The ability to communicate well can have an enormous impact on our success at work, socially and in close personal relationships.
Former US President Gerald Ford said that if he had his time over: “I’d concentrate on two areas: learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.”
Winston Churchill said: “Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory.”
While not everyone aspires to high office, very good communicators stand out. Less-than-effective communicators also stand out. Is there anyone who at some time hasn’t been bored, confused or frustrated by a speaker who wasn’t aware of the effect they were having? Ignorance may be bliss for the speaker, but not for the audience!
Just as professionals such as elite sports people, pilots, lawyers, surgeons and so on realise that they benefit from on-going refinement of their professional skills. We can help you to become an even more capable and impactful communicator in a range of areas – without compromising your essential personality.
Be sincere, be brief, be seated.
Woodrow Wilson
Storytellers, by the very act telling, communicate a radical learning that changes lives and the world: telling stories is a universally accessible means through which people make meaning.
Chris Cavanaugh
Technique is the basis of every pursuit. If you’re a sportsman or you’re a singer or a swimmer, you have to develop a basic technique to know what you’re doing at any given time.
Joan Sutherland
To effectively communicate, we must realise that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.
Anthony Robbins
Good communication does not mean that you have to speak in perfectly formed sentences and paragraphs. It isn’t about slickness. Simple and clear go a long way.
John Kotter
I apologise for the length of this letter. If I had more time I would have written a shorter one.
Ernest Hemingway
The truth isn’t the truth until people believe you,
and they can’t believe you if they don’t know what you’re saying,
and they can’t know what you’re saying if they don’t listen to you,
and they won’t listen to you if you’re not interesting,
and you won’t be interesting unless you say things imaginatively, originally, freshly.”
Bill Bernbach