Except: The Leader Servant ~ 3 December 2012
Dallas Theological Seminary – SL305 Dynamics of Leadership
The Leader Servant’s high
proficiency demands effective communication. Effective communication comprises
an array of subtopics: verbiage, tonality, rate, volume, eye contact, body
posture and positioning, facial expression, attitude—desire, love, patience,
method of written, oral and the various technological categories of each, and
the variability of all these. The best communicators practice, practice, and
practice!
Body posture, facial expression,
attitude—desire, love, patience affect all communication regardless whether the
audience sees or hears the communicator. We subconsciously convey these attributes
through our dialogue, whether in person, on the phone, writing a letter, blog,
text message, e-mail or post on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Additionally, prudence advises
stating one’s tonality in written communication, especially when the
environment is tense. For example, Paul concludes 1 Corinthians by telling them
how much he cares about them after a letter with many heated messages, encouraging the Corinthian church to get their act
together.
When necessary, I commence e-mails saying, “Please read this in
cordial, conversation tonality.” This results from experience when some have
interpreted my attitude in the communication as angry or upset, especially when
I seek to concision in a hurried moment.
Eye contact is vital, this
captures and maintains the listeners attention along with letting them know
that you value them as a person. Additionally, the lack of eye contact usually
indicates dishonesty, shame, shyness or insecurity.
This indicator enhances our
ability to adjust the communication on
the fly, whether speaking with one or present to several thousand people.
Varying verbiage, tonality and volume also enhance the listeners ability to stay
attentive.
Paul instructs the Corinthian
church of the necessity to have interpreters if speaking in tongues. He points
out that communication’s effectiveness includes comprehension. The Leader Servant understands listener
comprehension includes adequate articulation and volume of the message for them
to hear.
Several years ago, 1974 Horatio Alger award recipient William Bailey
served as my mentor for my public speaking. He previously mentored renowned
speakers such as Jim Rohn, and Less Brown.
Mr. Bailey said, “Rick, you have
a terrific, powerful message. However, we need to improve your articulation and
voice’s tonality.” I visited a speech pathologist weekly in first and second
grade.
William Bailey suggested I read aloud Shakespeare or King James version
Psalm, “as if to 500 people”, for fifteen to twenty minutes every day.
My
articulation and tonality improved greatly, consequently others willingness to
listen and respond to my message also increased. As a Leader Servant, I continue developing my voice and encourage others
to do the same.
The Leader Servant strives to include as many as possible in the
organizations communications, especially e-mails. Obviously, confidentiality
and topic aide in determining scope. Supporters and donors desire inclusion of
communication. If they desire, they may request omission from the list or
delete the e-mail.
How does one improve verbiage?
Strive to omit most “be” verbs such as “is, was, be, being, are,” etc. They do
have appropriate uses, we must choose carefully. One may often find a powerful
verb to use. Negations should also be avoided to the best of one’s ability.
For example, instead of the
Leader instructing his group to “Don’t be late,” or “Don’t forget…”, the
effective Leader Servant instructs
them to “Be on time” and “Remember.” The subconscious fails to register
negative connotations such as “not,” and “no.”
Consequently, the words “Do not
be late” register in the subconscious as “Do be late.” The conscious does have
the ability to recognize and acknowledge the negation, however this requires 40
percent[1]
more brain power than the absence of negations.
See Christ,
Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe,
Achieve Inc.
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