It’s not what you tell them, it is what they hear.”- Red Auerbach, former coach, Boston Celtics
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was an excellent communicator.
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 recall a 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
- Puts the message before the people
- Asks the question: What do I have?
- Focuses on atmosphere
- Content oriented
- Goal: Complete the message
Communicator
- Puts the people before the message
- Asks the question: What do they need?
- Focuses on techniques
- Change oriented
- 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.
Other suggestions:
- Attend a speaking group
- Practice controlling facial expressions in front of mirror
- Start conversations with strangers
- Find a speaking tips podcasts
- What else?
Have your say? Tell us what you think!
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- Follow me on Twitter to communicate and stay connected.
- Subscribe via RSS to keep up to date.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
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.
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
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”
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)
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Such an interresting thema. May i rewrite (copy-paste) it @ my WP?
Thanks a lot
hey PreciseEdit
Thanks for visiting! your right, a significant question to consider before speaking, writing and marketing. I glad you enjoyed the reminder.