Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan

Effective Communication to Effective Communication to Establish ConnectionsEstablish Connections

A Skilled CommunicatorA Skilled Communicator

• Communication is essential for all who would lead.

• Be honest in your presentation.– Belief in your message inspires believability.

• To persuade others, share your vision.– “Without a vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18– Embody your vision and personify your cause.

• Signals sent through non-verbal communication should be consistent with verbal message.

• Non-verbal communication may reveal traits of character.

• Live your message.

Focusing on the AudienceFocusing on the Audience

• Always talk to your audience.• Aim your message as to a group of familiar

individuals in a familiar setting.• Focus on the interests and concerns of the

audience.• Direct communication toward action.• Q&A sessions help speaker learn about the

audience.• Use both careful preparation and spontaneity.

Designing CommunicationDesigning Communication• Find your own voice and become your

own best speechwriter.• In public speaking use short sentences

and short words.– “Mr. Gorbachov, tear down this wall.”– Establish who you are, where you stand, and

what you want.– What you say and how you say it.

• Use examples, statistics, quotations, etc.• Be sure you are “holding the pen” for the

final draft of a speech.

Responding to CriticismResponding to Criticism• Accept questioning and criticism and learn from

it.• The higher you go, the more intense will be the

criticism.• Respond directly to legitimate criticism.

– Avoid being distracted by personal attacks.

• Respond to a critic in a way consistent with your broader message.

• React in a steady, detached manner.• Emphasize the affirmative rather than the

negative.– Focus on what you are for.– Ignore what you are against.

Personal Traits for LeadershipPersonal Traits for Leadership

• Courage.• Authenticity.• Confidence.• Empathy.• Discipline.• Perseverance.• Constancy.• Distance.• Humility.