It’s Not Only What You Say That Matters

A few years ago now, there was a certain politician (who shall remain nameless) running for office, I agreed with this politician on almost all issues, however, I could hardly hear what he was saying because of the attitude that was shouting at me! The arrogance in which he delivered his message was so overwhelming that I couldn’t hear the message he was delivering.

My job affords me the “opportunity” to have difficult conversations with people on an almost daily basis, so I am always looking to grow in my ability to have those conversations in a way that people can hear me and ultimately move towards the desired goal.  It is a challenging task!

It’s important to realize whether in business or in your personal relationships that speaking the truth and communicating your message is only part of the equation.  It’s a whole other skill to say it in a way that your audience can really hear you.  It’s not only what you say, it’s how you say it.

Banging someone over the head, demanding your way, or belittling someone into submission may have a temporary effect, but those kind of communication strategies, can only at best, result in temporary compliance that leaves long term damage.

If you have something important to say, if you want to encourage change, if you want to communicate a message that people can get on board with, remember it’s not only what you say, but equally as important, how you say it.