“Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.”
— Gerald R. Ford
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“We can communicate an idea around the world in 70 seconds, but it sometimes takes years for an idea to get through one-fourth inch of the human skull.”
That statement comes from the mouth of Charles Kettering.
A lot of people fail because they don’t know how to communicate well. Some people become successful because they know how to convey their message well. Yes, good communication can make a person while bad communication can bring a person to nowhere.
A Fortune magazine article once carried this quotation: “It’s a shame when people can’t communicate. When they’re managers in your company, it’s a catastrophe.”
“The constant use of long, involved words proves two things,” Will Conway pointed out. “One, that you’re learned; and two, that you’re ignorant of how best to communicate with people.”
It’s not enough that you have lots of ideas and something to say. “Communication is not just what you say,” reminds bestselling author John C. Maxwell. “It’s also how you say it. Contrary to what some educators teach, the key to effective communication is simplicity. Forget about impressing people with big words or complex sentences. If you want to connect with people, keep it simple.”
Napoleon Bonaparte used to tell his secretaries, “Be clear, be clear, be clear.” And that is what good communication is all about.
“The great challenge in communicating is to understand the mind, the background, and the thinking process of your audience. If you know these, you can prevent a lot of ‘communication static,’” Wayne Pennington assures.
In these days of modern technology, there are several ways of sending your message across to people. Be sure to find the best method.
Years ago, an elderly carpenter who could not read received some mail, which greatly distressed him. A letter was an uncommon occurrence in his life, and he was anxious about its contents.
Consequently, he rushed to the butcher shop where the burly man with a rough voice behind the counter read it aloud. “This is a letter from your son,” he bellowed, “and it states: ‘Dead Dad, I am unwell and have not a single centavo. Please send me some money quickly. Your son, Mario.’
Affected by the harsh tone of the reader, the carpenter’s face flushed with anger, and he exclaimed, “Who does that boy think he is, instructing me on what to do? I will not give him a single centavo.”
In a fit of rage, the carpenter made his way back home. However, on his journey, he encountered his friend, the gentle tailor. He paused to share, “I want you to read this letter my son sent me.”
The tailor took the letter and read it aloud in his usual composed and refined manner. Suddenly, the message resonated differently with the carpenter. It sounded heartfelt and sorrowful.
The carpenter was left feeling deeply troubled. “Poor Mario,” he said, concern evident in his voice. “He is in dire straits. I must send him some money – quickly.”
Thus, he hurried off to wire funds to his son. The moral of the story: the interpretation of a message can greatly vary depending on how it is delivered!
“Think like a wise man,” William Butler Yeats declared, “but communicate in the language of the people.”
In some instances, words may not be enough to communicate well. A simple touch may do the same trick – and sometimes much better.
Roger Schutz, director of Taize, the world-famous ecumenical monastery in France, tells this story about one of his little nieces:
She was raised in the African country of Zaire and had a playmate of the same age. He was an orphan and experienced profound loneliness. He constructed a small shack that leaned against the tall stone wall separating the girl’s backyard from the open field where he played.
There was no door or gate in the garden wall, preventing the little girl from seeing the orphan boy on the other side. However, she discovered a hole in the wall and would reach her hand through it to hold the little boy’s hand.
The two children never actually saw each other. They were unable to communicate verbally as they did not share a common language. Nevertheless, they found solace in each other’s presence through the simple act of holding hands.
Schutz concluded the narrative by stating, “There are moments in life when words are insufficient, yet our sense of touch conveys profound meaning. Consider the baby nestled in its mother’s arms. Reflect on a nurse’s gentle hand on our feverish forehead. Think of an encouraging pat on the back or a comforting hand resting on our shoulder.”
This illustrates the immense power of communication. Speak openly and express your thoughts. Ensure that you choose the appropriate words and actions. Do not keep your ideas to yourself, or risk both parties losing out.
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