Why do you think Twitter became so popular?
Brevity is a modern weapon.
Don’t waste time. Others will thank you for it.
Tag Archives: Communication
Taking Things Slow
When I was growing up, the courtship expression “taking things slow” was entirely sexual. As the world matured and knocking boots became a recreational pastime, that expression became far less definitive. You want to take things slow? Okay, fine. But we’ve already consummated our acquaintance, so what exactly are we taking slow? Exclusivity? Time investment? Attendance at family gatherings? Dark secrets? Shared finances? Contracts? Procreation?
If you want to take things slow, you need to define a pacing metric for the other party involved. It is unreasonable and unnatural to expect the other person to take it easy on all fronts. After all, you would hope he or she is invested in you and wants to share more. While love will always be abstract, communication is imperative and there are a whole host of metrics you can outline. If we’re talking sexual, the bases can be a metric. Dates, deadlines and introductions can be metrics. Be clear about what the milestones are and do your best to sincerely justify your rationale.
No, this is not a relationship advice column. “Taking things slow” applies to business, projects, negotiations, physical therapy, meal consumption, tricycle training, and world domination. Metrics, objectives and scheduling are essential for measuring progress and success.
Big Idea, Huh?
We all have great ideas. Wonderful. Can you communicate them? Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Steven Spielberg tapped into this notion when he encouraged movie pitches to be 25 words or less. While Spielberg’s suggestion had a lot to do with the marketability of a film, the 25-word exercise forces you to boil your idea down to its core and communicate it. The exercise forces you to understand your idea more clearly.
Ideas do not need to be simple. In fact, they shouldn’t be. But they will get nowhere if they cannot be communicated simply enough to share with others.
How Blogging Can Help Build Your Net Worth
31 posts, 7,104 words, 311 unique readers, 1,721 article views, 27 states and 11 countries later, I have completed my first objective: blog every day in the month of March. It has been an extremely fulfilling experience, to say the least. Blogging has helped me:
- Learn to overcome procrastination on a micro task level.
- Develop the essential skill of writing.
- Communicate concepts otherwise lost in my head.
- Increase social media exposure.
- Reconnect with old friends.
- Introduce me to professionals in my industry and others.
It is amazing how much blogging can help you connect. My network is far more dynamic and rich than it was a month ago (and I do not think that has to do with the weather). I cannot say this enough, but a stronger network correlates with your personal net worth. You are more valuable if more people know you well.
I cannot recommend blogging enough. I will write soon about blogging tactics that have helped me build a daily audience.
I am on a role, have formed the habit, and have no intention of slowing down. I commit to blogging every single day through the remainder of 2011.
For every day I fail to blog in 2011, I will donate to charity $1 per total unique reader visiting my site.
And for those fooled, I am NOT moving to Europe. America is ripe with opportunity and I have much left to do!
If I Don’t Understand What You’re Saying, It’s Your Fault
When peers or collaborators do not understand you, do not blame it on them (it’s counterproductive). Either you have not communicated clearly enough or they have insufficient background to understand. Take credit for the miscommunication and try a different approach. Be prepared to educate.
First, identify points of comprehension. What parts did he or she understand? Use comprehension as an anchor for the rest of your revised approach. From there, tackle the incongruities. Teach concepts, use metaphors, whatever it takes to spread the butter across the bread. Repeat yourself if you need to. Repeat yourself if you need to.
Some people simply refuse to listen. It is still your fault – for not claiming attention and for choosing to speak in the first place. Know your audience. Only then will you be able to connect.
Be patient. Take responsibility. What is the point of communicating if you are not understood?
5 Fundamentals for the Effective Listener
- Always make eye contact. Know the other person’s eye color.
- Face the subject directly. Not at an angle, not side-by-side. Square your shoulders.
- Pay attention. Be present in the conversation. No cheating. Staring into space is not listening.
- Respond. Listening is not always silent. Repeat core thoughts, ask questions, laugh. It can save you from boredom.
- Lean forward. Into the conversation. But be careful not to invade personal space. Intimacy is key. Do not be afraid to connect.
Listen to someone well and they will be more inclined to listen to you.
Do Not Criticize
Do not criticize people’s choices. They will be less likely to trust your judgement because you just challenged their judgement.
Find another way to communicate your message. Or risk losing respect.
Craig Ormiston 