Communication: Without It You Travel Alone (Chpt 4)

This was a short, simple and quick chapter and so will this post.

Educators take something simple and make it complicated. Communicators take something complicated and make it simple.- John Maxwell

I just love how Maxwell gives tips on effective communicating… something I continually strive to do.

1. Simplify your message. “Write an exciting opening that will grab everybody in your audience. Then you write a dramatic summary and closing that will make the people want to act. Then put them as close together as possible.”
2. See the person. As you communicate with people-whether individually or groups-ask yourself these questions: who is my audience? What are their questions? What needs to be accomplished? and how much time do I have? People believe in great communicators because great communicators believe in people.
3. Show the truth. Credibility precedes great communication. Believe in what you say and live what you say. There is no greater credibility than conviction in action.
4. Seek a response. Never forget that the goal of communicating is action. Every time you speak to people, give them something to feel, something to remember, and something to do.

To improve your communication, Maxwell suggests the following:

• Be clear as a bell. Examine a letter, memo or other item you have recently written (this goes for texts, IMs and status updates as well!) Are your sentences short and direct? Have you chosen the fewest words possible?
• Refocus your attention. For the next week, pay attention to your focus when you communicate. Is on you, your material, or your audience? If it’s not on people, you need to change it. Think about their needs, questions and desires.
• Live your message. Are there any discrepancies between what you communicate and what you do? Talk to a few trustworthy people and ask them whether you are living your message.

I find that I write like I speak, and I know I’m wordy. I try to work on my communication skills and I have found I have improved over time. I hope you are enjoying this series of posts and would love some feedback.

Next up “Competence: If you build it, they will come”….

Expect success!
-Donna

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