COMPETENT COMMUNICATION

     This week’s assignment required that we identify someone that we know of that demonstrates competent communication skills. In thinking about who I would identify, I came up with my good friend Yolanda. She has been endowed with this gift.  Yes, I say gift. I always thought that certain people just have that knack for being a competent communicator and especially one that is always in front of crowds and audiences.  Yolanda is a retired Lt. Colonel from the U.S.  Army and has been trained and groomed in speaking in front of crowds both large and small. Not only was she great in the military, she works as financial advisor and is now holding Leadership Conferences in woman’s ministry.   Yolanda has the ability to take a subject and break it down or explain it in such a way that it becomes as simple as can be. She brings clarity and acceptance. When she speaks, she demands for the audience’s attention. Although she doesn’t have a loud voice, her voice is mellow and has an even pitch. Her voice isn’t boring but is easy to listen and follow and keeps your focus. What makes her competent and effective is that she is also a great listener. When she’s asked a question, and someone responds, she is able to understand their meaning. Listening well is a skill that takes practice. Sometimes when people speak they oftentimes do not say what they mean. Her ability to read between the lines and convey what one has not said is effective. She also is animated when telling stories that will leave the audience with much laughter. Another aspect is that Yolanda has the ability to speak to any type of cultural context. Whether that audience is corporate, casual, social, military, she can adapt and adjust to that cultural setting. Having the ability to operate in this capacity is what I call effective.  When she begins her trainings, she is also able to take the elephant out of the room and people instantly become relaxed and at ease.

      Watching my friend in action is encouraging and inspiring to me.  Yolanda has the skills that I would like to develop and possess. She has established that confidence to go before audiences and crowds, of various genders, faces, and races and keep them interested.  Developing the practice of keeping audiences engaged is a great communicative practice that I would like to model.