Misty Bacon is a Realtor with Tarl Anderson Properties working in Houston.

Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, Misty Bacon, Realtor with Tarl Anderson Properties, shares her top ways to become an effective communicator. 

6. Join a local Toastmasters International group. They are world leaders in communication and leadership development. You’ll have a captive audience weekly to practice your elevator speech, impromptu speaking, as well as preparing speeches.

5. Host a monthly client appreciation event. Not only will it give you an opportunity be in front of a captive audience, it will be with people you are comfortable with and give you an opportunity to stay in touch with potential referral sources.

4. Volunteer. What are you passionate about? Become a volunteer and not only will you do something good, you will meet people that are potential customers.

3. Start a conversation with random people. Do you talk to people in lines at the grocery store? I do. Comment on their shoes or something they are purchasing. A great source to practice your elevator speech. Go to a random store the first time if you are nervous about seeing someone you know or may see again!

2. Career Day at school. What a wonderful opportunity, speaking to youngsters about what you do and how they could consider a career in real estate.

1. Do monthly email videos to past and prospective clients. Inevitably you will get better each month. Practice makes perfect. Actually, perfect practice makes perfect.

For nearly half a decade, Misty Bacon has serviced the Houston real estate market, helping families purchase, sell or rent in the Clear Lake, League City, Webster, Friendswood, Pearland, La Porte, Deer Park, Pasadena and Galveston county, among other areas.