See How Easily You Can Develop Excellent Communication Skills

Posted on April 5, 2008 by miguelpineiro

It’s not what you tell them, it is what they hear.”

- Red Auerbach, former coach, Boston Celtics

One of my favorite communicators is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Flickr via Pan-African News Wire Photo File

I was reading through a workbook titled “Wired for Influence: Skills to Lead Others” by Tim Elmore.

He highlights Dr. King as one of the great communicators of the 20th century.

Content vs. Charisma

I have heard many speakers with great charisma but no content. You know the type, all fluff

On the other hand, many of us could recall the dreadful experience of a speaker who fell on the opposite end of the spectrum; great content, but no energy, or hook to capture his audience.

Flickr via AndiH

People Oriented Vs. Lesson Oriented

Elmore draws out a comparison between Public speakers and Communicators; public speakers teach lessons while communicators teach people.

The comparison between the two:

Public Speaker

  1. Puts the message before the people
  2. Asks the question: What do I have?
  3. Focuses on atmosphere
  4. Content oriented
  5. Goal: Complete the message

Communicator

  1. Puts the people before the message
  2. Asks the question: What do they need?
  3. Focuses on techniques
  4. Change oriented
  5. Goal: Complete the people

If I learned anything from Oral Communication, a glorified speaking course, a balance of content and charisma will not only greatly improve your grade, but your ability to engage any audience without putting them to sleep.

Have your say? Tell us what you think!

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12 Responses to “See How Easily You Can Develop Excellent Communication Skills”

  1. Brett, on April 5th, 2008 at 2:39 pm Said:

    I agree. One of the best bits of speaking advice I ever received was to focus on what they’re receiving, not on how you sound.

  2. Benny Greenberg, on April 5th, 2008 at 2:40 pm Said:

    I think those are fantastic examples.
    The one thing that comes to mind is this:

    They don’t care what you know, until they know you care!

    Benny Greenberg
    http://www.ya-ttitude.com

  3. thisisnotadiet, on April 5th, 2008 at 5:59 pm Said:

    Right on. These are wise words. Stuff I should be thinking about before I do public speaking!

    Thanks,

    -Jacob
    —————————————————————–
    “Making Diet History by Making Diet’s History”

  4. Gary, on April 5th, 2008 at 6:23 pm Said:

    Great distinctions. I think if you substituted the word “manager” for public speaker, and the word “leader” for communicator, you’d also have a fine distinction between managers and leaders in organizations.

    Bennis said, “We are over-managed and under-led.”

    And to come back to point, MLK was an amazing LEADER who knew how to communicate. The best leaders are those who can clearly communicate a compelling vision of the future.

    Good article!

    Gary

    http://www.garywinters.wordpress.com (The Leadership Almanac)

  5. Robin, on April 5th, 2008 at 6:54 pm Said:

    So right. I would love to add what I always think about when speaking to anyone. Talk like I’m speaking to a 13 year old. I say this because I’m in marketing (sales) and people can smell a sales person a mile away, even the best salespeople. So I leave all hype, big words, fluff and science out. My 10-year-old son is my test subject. If he understands everything I say I know I’ll be okay and won’t have the glazed over eyes. It works in my business and for lots of other professionals.

    Try it out sometime, you might be surprised.

    I love your blog. Mind if I add a link to mine?

    Thanks much
    Robin

  6. miguelpineiro, on April 5th, 2008 at 8:44 pm Said:

    hey Bert

    Your right, I’d rather focus on my audience, and the message they receive, instead of myself. It is easy to concentrate solely on yourself due to pride or personal gain.

    What might it look like if political speakers, or simply speakers in general, spoke out of genuine concern for their audience? No hype, fluff, personal gain, etc., instead, the speaks aim was for the benefit or well being of their audience and supporters.

    Hey Benny

    I agree, in all my years of learning and experience as a college student, I’m often reminded of this fact! People truly don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

    Hey Jacob

    Thanks for visiting! I’m in the same boat. I’m going to be speaking sometime next week, and these points are extremely helpful.

  7. miguelpineiro, on April 6th, 2008 at 1:19 am Said:

    Hey Gary

    Wow, I agree, “under managed, and over led.” Your right on! By the way, great site, you really have helpful content. My cousin used to say, “Your not a leader if no ones following.”
    Thanks for sharing!

    Hey Robin

    First, thanks for your kind words! You bet, add a link! I like your approach, I will give it a try. Your right about sales people, they smell! ha.. thanks for the tip! I’ll try it and let you know how everything goes.

  8. Tudor, on April 6th, 2008 at 5:58 am Said:

    Thanks for post and the info. about Tim Elmore. I’ll look him up and acknowledge you when I use what I find.

    Can’t help thinking that the polarization is a starting-point for fresh leadership insights.

    BTW: Great MLK image. I can use it for teaching purposes. How should I cite it if I put it on a blog post?

    Best wishes

  9. miguelpineiro, on April 6th, 2008 at 2:10 pm Said:

    Todor

    Thanks for your kind words, I would cite the source I tagged with the image. I like some of the tips Tim offers, he was mentored by John Maxwell. Thanks for asking.

  10. PreciseEdit, on April 6th, 2008 at 3:09 pm Said:

    This is marketing 101, as well as writing and speaking 101. What does the audience want and how does it want it?

    Thanks for the great reminder

  11. Ahmad Lukman, on April 7th, 2008 at 5:02 am Said:

    Such an interresting thema. May i rewrite (copy-paste) it @ my WP?

    Thanks a lot

  12. miguelpineiro, on April 7th, 2008 at 10:17 am Said:

    hey PreciseEdit

    Thanks for visiting! your right, a significant question to consider before speaking, writing and marketing. I glad you enjoyed the reminder.

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