(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

This distinction is centered around whether or not you connect with your “audience”. Connection is the key for effective communication – more than language, style or technique. Only when you are connected to someone can you communicate with them.

There are people who speak “at” others, spraying them with wit, wisdom or worry. This is most evident when people have a need to look good in the eyes of others. When you do, you will automatically want to impress them.

The best way to shift from impressing to communicating is to see the truth about what motivates you. If motivated by a need to look good or be seen as a nice guy or as a wise woman or…, then your conversations or presentations will ultimately be about you. To communicate effectively, get that stuff handled. Then each of your communications can be about others and their wants and needs, the only place where connection can occur.

 

Copyright 2001 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.