My own experience has been multiform. In my opinion, communication is fundamentally a matter of relationships. What one communicates is less important than to whom one communicates. My understanding of effective communication has been a journey to say the least. Initially, I was certain what mattered most was being the smartest and having a superior message. Now, my question is simply, how can one be understood and share ideas effectively?
In a nutshell, when human beings talk to one another, it is one’s individual personality that defines how an audience is being addressed. Unfortunately, many public figures or “leaders” in today’s world have acquired the unenviable reputation of being completely insincere, or la langue de bois. In many types of “official communication,” communicators are often discouraged from sharing certain emotions (disappointment, anger and enthusiasm to name a few) and as a result, they appear insincere, as does their message. This is a huge mistake. I speak and write what I feel. While this might not always please everyone, I know that the feedback will be refreshing, sincere and candid. As communicators, we can’t really ask for anything more.