The conveyance of information from one person to another is referred to as communication.
Decker Communications recorded the most significant and inspiring communication moments of 2016, each with lessons that may be applied to ensure effective communication in the future. Decker focuses on training and altering communications through the mix of information and behavior to enable powerful communications in any situation. Changing communication entails actively engaging the audience as well as emotionally grabbing your listeners.
Communication is essential for success in leadership and business.
In this study, I will investigate my best communication moment as identified by Decker Communication's 2016 top ten communication moments. My best communication moment was the Speech from the First Lady of the United States. Her speech moved millions of people, and I was one of them. I will also focus on what the communicator did effectively and ineffectively, the lessons I learnt from the communication moment and how I would integrate the lessons learnt into my communication strategy.
Best Communication Moment
My best communication moment according to Decker Communications would be the First Lady, Michelle Obama’s speech at the National Democratic Convention on that took place on July 25th, 2016. This communication captured my interest because of the communicator’s outstanding ability to relate to the mass audience being addressed. Her confidence in her words, relation to real life experiences and her ability to empathize with her audience draws one to listen to her. Her speech did not exemplify the emptiness of it being just scripted for her to convey but included her authentic character and charisma. Her eye contact, facial expressions and the aggressiveness in her choice of words captured the heaviness of her message. Michelle Obama is a great communicator. Her eloquence and her ability to convict masses vocally are eccentric (Ben Decker & Kelly Decker, 2016).
Effectiveness of the Communicator
Michelle Obama was an effective communicator (Ben Decker & Kelly Decker, 2016). She was able to communicate using her nonverbal gestures to drive her point’s home. The way one moves and reacts, tells more than words could explain. Nonverbal communication helped her connect with her audience in expressing what she felt, and this built a relationship between her and the listeners. Although she connected to her audience through her emotional vulnerability, she ensured that she was in control of her emotions. When one is overwhelmed by his or her emotions, he or she may send the wrong message to her audience. Michelle also used the assertive expression of her honest feelings without including hostility and disrespect. There were no characteristics of an ineffective communicator (Hybels, 2014).
Lessons Learnt and Applications
I have learnt that emotional connection, nonverbal communication, eloquence and genuineness goes a long way in influencing communication. It is not just about writing a speech. For my communication strategy, I will integrate authenticity and passion for effective delivery. I will also ensure that my communication is short and relays all that is intended. I have also learnt that personalization helps in finding common ground with your audience. A message is successfully delivered when listeners can relate.
Conclusion
This communication moment reveals a lot in ensuring an effective communication. The ability to incorporate one’s emotion and truthfulness through the assertive expression of thoughts and use of simple, understandable words ensure successful communication.
References
Ben Decker & Kelly Decker. (2016). Decker Communications: Top 10 Communication Moments of 2016. Retrieved on August 28, 2017 from https://decker.com/blog/top-10-communication-moments-of-2016/
Hybels, S. (2014). Communicating effectively. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
