Secrets
of a Great Communicator
Dear
Associate,
Ronald
Reagan was known as The Great Communicator quite frankly because
of his warm and friendly style that pundits, politicos and
even the press grew to admire. He was able to deflect most
criticisms and even tried to win over his critics. His mild
mannerism, pleasing personality and down-to-earth analogies
made him a favorite with the American people.
I
believe you and I are paddling in that same boat. You have
a message that needs to get across. Maybe not to an entire
country, but maybe for a business proposal, your homeowners'
association or simply to get your kids to eat more vegetables.
One
of the most effective ways we become master communicators
is by modeling the great communicators. They have a way with
words that are the envy of the world. Or maybe just in their
everyday world.
Let's
study the three keys of a great communicator...
1)
From me to you. This is one of the most difficult to master
because it requires removing your ego. You reduce the "I"
from your message. You talk from the other party's point of
view. What they get. You communicate by using a lot of "yous."
When
President Obama speaks, he makes his points and examples relevant
for the audience. He speaks with "you" in mind.
When this happens people respond favorably. They get excited
and become enthusiastic about his message.
If
you're communicating a message, begin in terms of what the
listeners get. Or what they stand to lose. I guarantee you'll
instantly draw them in.
2)
Listening with intent. This is probably one of the most
overlooked, and yet one of the most critical keys to master.
You're not only listening to the other party, but you're also
reading their signals. You're reading their facial expressions
and body language. If you're receiving negative signals, that's
your clue to shift gears.
I
watched a senior doctor deliver one of the best humorous talks
on old age. He had the audience laughing so hard they were
in pain. Although he was only reading zingers anyone can download
off the Internet—his timing was impeccable because he
listened carefully. He read his crowd before proceeding to
the next zinger.
The
next time you're watching someone give his message, study
to see if he's paying attention to his audience. If he is,
then he's appreciating them and their shared time together.
This is a sign he's listening and is interested in his audience.
3)
Storytelling. You won't really be known as a great communicator
unless you master the art of telling stories. I'm talking
about good, clean and funny stories that work for general
audiences. If you're a professional speaker: your reputation,
return engagements and prosperity will all rise because you've
mastered this one key.
One
of Ronald Reagan's favorite stories concerned an American
and a Soviet:
"In
my country," said the American, "I can walk right
into the Oval Office and say I don't like the way Ronald Reagan
is running the United States."
"I
can do that with Gorbachev, too," replied the Soviet.
Having
heard about Soviet repression, the American was incredulous.
"You've got to be kidding!" he said.
"Not
at all," replied the Soviet. "I can walk right into
Gorbachev's office and say, 'I don't like the way Ronald Reagan
is running the United States!'"
Great
communicators begin and end with the other party in mind.
Perfect these three keys and your audience will fall in love
with you. Special thanks to The Gipper.
Warm
regards,
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