See How Easily You Can Develop Excellent Communication Skills

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.

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.

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!

Plan Ahead

Welcome to miguelpineiro! Did you forgot about an assignment? Maybe you thought,

I’ll remember, no need to write it down.” Don’t worry, I’m guilty, I failed to plan and follow through.

Here’s an acronym of excellent tips to consider.

John Maxwell created a list of steps to help us plan effectively. The list comes from his book titled “Think of These Things,” by John Maxwell.

P- Predetermine a course of action.

This is your big picture project or purpose. You need a starting point and direction.

L-Lay out your goals.

Understand your goals and write them down.

A-Adjust your priorities.

Western culture is full of busy people; being busy does not equal productive. I learned this lesson in college! Find the most important thing in your schedule.

N-Notify key personnel.

Communicate with your team. Make sure everyone knows his or her part.

A-Allow time for acceptance

Your plan needs time to gain approval. Everyone may not jump of the bandwagon, so allow the necessary time.

H-Head into action.

Talking will only take you and your team so far, set a time limit on your discussions. Implement wisely and deliberately.
E-Expect problems.

The printer broke, my laptop crashed… I’ve heard them all, it is amazing, remember what can go wrong will go wrong. Deal with these issues effectively as they arise.

A-Always point to your successes.

Focus on your accomplishments, sometimes it may be necessary to review old papers or exams your proud of. Remind yourself of how far you come. Encouragement will come to you, as well as the people you lead. Confidence does wonders!

D-Daily review your planning.

Some student master the art of a daily schedule. Budget every hour, then revisit what you accomplished before you hit the sack.

Leadership is…? (Leadership Series)

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

– John Quincy Adams

According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, leadership is defined as follows:

1. The position or office of a leader: ascended to the leadership of the party.
2. Capacity or ability to lead: showed strong leadership during her first term in office.
3. A group of leaders: met with the leadership of the nation’s top unions.
4. Guidance; direction: The business prospered under the leadership of the new president.

Satisfied, didn’t think so, offer your thoughts on leadership. My cousin Benny says, “your not a leader if no one is following you.” I tend to think about leadership in terms of work accomplished behind the scenes. You know, what your doing when no one is watching.

Please offer your views on leadership. What are your thoughts on the topic of leadership. Please share your feedback, Remember to cite your sources and or provide links to related material.