Communicating is the art of exchanging information with others. It is the ability to convey ideas and feelings to another person or group through a multitude of available vehicles such as speech, writing, or body language. To properly communicate you must be understood. This requires taking into account who you are communicating to, their knowledge of the subject, your capacity to listen, and your ability to convey your message clearly. George Bernard Shaw said, “The problem with communication… is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” Real leaders recognize the value of effective communicating, and concentrate on using all applications in the treasure chest of understanding one another.
A friend told me he has heard a story of mine several times, and asked why I tell it differently on every occasion. I replied to him, “I tell it the same way, but each time you hear it you pay attention to different parts depending on what you are listening to, and your frame of mind.” This was an important lesson to me, as I realized a message has to go beyond your own understanding. You must be aware that what you are communicating may not be what others are hearing. To be a successful communicator, it matters not what you say, but what others hear; for what they hear, in their mind, is what they believe you said.
Miscommunication happens more often than most of us would like to admit. Just when you think you are communicating well, someone will say to you, “I’m sorry, I thought you meant…” or “All this time I thought you were talking about this, not that.” Knowing communication is so complicated, and can be so difficult to accomplish, it is truly amazing we achieve as much as we do. Keep in mind - great leaders are good communicators because they are determined to be so. They plan carefully, deliver their message with clarity, and pay attention to their audience. Below are excellent tips for communicating, and being understood:
Guidelines for Effective
Speaking Communications
Brevity
Tonality
Be Clear
Be Sincere
Good Content
Keep It Simple
Answer Questions
Good Body Language
Speak From the Heart
Understand Who Is Listening
To communicate effectively, it is essential we realize that all people are different, as individuals and in his or her own perception the world as a whole. To be a good communicator, you must focus on others. There are times when you think others understand you; however, you must realize what you said is probably not what they heard, either because you did not make it clear or they misunderstood. Excellent communicators know how to listen, observe, and measure how clearly they are communicating.
The above is taken from Gary Bergenske's soon to be released book, "Campaigh to be a Better Leader"
Gary Bergenske was born in Madison, Wisconsin. Gary leads others in the same way he lives and manages his own life, with desire and passion. His success has been self made, and his mission is to influence others in a positive way.
A motivational speaker, he has delivered his inspirational message at engagements through out the United States on leadership, teamwork, and mentoring. He is currently serving as a member of the Boards of Directors for Shriners of North America and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Bergenske was elected during the Shriners’ 2007 annual international convention – or Imperial Council Session – held in Anaheim, Calif. He is serving as part of the 13-member body that helps govern the Shriners fraternity.
His focus is in helping others reach their full leadership potential. His inspiring book, “Campaign For a Better Life” released in March of 2007 is a great example of how he wishes to help the lives of others grow in character with integrity.
Gary and Anne, his wife, have six children aged 20 to 30. The children, three boys and three girls are often referred to as the Bergy Bunch. The family maintains a vacation home on Daytona Beach. Gary loves and collects antique automobiles but his favorite recreation vehicle is a Harley Davidson.