THE ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATING WELL

1. BREVITY

Adopt brevity and clarity as disciplines. These honour your listeners.

2. PASSION

Speak with honest enthusiasm about subjects that you care deeply about. Be authentic.

3. COMMAND ATTENTION

Offer a story or incident that encapsulates your overall message.

4. QUESTION

Ask a question that gets people thinking and gets them involved in the problem.

5. ENGAGEMENT

A good communicator challenges listeners to new thoughts and actions. Good communication also has a dialogical quality which invites "yes buts" from listeners.

6. GENTLENESS

Care intensely about your listeners so that you do not run "rough shod" over their perceptions. Vary the intensity of your presentations so people do not feel there is no room to breathe or reflect.

7. PURPOSE

Know your purpose. Is it to explain, sell an idea, celebrate, or convince?

8. FEEDBACK

"How does all of this impact on you?" Welcome feedback.

9. RESPONSIBLE AGENDA

No dumping. Do not place so many problems and concerns on the table that no one could realistically respond.

10. CREDIBILITY

Talk to people "straight" even when the news is bad. Trust that your listeners will want to be responsible and face up to challenges. Do not promise what you cannot produce. Follow up.

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©2004 Ronald C. Ferris