed.

Similarities: Public speaking and negotiation are fundamental communication skills in the financial environment. Here are some descriptions of the similarities found:

• Communication: Both skills require the ability to express oneself clearly and tailor the message to the audience or other party involved.

• Persuasion: Seeking to persuade the audience or the other party to achieve a specific objective. Both skills require the ability to present convincing arguments, use persuasive techniques, and seek a mutually beneficial agreement.

• Preparation: In both cases, extensive research is necessary to gather information about the topic or situation at hand. The data found will be used as the basis for structuring the speech in public speaking and the strategy in negotiation. This provides the possibility to anticipate possible objections or counter-proposals that may arise during the interaction.

Differences: Regarding the existing differences, we can highlight the following:

• Objectives: Public speaking seeks to persuade, influence and generate an emotional impact on the audience. On the other hand, the main objective of negotiation is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, considering individual needs.
• Focus on skills: Public speaking focuses on the art of public speaking, covering aspects such as verbal expression, posture, tone of voice, etc. On the other hand, negotiation focuses on the ability to actively listen, negotiate positions, resolve conflicts and reach agreements.
• Context: Public speaking is used in a variety of contexts, such as political speeches, academic presentations or motivational speaking. Negotiation, on the other hand, is used in situations where there are conflicting interests and agreements are sought, such as in labor relations or commercial agreements.

Characteristics of a good negotiator: To understand the qualities needed in the field of negotiation, it is essential to know the characteristics that distinguish an expert in this field.

Listening skills: A skilled negotiator stands out for his or her ability to actively listen to the concerns of the other party, with the intention of finding mutually beneficial solutions.

Patience: Negotiation can take time and perseverance. A skilled negotiator must have the patience to explore options, overcome obstacles and reach agreements.

Problem-solving skills: Those oriented toward negotiation have the ability to analyze situations in depth and understand the different perspectives and needs at play. They can break down complex problems into more manageable parts and examine each ele