Communication 101

Are you a good communicator?

The purpose of the 7 Daily Nuggets is to teach us what we need to know to live a prosperous life; the things that we may not have learned or are not currently learning in church, school, home or at work. Let’s apply what we learn here and share these nuggets with others. We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. Be a giver in a world of takers.

I have seen thousands of presentations, some incredibly great, some very good, and some outright very boring. I have also done a good share of presentations throughout my 30+ years of being a professional. This is an area that we can never know enough. There is so much involved in communication. I absolutely love watching a master communicator in action.

Communication is an art and a science. It is about using the heart and the brain to deliver content in a pleasing way to an audience.

The only way to master this vitally important skill is to practice it over and over again. All great leaders are great communicators who have spent at least 10,000 hours practicing this vital skill. Remember that we have to start, we have to be bad first, in order to master the vital skill of communication.

What does it take to become a great communicator?

What is happening when great communication is taking place?

Here are a few thoughts to get you going:

1.      Listening. When we listen we learn, then we can lead. Prepare others to receive the message. The opening, setting the stage, is important.

2.      Expression and humor. Master the content, vary the tone, and have fun in communicating. What will be remembered on the way home?

3.      Illustration. Use relevant stories. Teach through stories. Make it memorable.

4.      Relatability. Care and touch their hearts. Are they seeing themselves in your stories?

5.      Body language. Bring the content to life. Walking trumps standing still. Be unpredictable.

6.      Enthusiasm and passion. Show some love and bring the content to life. Speak from the heart. Monotone is very boring.

7.      Feedback. Communication is two way. Is it being received? Is it engaging? Are they with you or somewhere else? What will be remembered and applied? Will the closing do justice to your performance?

Be blessed and be a blessing to others

Carlos Fontana, President of Phalanx

Co-author of the book Follow to Lead (The 7 Principles to Being a Great Follower)

Author of the book PRICELESS (Sixty-Six Simple Stories of Reflection, Love, and Legacy)