Should we indulge our feelings and use "violent speech" or are there real risks attached to what we say in general. The recent shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and 6 others who were shot dead in Tucson, Arizona has raised the debate yet again about "free speech" and "independent acts" of violence.
If you would take the time to read a statement made during a campaign speech in Milwaukee, Wis., October, 14, 1912, you can see what Colonal Theodore Roosevelt felt was the cause of his misery. From the beginning of this speech you will realize that Roosevelt was remarkable. The things he said were not merely a reaction to being shot in the chest, but well thought out. He said, "Now, I do not know who he was or what he represented. He was a coward. He stood in the darkness in the crowd around the automobile and when they cheered me, and I got up to bow, he stepped forward and shot me in the darkness."
Then Roosevelt added, "Now, friends, of course, I do not know, as I say, anything about him; but it is a very natural thing that weak and vicious minds should be inflamed to acts of violence by the kind of awful mendacity and abuse that have been heaped upon me for the last three months by the papers in the interest of not only Mr. Debs but of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Taft."
There is much discussion still about "free speech" and our rights to say things because we believe that they are true. But, because we live in a world that has a wide variety of us living in it, perhaps we should take more time to consider the possible outcomes of what we advocate. Stirring the pot may very well produce far more than we had anticipated.
In addition, when we think violent thoughts, a bulk of the time we have enough control to avoid acting on those thoughts. But, I think it is only reasonable to examine ourselves and what has caused us to even think those violent thoughts in the first place. I certainly isn't our job to set free ideas that "we hope" will catch fire in some other person's mind so that the outcome is what we hoped and we don't find ourselves punished. Free expression is better used to solve the problems we face in the least harmful way possible.
In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, through his character Mark Antony he demonstrates what words can do deliberately, while appearing to do something quite different. Being clever is difficult, but being clever while doing no harm may be far more difficult.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Where To Begin
Introductions are important. That's where we should begin. Think about the challenges that face you. In the first few seconds you and I decide whether to listen or escape into our own private world. What can the person trying to gain and hold your attention do that? Here are some questions that will help.
1. Who am I? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What do I know and how prepared for this communication am I?
2. Who do they think I am? What do they already know about me and my topic? How much knowledge do I have and how important is it to them to listen?
3. The plan: how do I frame the context for the communication? Why would they want to know what I know and am about to share? How can I tie my topic to their interests? What things are most people interested in and want to know more about?
4. How can tie the important points I'm about to share in the shortest possible time? Should I use statistics, examples, photos, short stories or something more personal such as, popularity, jobs, money?
5. Have I spelled out in words just what my plan is to move the audience from a room full of separate individuals into a cohesive group of people who want you to "tell them" what you know so they can know it too.
All of us would be more effective if we followed the ideas listed above. Think before you speak is valuable advice for all occasions. A few moments here can spare us all several moments of embarrassment.
1. Who am I? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What do I know and how prepared for this communication am I?
2. Who do they think I am? What do they already know about me and my topic? How much knowledge do I have and how important is it to them to listen?
3. The plan: how do I frame the context for the communication? Why would they want to know what I know and am about to share? How can I tie my topic to their interests? What things are most people interested in and want to know more about?
4. How can tie the important points I'm about to share in the shortest possible time? Should I use statistics, examples, photos, short stories or something more personal such as, popularity, jobs, money?
5. Have I spelled out in words just what my plan is to move the audience from a room full of separate individuals into a cohesive group of people who want you to "tell them" what you know so they can know it too.
All of us would be more effective if we followed the ideas listed above. Think before you speak is valuable advice for all occasions. A few moments here can spare us all several moments of embarrassment.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thoughts On Togetherness
We appear to be living in an age where "standing for something" is even more important than getting along with those around us. In fact, it is so important that we may not even allow ourselves to consider "their ideas" because we already know that "they are wrong."
There are some real risks in taking that position. One obvious on is the very real possibility that we are wrong. Another is that we spend our establishing the "fact" that we are right and the other is "wrong" that we never spend any time on the problem at hand.
Coming from a completely different position in the universe is this YouTube presentation that indicates that no matter how much of an individual you are, there maybe some real advantages in working together as a group. And of course that involves some important understandings of human communication.
There are some real risks in taking that position. One obvious on is the very real possibility that we are wrong. Another is that we spend our establishing the "fact" that we are right and the other is "wrong" that we never spend any time on the problem at hand.
Coming from a completely different position in the universe is this YouTube presentation that indicates that no matter how much of an individual you are, there maybe some real advantages in working together as a group. And of course that involves some important understandings of human communication.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Delivery Check List (Revisited)
1) Have I properly prepared for this presentation? Have I analyzed the audience? Do I know the location of the presentation? Do I have the proper presentation equipment? Do I have material related to both the topic and the audience allowing them to value what I'm going to share with them?
2) Who do they think I am? Do they know me, if not what will I provide for them about me?
3) What can I say non-verbally that will provide them context? How do they think I should dress? What language and demeanor do they expect? What appearance will be most effective?
4) Can they hear and see me easily? Is a public address system needed? Is the lighting ideal?
5) How can I use my presentational aids, voice and body to guide them through my presentation? Should I have a computer driven presentation? How can I use my voice to emphasize and direct attention?
6) Do I seem to be enthusiastic and informed about my presentation?
7) Would I notice if some in the audience couldn't hear, see or understand what is being presented?
8) What questions, if any were asked during and after the presentation? How will these questions affect my next presentation? Did they understand my content? Are they considering changing their position?
9) Did I need leave behind materials? How will they be distributed? How many will be needed? Do the materials have appropriate contact information?
(This first appeared in May, 2010.)
2) Who do they think I am? Do they know me, if not what will I provide for them about me?
3) What can I say non-verbally that will provide them context? How do they think I should dress? What language and demeanor do they expect? What appearance will be most effective?
4) Can they hear and see me easily? Is a public address system needed? Is the lighting ideal?
5) How can I use my presentational aids, voice and body to guide them through my presentation? Should I have a computer driven presentation? How can I use my voice to emphasize and direct attention?
6) Do I seem to be enthusiastic and informed about my presentation?
7) Would I notice if some in the audience couldn't hear, see or understand what is being presented?
8) What questions, if any were asked during and after the presentation? How will these questions affect my next presentation? Did they understand my content? Are they considering changing their position?
9) Did I need leave behind materials? How will they be distributed? How many will be needed? Do the materials have appropriate contact information?
(This first appeared in May, 2010.)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Informative Speech
Here's an example of what at least one student did with the assignment: Informative Speech. Take a look and listen to what the student elected to do and how they did it. It isn't an example of the perfect speech, but rather how someone with an assignment solved the problem. Remember that every person and all audiences are unique. That doesn't address the assignment. Just view and see what ideas you might be able to use when you are completing your assignment.
Give This A Weeklong Trial
Get rested, resolve as many of your personal conflicts as possible, resolve not to correct the people around you in any way and then set out to learn what makes those you come in contact with think the way they do. This is a tough assignment. You'll be tempted to think/say, "in light of this, how can you possibly believe that?" Instead, do the hard thing: listen and learn.
You'll not understand things and be forced to ask questions. Do your best to keep them as neutral (non-judgmental) as possible. For example: "By that do you mean. . .?" Or "When you say good, how might you say that in another way?" See the world from their point of view if possible. Your opinion about their position probably won't change anything anyway, so keep it to yourself. At best, they might allow you to have "your own opinion," but not agree with it. At worst, once you have expressed yourself they might write you and your ideas off. Now how will you be able to relate to them?
After you've done this for a week, re-examine yourself and your positions. They will probably be intact. On the other hand, you may have, for the first time ever, found some areas of agreement with the other person and better understand how you can successfully communicate with them. It would be a great aid if you would also attempt to travel with them, doing the things that they do. If not with them, doing what they do in an attempt to better understand.
You'll not understand things and be forced to ask questions. Do your best to keep them as neutral (non-judgmental) as possible. For example: "By that do you mean. . .?" Or "When you say good, how might you say that in another way?" See the world from their point of view if possible. Your opinion about their position probably won't change anything anyway, so keep it to yourself. At best, they might allow you to have "your own opinion," but not agree with it. At worst, once you have expressed yourself they might write you and your ideas off. Now how will you be able to relate to them?
After you've done this for a week, re-examine yourself and your positions. They will probably be intact. On the other hand, you may have, for the first time ever, found some areas of agreement with the other person and better understand how you can successfully communicate with them. It would be a great aid if you would also attempt to travel with them, doing the things that they do. If not with them, doing what they do in an attempt to better understand.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Here's The Situation
The genes from our parents are united in our creation. Those genes are arranged in a way that is unique to us. That creates a person whose abilities physical and mental are bound to be different from all others. This presents us with a dilemma. In spite of the fact that we are similar to others in many ways, we are also different from others. Without a long term detailed, and time consuming inventory, we have no real idea of where the similarities and differences are.
This make it difficult to safely use phrases such as: "I know what you mean." When we say, "This really tastes good and you'll love it," we have made a high risk statement. And added to this problem is the fact that we build our own world through contact with things outside our skins. Those worlds are different.
Now think how difficult the task is to communicate with those around us, especially those we would like to be close to or work with/for. In order to build communities we gather in groups and hammer out ideas such as democracy or free speech. Those ideas have no real referent in the physical world. That makes them abstract. Abstracts, since they have no reference that can be touched, smelled or measured thus proving their existence, must be thoroughly examined, discussed and tested by most, if not all the community, in order to make it work.
Making the whole situation even more difficult is the fact that we all change over time. The changes, due to the new and different experiences that impact us, cause us to view the familiar in new and different ways. These changes over time makes it increasingly important that we never think that we have "finally settled that matter once and for all." Not unlike the student that says, "When I've finished this degree program I'm finished with school."
The whole area of human communication merits our complete and continuing attention. It is and should be one of the most consuming activities we attempt. The next time someone one, anyone, suggests that communication is simple, you are in the presence of someone doesn't understand communication.
This make it difficult to safely use phrases such as: "I know what you mean." When we say, "This really tastes good and you'll love it," we have made a high risk statement. And added to this problem is the fact that we build our own world through contact with things outside our skins. Those worlds are different.
Now think how difficult the task is to communicate with those around us, especially those we would like to be close to or work with/for. In order to build communities we gather in groups and hammer out ideas such as democracy or free speech. Those ideas have no real referent in the physical world. That makes them abstract. Abstracts, since they have no reference that can be touched, smelled or measured thus proving their existence, must be thoroughly examined, discussed and tested by most, if not all the community, in order to make it work.
Making the whole situation even more difficult is the fact that we all change over time. The changes, due to the new and different experiences that impact us, cause us to view the familiar in new and different ways. These changes over time makes it increasingly important that we never think that we have "finally settled that matter once and for all." Not unlike the student that says, "When I've finished this degree program I'm finished with school."
The whole area of human communication merits our complete and continuing attention. It is and should be one of the most consuming activities we attempt. The next time someone one, anyone, suggests that communication is simple, you are in the presence of someone doesn't understand communication.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The Future of Communication
Futurists are very often wrong. They see things in the future that never come to pass. That isn't all bad. It is good to consider the future and what might be. It can and should affect the way we act in the present. This prediction, The Future of Communication below is interesting and will provide you with an excellent beginning to your own consideration. Please keep in mind that it is generally agreed that futurists are generally wrong in their predictions.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Communication Defined: 3
In their book, Communication: Principles for a lifetime, Beebe, Beebe and Ivy provided a workable definition for communication. ". . .communication is the process of acting on information." You know something and you share it with someone. They hear what you say and they act on it in some way. Those of us who are effective think about our communications so that the goals we have can be reached most effectively.
With such a broad definition you have to believe that the whole subject of communication must be very broad indeed. It is. Everything that you do and much of what you choose not to do is used by others determine something about who you are and what you stand for. We often try to deny that we can be so easily read, but the fact is that we read others just as well and move in their direction if what we see is congenial. So we say that communication is inescapable. In addition, it is irreversible. Once the idea is planted in another mind, there is nothing short of trauma that can remove it. That's why our mothers told us to always "put your best foot forward."
When you combine several elements of communication together, such as email, phone calls, observed actions, the impact of the communication becomes very complicated. Our communication, intended or not, takes on a life of its own and we are largely powerless to amend it. It is irreversible.
Communication should take up a very large portion of our energy everyday. It is the basic tool with which we build our lives and professions. Done carefully it will greatly aid us in achieving our goals. Done poorly, we will find ourselves saying things like, "I don't know what she sees in him? I'm at least as capable as he is."
With such a broad definition you have to believe that the whole subject of communication must be very broad indeed. It is. Everything that you do and much of what you choose not to do is used by others determine something about who you are and what you stand for. We often try to deny that we can be so easily read, but the fact is that we read others just as well and move in their direction if what we see is congenial. So we say that communication is inescapable. In addition, it is irreversible. Once the idea is planted in another mind, there is nothing short of trauma that can remove it. That's why our mothers told us to always "put your best foot forward."
When you combine several elements of communication together, such as email, phone calls, observed actions, the impact of the communication becomes very complicated. Our communication, intended or not, takes on a life of its own and we are largely powerless to amend it. It is irreversible.
Communication should take up a very large portion of our energy everyday. It is the basic tool with which we build our lives and professions. Done carefully it will greatly aid us in achieving our goals. Done poorly, we will find ourselves saying things like, "I don't know what she sees in him? I'm at least as capable as he is."
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Communication Defined: 2
If we define communication as the perfect reproduction of your idea in another mind, that is impossible. Everything about us was created by the sum of all our heredity and environment and since those vary from person to person, not even the words we use will have identical meanings.
This presents us with a difficult task. Since our experiences and language do not completely overlap, even in the closest of relationships, we need to take special precautions during our communication attempts. Put another way: say it over and over again using different words and actions. After a period of time they will begin to understand what you mean when you say, "I love you."
On the other side, if you really want to hear "I love you" from that special person your temptation will be to apply your meaning of those words to what they have said. Take it easy and slow down. Determine over time what the word love means to them. If we would take the time to experience how the other person means in general, we would have a much better idea of what they actually saying.
This puts "whirlwind" relationships of all kinds in to a safe perspective. Move, but move with caution and many words and actions. That way you will have a better idea of who they are and they will have a better idea of who you are.
This presents us with a difficult task. Since our experiences and language do not completely overlap, even in the closest of relationships, we need to take special precautions during our communication attempts. Put another way: say it over and over again using different words and actions. After a period of time they will begin to understand what you mean when you say, "I love you."
On the other side, if you really want to hear "I love you" from that special person your temptation will be to apply your meaning of those words to what they have said. Take it easy and slow down. Determine over time what the word love means to them. If we would take the time to experience how the other person means in general, we would have a much better idea of what they actually saying.
This puts "whirlwind" relationships of all kinds in to a safe perspective. Move, but move with caution and many words and actions. That way you will have a better idea of who they are and they will have a better idea of who you are.
Communication Defined: 1
This is not an easy definition. It appears to be an easy definition which is one of the biggest problems we have to face in communication. Outstanding minds have wrestled with this problem for years. This is what George Bernard Shaw had to say about it.
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
That assumes that there is some sort of expectation involved in the process. "I said it and I expected them to . . ." and here you can fill in your own thought. When you ask for something concrete like "Please pass the salt," and you get the salt you have evidence that something took place: communication. What about areas that are distant or more abstract and what you expected doesn't happen. Then the assumption is that communication didn't occur.
Shaw's observation is very evident every day in most of our lives. We assume that the what we have said is understood in the way we expected to be understood and that certain specific result will occur. When they don't we assume that there has been a failure to communicate.
If you have power or authority and you "know you are perfectly clear" in your communication then you risk the assumption that communication has taken place. That can lead to fights, hurt feelings, war, and lots of negative things. Be cautious about assumptions and don't allow illusions to mess up your life.
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
That assumes that there is some sort of expectation involved in the process. "I said it and I expected them to . . ." and here you can fill in your own thought. When you ask for something concrete like "Please pass the salt," and you get the salt you have evidence that something took place: communication. What about areas that are distant or more abstract and what you expected doesn't happen. Then the assumption is that communication didn't occur.
Shaw's observation is very evident every day in most of our lives. We assume that the what we have said is understood in the way we expected to be understood and that certain specific result will occur. When they don't we assume that there has been a failure to communicate.
If you have power or authority and you "know you are perfectly clear" in your communication then you risk the assumption that communication has taken place. That can lead to fights, hurt feelings, war, and lots of negative things. Be cautious about assumptions and don't allow illusions to mess up your life.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Communication In Legislation
We've come to think of lobbying as something that should be outlawed. At least we don't really feel good about being directly involved in lobbying. The problem is not simple: elected officials can't and don't know everything. They need additional information in a wide number of areas all the time. The people with the information need to be allowed to provide that for the elected officials. The officials need to be free to make decisions that are for the good of their constituents.
In recent meetings this important point was made one more time and with feeling. When important issues related to success are being discussed with the outcome being a new law, then we need unlimited access to trustworthy data. The folk with the problem need to make clear what their needs are and what the impact of other ideas will be to them and their interests.
Another problem: many of us don't really understand how laws are created and how to become part of the law making process. Yes, we did have civic classes, but in many cases even the teachers weren't certain what really goes on during the creation of a law. Professional help is needed. They almost never represent themselves or their own ideas. They represent their clients positions. They depend heavily on their clients for information and thought processes. Then they can advise them of the necessary steps.
For example, broadcasters pay huge fees for the right/privilege to broadcast the music on your radio. These huge fees involve agreements and agreements fail to meet current standards or are hurtful to one or both parties. Those making laws may listen to radio, but they have no clear understanding of how it functions. Somebody has to tell them about broadcasting. If you're a broadcaster then you know more about that than you know about making laws. Communication experts, lobbyists, are in an ideal position to aid the entire negotiating process.
One of the ways to reach congress is by placing advertising on radio and TV stations in the Washington, D.C. area which can reach the members of congress as they go about their personal business. But, those ads are going to cost money. It becomes necessary to raise funds for the specific purpose of "educating" legislators about the issue as you see it. Commercials are not going to be the entire answer, but it may allow conversations to begin and questions to be asked.
Why not broadcast both sides of the issue? Because those who feel that current situations are hurtful are doing exactly the same thing. In fact, if you did not raise the money to place the ads, other people will and their hurts will be addressed and your will not. So money has to be involved.
How about "buying" legislators. Of course, since we're dealing with human beings that is always a possibility. Become active in politics at some level, find dependable and honest candidates to put in office and then let them make the decisions that will be best for our community. Money is and will always be involved, but so are ethics and they are always involved. Give to your favorite PAC (political activity committee) and support the ideas that will improve your world. Be ethical, honest, moral and active. Before anyone can "just do the right thing" they have to know what that is. Get busy.
In recent meetings this important point was made one more time and with feeling. When important issues related to success are being discussed with the outcome being a new law, then we need unlimited access to trustworthy data. The folk with the problem need to make clear what their needs are and what the impact of other ideas will be to them and their interests.
Another problem: many of us don't really understand how laws are created and how to become part of the law making process. Yes, we did have civic classes, but in many cases even the teachers weren't certain what really goes on during the creation of a law. Professional help is needed. They almost never represent themselves or their own ideas. They represent their clients positions. They depend heavily on their clients for information and thought processes. Then they can advise them of the necessary steps.
For example, broadcasters pay huge fees for the right/privilege to broadcast the music on your radio. These huge fees involve agreements and agreements fail to meet current standards or are hurtful to one or both parties. Those making laws may listen to radio, but they have no clear understanding of how it functions. Somebody has to tell them about broadcasting. If you're a broadcaster then you know more about that than you know about making laws. Communication experts, lobbyists, are in an ideal position to aid the entire negotiating process.
One of the ways to reach congress is by placing advertising on radio and TV stations in the Washington, D.C. area which can reach the members of congress as they go about their personal business. But, those ads are going to cost money. It becomes necessary to raise funds for the specific purpose of "educating" legislators about the issue as you see it. Commercials are not going to be the entire answer, but it may allow conversations to begin and questions to be asked.
Why not broadcast both sides of the issue? Because those who feel that current situations are hurtful are doing exactly the same thing. In fact, if you did not raise the money to place the ads, other people will and their hurts will be addressed and your will not. So money has to be involved.
How about "buying" legislators. Of course, since we're dealing with human beings that is always a possibility. Become active in politics at some level, find dependable and honest candidates to put in office and then let them make the decisions that will be best for our community. Money is and will always be involved, but so are ethics and they are always involved. Give to your favorite PAC (political activity committee) and support the ideas that will improve your world. Be ethical, honest, moral and active. Before anyone can "just do the right thing" they have to know what that is. Get busy.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Delivery Check List (Revisited)
1) Have I properly prepared for this presentation? Have I analyzed the audience? Do I know the location of the presentation? Do I have the proper presentation equipment? Do I have material related to both the topic and the audience allowing them to value what I'm going to share with them?
2) Who do they think I am? Do they know me, if not what will I provide for them about me?
3) What can I say non-verbally that will provide them context? How do they think I should dress? What language and demeanor do they expect? What appearance will be most effective?
4) Can they hear and see me easily? Is a public address system needed? Is the lighting ideal?
5) How can I use my presentational aids, voice and body to guide them through my presentation? Should I have a computer driven presentation? How can I use my voice to emphasize and direct attention?
6) Do I seem to be enthusiastic and informed about my presentation?
7) Would I notice if some in the audience couldn't hear, see or understand what is being presented?
8) What questions, if any were asked during and after the presentation? How will these questions affect my next presentation? Did they understand my content? Are they considering changing their position?
9) Did I need leave behind materials? How will they be distributed? How many will be needed? Do the materials have appropriate contact information?
(This first appeared in May, 2010}
2) Who do they think I am? Do they know me, if not what will I provide for them about me?
3) What can I say non-verbally that will provide them context? How do they think I should dress? What language and demeanor do they expect? What appearance will be most effective?
4) Can they hear and see me easily? Is a public address system needed? Is the lighting ideal?
5) How can I use my presentational aids, voice and body to guide them through my presentation? Should I have a computer driven presentation? How can I use my voice to emphasize and direct attention?
6) Do I seem to be enthusiastic and informed about my presentation?
7) Would I notice if some in the audience couldn't hear, see or understand what is being presented?
8) What questions, if any were asked during and after the presentation? How will these questions affect my next presentation? Did they understand my content? Are they considering changing their position?
9) Did I need leave behind materials? How will they be distributed? How many will be needed? Do the materials have appropriate contact information?
(This first appeared in May, 2010}
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Common Problems
One of the most obvious and common problems encountered when making public presentations has to do with organization. Each individual is different and 16 or more individuals serve to makeup a typical audience. That puts a burden on the speaker immediately. The fit of the topic, speaker and audience is critical to success. How the ideas are organized merits a great deal of attention. The temptation is to spend most of the time gathering and the data and preparation of notes and presentation materials.
The data is important. But the fit of the data to the audience and the speaker is critical. How should the data be characterized? Why should the audience care about what they are hearing? What should they do with the data they are hearing? Which items are critical to audience understanding? What do they need to know in general before they will understand what the speaker is saying? What does the audience need to know first and last? How are they going to recall what is being said to them? These are organizational considerations. They are almost always given little or no attention.
First, know what your goal is? Surround and review the data that is the essence of what is going to be said and fit it to the audience. Then ask if this audience needs to be able to listen to what you have to say? Careful planning (organization) will enable the speaker to talk to an audience commanding their attention, aiding them to understand and follow what is being said and then recall it when the time comes to use the information.
Of course this entire process fits communication no matter how large the audience is.
The data is important. But the fit of the data to the audience and the speaker is critical. How should the data be characterized? Why should the audience care about what they are hearing? What should they do with the data they are hearing? Which items are critical to audience understanding? What do they need to know in general before they will understand what the speaker is saying? What does the audience need to know first and last? How are they going to recall what is being said to them? These are organizational considerations. They are almost always given little or no attention.
First, know what your goal is? Surround and review the data that is the essence of what is going to be said and fit it to the audience. Then ask if this audience needs to be able to listen to what you have to say? Careful planning (organization) will enable the speaker to talk to an audience commanding their attention, aiding them to understand and follow what is being said and then recall it when the time comes to use the information.
Of course this entire process fits communication no matter how large the audience is.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Credibility
When you are speaking to anyone, keep in mind that they do to you what you do to other speakers: evaluate the speaker's ability to tell you things you can trust. What we do is evaluate the credibility of speakers/sources constantly. We listen to some with great interest and ignore others. In fact, we fear recalling too much of what some sources tell us because we don't want to be embarrassed by inaccurate or outright false information.
Be careful what you say when talking. Avoid anything that will damage your credibility. Self deprecation can be a useful tool, but don't let it affect the content of what you are saying. All listeners want to learn everything they can quickly and easily , especially in the areas of their personal interest. Then, they want to feel comfortable passing on that information to others. That way they appear to be brighter and more intelligent than they really are. If the information is faulty or incorrect, they appear to be gullible or less intelligent then they really are.
The solution to the problem is two fold: 1) develop habits of regular and constant data gathering and 2) do nothing to cause your listeners to question your credibility. That way when you speak in any size group, folk will listen, because they will learn something important to them quickly and easily. You are providing a major benefit to them through your ability to learn, organize and delivery information that they need/want and will use.
Be careful what you say when talking. Avoid anything that will damage your credibility. Self deprecation can be a useful tool, but don't let it affect the content of what you are saying. All listeners want to learn everything they can quickly and easily , especially in the areas of their personal interest. Then, they want to feel comfortable passing on that information to others. That way they appear to be brighter and more intelligent than they really are. If the information is faulty or incorrect, they appear to be gullible or less intelligent then they really are.
The solution to the problem is two fold: 1) develop habits of regular and constant data gathering and 2) do nothing to cause your listeners to question your credibility. That way when you speak in any size group, folk will listen, because they will learn something important to them quickly and easily. You are providing a major benefit to them through your ability to learn, organize and delivery information that they need/want and will use.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
First Contact
The first contact with any audience is important. Often ignored it makes a huge difference to the outcome of the experience.
Before you can speak, the audience is already deciding if they are going to listen. That has to do with the way you look, walk and act. Before you can be seen last minute adjustments should have been completed, leaving nothing to chance. Now, put yourself out of your mind.
They see you and your nonverbal communications are being used by them to make decisions. If they decide they can listen to you without risk, they probably will. In some cases they have seen publicity and advertising that indicated to them that they might be interested.
When you do begin to speak, the verbal portion of the first contact needs to be well thought out, carefully worded and created to tie the audience to the speaker and the topic. The standard elements need to be present: 1) gain attention, 2) tie the audience to you and your topic, 3) assure the audience that you know what you’re talking about, 4) tell them what the topic is and 5) hit the main points you will be covering.
Don’t spend any time suggesting that what you are about to say “is the best you could under the circumstances.” Don’t suggest by your delivery that you are afraid of the sound of your own voice. Just dive into the ideas you are going to present with enthusiasm. If you’re not interested in what you are saying, why should they be? Your only concern should be the valuable service you are providing to them.
The first contact with any and all audiences without regard to size is important. Spend necessary time preparing for the best possible introduction to your communication to assure better outcomes.
Before you can speak, the audience is already deciding if they are going to listen. That has to do with the way you look, walk and act. Before you can be seen last minute adjustments should have been completed, leaving nothing to chance. Now, put yourself out of your mind.
They see you and your nonverbal communications are being used by them to make decisions. If they decide they can listen to you without risk, they probably will. In some cases they have seen publicity and advertising that indicated to them that they might be interested.
When you do begin to speak, the verbal portion of the first contact needs to be well thought out, carefully worded and created to tie the audience to the speaker and the topic. The standard elements need to be present: 1) gain attention, 2) tie the audience to you and your topic, 3) assure the audience that you know what you’re talking about, 4) tell them what the topic is and 5) hit the main points you will be covering.
Don’t spend any time suggesting that what you are about to say “is the best you could under the circumstances.” Don’t suggest by your delivery that you are afraid of the sound of your own voice. Just dive into the ideas you are going to present with enthusiasm. If you’re not interested in what you are saying, why should they be? Your only concern should be the valuable service you are providing to them.
The first contact with any and all audiences without regard to size is important. Spend necessary time preparing for the best possible introduction to your communication to assure better outcomes.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Conclusion
Usually, speakers spend little time being concerned about introductions or conclusions. Most of the time is spent on the body of the speech. Their concern is for the main content of the speech and not for those who are expected to listen, or even how the listeners might use the content.
Clearly, if the audience doesn’t listen in the first place, they are not going to recall what you said. But, once you have established a plan for getting and holding their attention with a well planned introduction you need to provide them with an effective way to recall what you’ve said.
There are several things that you can do. A list of ideas, concepts and/or actions will help your listeners recall what you have said. Even a day or so later should someone ask what your speech was about, thanks to the plan you developed they are able to recall all or most of what you said. Sometimes a word can be a useful tool.
For example, you are speaking on the responsibilities of piloting an airplane and you know that there are many things to recall. You want your audience to get a glimpse of the challenge facing pilots. In order to help the audience retain what you have said you list things to be checked. Then you explain during your speech that these things must be remembered to assure a safe flight. These are the things you must check:
Controls
Gas
Rudder
Instruments
Ailerons
Safety
In order to recall all of the items to be checked you create a mnemonic device: a word easily recalled that represents every item on the safety checklist. How ‘bout CIGARS? That should do the trick. Now you can explain to your audience the importance of pre-flight checks and have them remember what you said.
A little thought in advance may make a huge difference to the listener.
Clearly, if the audience doesn’t listen in the first place, they are not going to recall what you said. But, once you have established a plan for getting and holding their attention with a well planned introduction you need to provide them with an effective way to recall what you’ve said.
There are several things that you can do. A list of ideas, concepts and/or actions will help your listeners recall what you have said. Even a day or so later should someone ask what your speech was about, thanks to the plan you developed they are able to recall all or most of what you said. Sometimes a word can be a useful tool.
For example, you are speaking on the responsibilities of piloting an airplane and you know that there are many things to recall. You want your audience to get a glimpse of the challenge facing pilots. In order to help the audience retain what you have said you list things to be checked. Then you explain during your speech that these things must be remembered to assure a safe flight. These are the things you must check:
Controls
Gas
Rudder
Instruments
Ailerons
Safety
In order to recall all of the items to be checked you create a mnemonic device: a word easily recalled that represents every item on the safety checklist. How ‘bout CIGARS? That should do the trick. Now you can explain to your audience the importance of pre-flight checks and have them remember what you said.
A little thought in advance may make a huge difference to the listener.
Introductions
The introduction to a speech usually does not receive the attention it deserves. The reason is likely that we spend most of our time on the body of the speech, which is the reason we are speaking in the first place. The body gets all the attention and the introduction and conclusion get nearly nothing.
The fact is that the introduction deserves considerable attention. In fact, it deserves a plan. The listener wants to know why they should bother to spend the time and energy necessary to focus on what you’re going to say. If it can be avoided, they will wander off in their thoughts to anything more pleasant and less energy consuming. Remember, focus requires that the individual listen, interpret, sort, store and recall what is being said. That can be very tiring. If the listener is going to spend the energy what’s in it for them?
Consider the audience: what are they willing to spend their energy on? Can you tie your topic to anything that most of the audience would consider to be of importance? They will likely consider such things as social success, money, security, etc. Once you have that in mind, tie your topic to one of those interests. Now they have a reason to listen.
For example: I can enjoy watching a golf tournament on TV. I can talk about the things I have seen during the tournament and my wife will not understand or care. For her watching a golf tournament is like watching grass grow. If I hope to involve her in a conversation about golf, I need to give her a pretty good reason why it is important to her. If I fail to do that, I have failed to gain and hold her attention. That means, I can talk all day long with the best possible delivery about golf and she won’t listen and she won’t care. Without having the audience share your interest in your topic you are just flapping your gums. Tie the subject to you audience and do it with a plan.
The fact is that the introduction deserves considerable attention. In fact, it deserves a plan. The listener wants to know why they should bother to spend the time and energy necessary to focus on what you’re going to say. If it can be avoided, they will wander off in their thoughts to anything more pleasant and less energy consuming. Remember, focus requires that the individual listen, interpret, sort, store and recall what is being said. That can be very tiring. If the listener is going to spend the energy what’s in it for them?
Consider the audience: what are they willing to spend their energy on? Can you tie your topic to anything that most of the audience would consider to be of importance? They will likely consider such things as social success, money, security, etc. Once you have that in mind, tie your topic to one of those interests. Now they have a reason to listen.
For example: I can enjoy watching a golf tournament on TV. I can talk about the things I have seen during the tournament and my wife will not understand or care. For her watching a golf tournament is like watching grass grow. If I hope to involve her in a conversation about golf, I need to give her a pretty good reason why it is important to her. If I fail to do that, I have failed to gain and hold her attention. That means, I can talk all day long with the best possible delivery about golf and she won’t listen and she won’t care. Without having the audience share your interest in your topic you are just flapping your gums. Tie the subject to you audience and do it with a plan.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Organization Is Important
“Well, why didn’t you say that in the first place?” That’s an expression many of us have heard often over the years. Why would anybody say such a thing? Simple: had they understood your starting point clearly they would have had a better chance to understand everything else you have said.
Organization is important and should never be ignored. Just because something is clear in your mind doesn’t mean that it will be clear to others. If they had the same understanding you do of the subject, then you might be able to assume that whatever is clear to you should be clear to them. But their understanding is bound to be different. The world that they have created in their mind is different from the world you’ve created in yours. That means that you are going to have to proceed with caution, step by step, using examples, definitions, illustrations, stories, statistics and other materials to build your idea in their mind.
The more time you spend building an organization that will make clear what you’re thinking the more likely those you are talking to will understand what you are trying to communicate. In part, our impatience with organization comes from the belief that “all reasonable people are pretty much like I am.” Even if that were true in general it isn’t true in particular. You have built your world one experience at a time over several months or years. Now you have to provide the equivalent information in the proper order to empower them to understand what you are saying.
Organization is key. The better you are at the following thought processes the more likely that you will be effective at speaking.
1. Focus on your knowledge base. What do I know about my chosen topic? What is the goal of my communication?
2. Focus on the audience—what do they know about my topic? What will they need to know to understand what I’m talking about?
3. What do I want them to think, or be able to do? Can I state it in a simple declarative sentence and does it cover basically one topic?
4. How can I arrange my materials to produce the outcome I want/need? What do they need to know in general and in what order for them to understand?
5. Can I say it in such a way that they will see that it is important to them, easy to understand and memorable? Will they be able to explain to another person later what you have said?
Organization is important and should never be ignored. Just because something is clear in your mind doesn’t mean that it will be clear to others. If they had the same understanding you do of the subject, then you might be able to assume that whatever is clear to you should be clear to them. But their understanding is bound to be different. The world that they have created in their mind is different from the world you’ve created in yours. That means that you are going to have to proceed with caution, step by step, using examples, definitions, illustrations, stories, statistics and other materials to build your idea in their mind.
The more time you spend building an organization that will make clear what you’re thinking the more likely those you are talking to will understand what you are trying to communicate. In part, our impatience with organization comes from the belief that “all reasonable people are pretty much like I am.” Even if that were true in general it isn’t true in particular. You have built your world one experience at a time over several months or years. Now you have to provide the equivalent information in the proper order to empower them to understand what you are saying.
Organization is key. The better you are at the following thought processes the more likely that you will be effective at speaking.
1. Focus on your knowledge base. What do I know about my chosen topic? What is the goal of my communication?
2. Focus on the audience—what do they know about my topic? What will they need to know to understand what I’m talking about?
3. What do I want them to think, or be able to do? Can I state it in a simple declarative sentence and does it cover basically one topic?
4. How can I arrange my materials to produce the outcome I want/need? What do they need to know in general and in what order for them to understand?
5. Can I say it in such a way that they will see that it is important to them, easy to understand and memorable? Will they be able to explain to another person later what you have said?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Speech Writers: Good or Bad?
Presidents of the United States have used speech writers for years. From one point of view, that may mean that we never know how our president really feels about the issues. The speech writers interpret what the power structure behind the president wants communicated and gives it to the president to read. With the issues so very complicated and important why not have the added protection of a literate group providing the president and through his/her voice give us insight into what should be done?
In fact, as we watch our presidents age visibly while they are in office and we recognize how enormously complicated the issues facing us are why should we expect them to completely understand all the issues. Many of the issues our nation faces are bound to impact the entire globe. Folk who are experts must advise the president at all levels, at all times about all things and that probably should include speech writing.
On the other hand, we all remember campaign promises that never seem to be priorities after the election has been won. We wonder what ever happened to those promises. It makes each of us a little more cynical than we were the year before. Circumstances change constantly and alter the actions necessary. "What ever happened to the person I voted for?" That's a question we've all asked at some point. The fact is, what ever happened to us that we have made so many changes and adaptations to fit our new positions in life. Change happens. We adjust and we understand that from our point of view. It is much harder to understand how our issues can be so easily abandoned by our president and congress.
So are speech writers a really good idea? Can you imagine presidents you don't like writing their own speeches? Can you imagine any of us actually saying what we think without some sort of filter? Speech writers are good to have if you hope to have a smooth running organization. Simple words poorly chosen can cause huge furors over things on which we don't really want to spend time and resources. The question isn't really are speech writers ethical to use, but instead are the folk who use them ethical.
In fact, as we watch our presidents age visibly while they are in office and we recognize how enormously complicated the issues facing us are why should we expect them to completely understand all the issues. Many of the issues our nation faces are bound to impact the entire globe. Folk who are experts must advise the president at all levels, at all times about all things and that probably should include speech writing.
On the other hand, we all remember campaign promises that never seem to be priorities after the election has been won. We wonder what ever happened to those promises. It makes each of us a little more cynical than we were the year before. Circumstances change constantly and alter the actions necessary. "What ever happened to the person I voted for?" That's a question we've all asked at some point. The fact is, what ever happened to us that we have made so many changes and adaptations to fit our new positions in life. Change happens. We adjust and we understand that from our point of view. It is much harder to understand how our issues can be so easily abandoned by our president and congress.
So are speech writers a really good idea? Can you imagine presidents you don't like writing their own speeches? Can you imagine any of us actually saying what we think without some sort of filter? Speech writers are good to have if you hope to have a smooth running organization. Simple words poorly chosen can cause huge furors over things on which we don't really want to spend time and resources. The question isn't really are speech writers ethical to use, but instead are the folk who use them ethical.
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