To communicate is a golden opportunity to create an impact!
Mar 24, 2023
Communication plays a fundamental role in the way a connection is established with myself and with others, and is vital to man's evolution as a human being and citizen.
In the context where the communicator/speaker delivers a message, it can be quite useful for the communication to be bidirectional, i.e. not to end with the emission of the message, but to continue with the interaction of the receiver of the message, in the way he/she receives and interprets it. From this interpretation comes their point of view, which may or may not agree with what is being shared.
If for some speakers this can be a stress factor, in truth it can be above all, an opportunity for complementarity between the two parties, which can both enrich the delivery of the content and promote sharing.
For this content, which is undoubtedly something important to deliver in a speech, the way it is delivered will have a tremendous impact on the context of how it is received, remembered, and carried into everyday practice by the audience.
"I have learned that people will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel"
Maya Angelou
In this following, in the way the speaker exposes his message there are some important characteristics/aspects, which can positively impact the way the communication flows and is felt, both for the speaker and the audience:
- Tolerance and Openness
The audience must feel that they are heard and understood, without feeling that by disagreeing they may be judged. With tolerance and openness, the predisposition for the interaction between audience and speaker to enrich the communication is undoubtedly high.
"To communicate effectively, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use that knowledge as a guide to communicate with others."
Tony Robbins
- Clarity
Not only in the structure and language used, but mostly in the way the content is adapted to that specific audience.
Using the language of those in front of us will undoubtedly captivate and make them feel that they are an integral part and that in fact, what is being conveyed can be useful in their lives.
"If you speak to a man in a language he understands, it gets into his head. If you speak to him in his own language, you reach his heart."
Nelson Mandela
3. Empathy
Important in any context, but especially useful in situations where the message conveyed is not accepted, and is even contradicted, often with concrete examples from the experience of the audience.
The first suggestion is: don't get defensive.
There will always be people who are not aligned with us, in this particular case with what we are transmitting, often the difference is that some will speak out and others will not.
Therefore, being prepared for these situations and responding assertively can be two useful assets, always bearing in mind that everyone has the right to express their specific way of "seeing and feeling the world" and that it must be respected.
Putting ourselves in the other's shoes, as empathy invites us to do, makes it much easier to deal with these situations. After all behind that sharing there may be emotions and experiences unknown to the speaker.
"To be empathic is to see the world through the other's eyes and not to see our world reflected in his or her eyes."
Carl Rogers
4. Active Listening
The role of active listening is one of the most important when it comes to communication.
Listening to understand rather than to respond is the key that harmoniously opens the door to healthy, happy and fluid interaction between speaker and audience.
"We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as talk."
Chinese proverb
Nature is wise, isn't it? ;)
- Vulnerability
Replacing perfection with spontaneity in communication may seem risky, or even pointless, to some. If this is the case for you, I invite you to practice.
Many times what makes us look for an effective and perfect communication is the need we have for belonging, integration, success, satisfaction, among others.
And this focus, sometimes excessive, in the other can cause our essence to be lost, and it is precisely this that allows us to differentiate ourselves in a unique way, from all other communicators that exist and that, many times, approach the same topic(s) that we do.
It can be very empowering to allow that communication to truly represent us, that is, to demonstrate our potentials, our individual characteristics, our positive points, and, of course, some aspects that we need to improve will also be present.
After all, we are human beings: perfect with all our imperfection.
Communicators who experience opening up to vulnerability report that the engagement with the audience is even more genuine and that the moment becomes much lighter, allowing them to enjoy the experience (even more) and make it a moment of true sharing.
"It takes courage to be imperfect."
Brené Brown
- Enthusiasm and Alignment
Enthusiasm and alignment are two very important pillars for a happy and impactful communication.
Transmitting passion in the way you communicate transforms and boosts the transmitted message in an exponential way, captivating, almost immediately and constantly, the public's attention.
Combining this enthusiasm with the alignment between what one feels, thinks, and does (speaks) in the message that is being transmitted, is to strengthen communication at a universal level. Lacking this alignment, communication can become compromised and create noise, even if it is difficult to put into words the reason(s).
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
Communication is meant to be happy, right? ;)
In the role of communicator/orator (indeed, in any other context of our Life) it can be useful to keep in mind:
Will there be more challenging moments?
Of course there are!
Can they also be learning opportunities? Of course!
Communicate with your mind... and also with your heart!
It will all go smoothly :)
Human Happiness Promoter
