John C. Maxwell writes in his book, "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader" that, "Educators take something simple and make it complicated. Communicators take something complicated and make it simple.
A message communicated in a simple and easy way has more impact when it is understood by the audience than a message delivered in a fancy, uncommon way that is hard to comprehend. People make a huge mistake while writing or speaking when they speak as they themselves understand it, completely ignoring the comprehension level of their audience. The message must be simplified. It is not what you say that matters, but how you say it. If the message is simple and clear, it will be communicated effectively. Do not try to use big, uncommon, and stylish words while you are speaking or writing; people do not care about them. If your message doesn't make sense to your audience, it will be ignored, and your efforts will be in vain. Remember that clarity and relevance are crucial in effective communication.
Know your audience. Effective communication depends on the understanding of one’s audience. If you know your audience, you can communicate with them effectively and easily. Prepare yourself before you speak; know your audience, their questions, and their needs. Design your message according to their needs. You do not need to prepare a whole speech according to what you think about a subject matter, but think from the perspective of your listeners and how they will connect with your message.
Say what you believe and live by it. Your deep conviction and firm belief in your words will give your message immense power, leaving an everlasting impact on your audience. If you practice what you preach, you will attract a genuine and loyal following, and people will take your words seriously. The importance of unwavering faith in what you say cannot be overstated. You might have heard the story of a little boy who brought an umbrella with him when the villagers gathered to pray for rain. The boy's faith was so strong that he knew their prayers would be answered. This kind of high belief system generates an immense amount of positive energy, which can be used to leave a lasting impact on your audience when delivering a message.
Learn how to finish what you start. If you know how to start a conversation, you must also know how to end it effectively. Unfinished work rarely brings results. By concluding your message with a call to action, your audience will remember it more clearly. When discussing a social issue, always end with a possible solution. This doesn’t mean you have to provide a perfect solution every time—such perfection is not always possible. However, by seeking a response and helping your audience connect with your message, you encourage them to take action. This way, your audience will remember you and your message.
When writing an email or letter, check your sentence structure, choice of words, and the simplicity and clarity of your sentences. Ensure that the vocabulary you use is easy and commonly understood by your readers. Avoid using difficult words that might require your readers to consult a dictionary to understand your message. Do not write complex sentence structures that require your readers to take notes to grasp the meaning of your message. Always keep two words in mind: clarity and simplicity.
Practice makes perfect. Apply what you have learned from this blog. Stay focused and direct your attention to effective communication. Live by what you say. If there is a gap between what you believe or practice and what you say, reduce that gap by developing unshakeable faith and unwavering belief in what you preach. Sometimes, when we over-focus, we lose sight of the bigger picture. Ask your friends and family to help ensure that you are truly living your message.
Please share your feedback, whether positive or negative. Growth comes from staying open to observation and critique. I once learned from an Instagram reel that if we allow others' words to dictate our behavior, we hinder our personal growth. True growth requires embracing criticism and using it as a tool for self-improvement.
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