Impactful Communication: Alexandr Korshykov Of DreamX On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Be open: Openness in communication is essential for making others feel comfortable and willing to share their thoughts. When you demonstrate openness, you create an atmosphere of trust. For example, a few years ago, I worked with a client who was initially skeptical about my company’s services. I decided to be as open as possible during our conversation, sharing my thoughts honestly, even when the client was unconventional or carried some risks. As a result, we were able to build a long-term relationship.
In an age dominated by digital communication, the power of articulate and effective verbal communication cannot be understated. Whether it’s delivering a keynote address, leading a team meeting, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, impactful speaking can open doors, inspire change, and create lasting impressions. But what truly sets apart an effective communicator? What techniques and nuances elevate a speech from mundane to memorable? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Alexandr Korshykov.
Alexandr Korshykov is the founder and CEO of DreamX, a Ukrainian UX/UI design and development company. With a strong background in sales, he has mastered the art of impactful communication, using it to inspire teams and foster meaningful collaboration. Beyond entrepreneurship, Alexandr mentors startups and participates in social initiatives as a lecturer, sharing his insights on leadership and communication.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about communication, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My career path began with a decision to start my business. I dreamed of having a business because working for someone else never truly interested me. By age 20, I understood that I wanted to launch a business in information technology. However, I didn’t know much about IT at the time, but I understood that it was a field full of possibilities. Coming from a background as a sales manager, I wanted to learn how IT works, so I went through 100 interviews to understand the industry better. I faced rejection almost every time, but I refused to give up on my dream. Those experiences taught me resilience and gave me the knowledge I needed to launch my own business. That’s when DreamX was born.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
When I started my journey, I was very open to advice and wasn’t shy about reaching out to people who already had experience in similar fields. I wrote to many entrepreneurs, asking what to do and how to avoid common mistakes. One of those stories stood out to me the most.
One man, the owner of a design company, agreed to have a call with me. I was thrilled because I thought I would receive truly valuable recommendations. Instead of supporting me, he told me I was “on the wrong path” and should focus on selling backpacks because the design was “not for me”.
Almost three years have passed, and today my company has grown to the point where we’ve surpassed his company in scale and development. This is not only a satisfying realization but also proof that belief in yourself and the willingness to work on your ideas are the keys to success, even when others doubt your abilities.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- Systematic approach: I have always been someone who values order and structure in everything I do. This trait helps me in both my daily life and work. For example, thanks to my systematic approach I managed to run a marathon of 42 kilometers. It was a challenge, but having a clear training plan, tracking my progress, and practicing self-discipline allowed me to achieve this goal. I’ve carried this approach into business as well. At DreamX, everything operates as a system: from well-established processes to clear strategies.
- Analytical planning: At the start of my career, I made a major mistake — I didn’t plan. Before DreamX, I tried to launch another company, but that first venture had no clear forecasting or financial planning. This led to its closure. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: success requires preparation. Today at DreamX, we carefully plan every step, from crisis scenarios to financial models. My love for planning has helped us avoid many risks and adapt to changes. For instance, during a crisis when many companies were shutting down, my team was able to pivot in time and even scale up.
- Building dialogue: In modern business, it’s not only important to lead but also to listen. I’m convinced that a leader’s success depends on their ability to communicate with their team, clients, and partners. This isn’t just about words but also about understanding people’s needs, finding compromises, and arriving at shared solutions.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How would you define an “Effective Communicator?” What are the characteristics of an effective communicator?
In my opinion, an effective communicator is someone who can not only clearly convey their ideas but also influence the course of a dialogue, build trust, and spark interest in their conversation partners or audience.
Among the key characteristics of an effective communicator, I would highlight the following:
- Sharp mind: An effective communicator quickly adapts to situations, instantly tailors their thoughts to the context, and always finds the right words for any audience.
- Knowledge and broad perspective: This isn’t just about professional experience but also a wide-ranging intellect, understanding of different cultures, trends, and current events. Such a person can easily connect with any interlocutor due to their broad spectrum of knowledge.
- Ability to manage dialogue or an audience: An effective communicator is always attuned to the dynamics of communication, understands the needs of the conversation partner or audience, and knows how to steer the discussion in the desired direction. This includes active listening and flexibility in responses.
How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?
Successful communication depends on the ability to understand who you are speaking to and what the conversation is about. This requires reading the audience and quickly analyzing their needs and expectations.
For example, when communicating with a team of developers, I focus on specifics, details, and technological aspects because that’s their area of responsibility. However, when I speak with clients, the priority is simplicity and clarity. They need to know how we can help solve their problems, not the technical nuances.
Equally important is the ability to listen and observe. I first try to understand the motivation of the person I’m speaking to, their expectations, and how I can be most helpful. This skill comes with experience, but it is essential for building mutually beneficial relationships and trust.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?
One example where I had to adapt my communication style involves my work with clients. Thanks to my extensive experience in sales, I always approach communication with a deep understanding of the client’s context and needs. Since I often deal with leaders of large companies or key decision-makers, I always speak from a position of strength. I understand that strong individuals negotiate with strength, so my words are always backed by actions. I don’t just make promises. I guarantee results.
In such negotiations, it is crucial to be clear and confident in your offer because these individuals are not looking for words without actions. When the need arises to adapt my style, I focus on their specific requirements and adjust my approach, demonstrating my expertise through a profound understanding of the product or service.
How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?
The key to effectively navigating complex or sensitive conversations is flexibility in communication. This is a skill I use almost daily, and it consistently helps me avoid conflicts or steer the dialogue toward a constructive outcome.
Flexibility means actively listening to the other person, understanding their position, and being ready to adjust your approach based on the context. For example, if I notice that a conversation is reaching an impasse or causing excessive emotions, I pause, reassess my tone and phrasing, and work to find common ground.
Another crucial element is respecting the other person’s opinion. Even if their perspective differs significantly from mine, I always strive to show that I hear and value their viewpoint. This creates an atmosphere of trust and paves the way for finding a compromise.
In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?
Storytelling is a powerful tool that transforms an ordinary presentation into a lively, engaging conversation. People always remember ideas better when they are conveyed through stories because they evoke emotions.
Recently, I gave a lecture to teenagers. Initially, I chose a classic format: I prepared material and simply read out key points. However, I noticed that the audience started losing interest. So, I decided to quickly change my approach and shift to storytelling. I began sharing personal stories, talking about my mistakes, lessons learned, and practical advice. It was an honest and sincere conversation, and I immediately saw a shift in the audience’s reaction. They started listening actively, asking questions, and the atmosphere became much more dynamic.
The power of storytelling lies in its ability to build trust. When people see that you’re not just delivering dry facts but sincerely sharing your own experiences, they feel a connection and start to trust your words more. This is especially important when your goal is not just to share information but to inspire your audience.
What are your “5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator”?
Here are my five essential techniques for becoming an effective communicator:
- Be open: Openness in communication is essential for making others feel comfortable and willing to share their thoughts. When you demonstrate openness, you create an atmosphere of trust. For example, a few years ago, I worked with a client who was initially skeptical about my company’s services. I decided to be as open as possible during our conversation, sharing my thoughts honestly, even when the client was unconventional or carried some risks. As a result, we were able to build a long-term relationship.
- Be a good listener: Listening is not just about hearing but about understanding what the other person wants to convey and being able to read between the lines. This helps build a deeper connection. In my experience as a CEO, during negotiations with partners, I not only actively listened to their proposals but also paid close attention to non-verbal cues. This allowed me to identify potential issues or opportunities for improving collaboration promptly.
- Yield to win: Sometimes winning doesn’t mean literally coming out on top but adjusting your strategy to achieve the desired outcome. I once applied for a position but lost the election. Instead of feeling discouraged, I decided to turn the situation into an opportunity. I reached out to the winner and negotiated a collaboration, which allowed me to discover new possibilities and contribute to important projects. This was an example of how to turn a setback into an advantage and make the situation work in your favor.
- Be in communication and details: The ability to work with details not only ensures greater accuracy in communication but also enhances professionalism. However, it’s crucial to keep context in mind. At DreamX, we always strive to be in sync with our clients and communicate in their language. This means considering the specifics of each industry and project. For instance, we emphasize clarity and precision for medical companies and creativity for tech startups. This approach allows us to create communication that aligns with the unique needs and values of each client.
- Stay emotionally balanced: The ability to control your emotions is a crucial component of effective communication. This skill helps you see the logical aspects of a problem, even in emotionally charged situations. For example, when working with clients on complex projects, there are times when expectations don’t fully align with reality. In such situations, it’s important to remain calm, listen to the client, and maintain a constructive approach.
How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?
Non-verbal signals help convey emotions, reinforce words, and build trust between speakers. I always strive to consciously use body language, eye contact, tone of voice, and even pauses in conversation to make communication more effective. For example, during negotiations or presentations, I always pay attention to my posture. A straight back and open gestures create an impression of confidence and openness. To emphasize a specific point, I use moderate hand movements to visually support key ideas. Eye contact with the audience is another crucial element. It helps maintain their attention.
How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?
Digital communication has transformed our lives into a clear “before and after.” It has become a key element in building an efficient workflow for companies. With modern tools, we can quickly and conveniently exchange information, stay connected with our teams regardless of location, and remain productive even in the most challenging conditions.
For example, in my company, I hold short daily calls with each department. We discuss updates, set key tasks for the day, and coordinate actions. It takes only 30 minutes but keeps the entire team on the same page. In the past, such meetings might have taken hours or even days through in-person gatherings, but digital video conferencing platforms make this process as efficient as possible.
Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?
The fear of public speaking is something many people face, and I’m no exception. However, in my experience, there is one key way to overcome it — practice. No training or technique can replace real-world experience, where you step onto the stage, speak, make mistakes, and gradually grow more confident each time. When I started my career, I understood that public speaking would be an important part of my work. One of my principles is to focus on the goal rather than the fear. I always asked myself: What do I want to achieve with this speech? When the goal is clear, the fear becomes far less significant.
What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?
I recommend analyzing your communication style. For example, record yourself during speeches or even short presentations, review them, and pay attention to body language, tone of voice, and pauses. This method helps identify and correct weaknesses.
Equally important is enriching your vocabulary. Read more books, and practice articulation exercises. There are plenty available, so choose the ones that suit you best. Another great option is attending events where specialists from various fields gather and engage in conversations with them. This not only improves your communication skills but also broadens your horizons.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement, it would focus on encouraging young people in IT to embrace entrepreneurship. The goal would be to provide them with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to bring their ideas to life, no matter the circumstances. On top of that, I’d offer support for startups, including funding and access to technology, to help turn their ideas into real products. I truly believe that when young people have the chance to pursue their dreams, it leads to a wave of creativity and innovation that can solve global challenges and make the world a better place for everyone.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Your readers can stay in touch with us by following our LinkedIn page, where we share regular updates and insights. You can also visit our website from time to time to see what we’re working on and explore our latest projects. And if you’d like to have a conversation, feel free to message me on LinkedIn. Whether it’s about design, startup advice, or just a casual chat, I’m always happy to connect. Building networks is something I truly value, as it often sparks unexpected and wonderful opportunities!
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Athalia Monae is a product creator, published author, entrepreneur, advocate for Feed Our Starving Children, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Media, and founder of Pouches By Alahta.
Impactful Communication: Alexandr Korshykov Of DreamX On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.