One of the hallmarks of a great communicator is the ability to connect. Great connectors continue to be great connectors because they evaluate themselves constantly.
Through my years as a minister, I’ve identified six different qualities of a connector. A couple of days ago, we looked at the first three on that list. Today, we’ll look at the remaining three qualities.
There are many ways for a communicator to relate well to his listeners. But few communicators make the connection with their audience that creates a lasting effect.
A communicator who wants to be effective in connecting with his listeners must be focused on others, he must keep the message simple, and he must be a great storyteller. But there are three additional essential qualities that a connector must display.
Connectors are creative communicators
Right off the bat, a connector must establish some common ground with his listeners. Your listeners all have their own agenda; they are listening because they need something from you. In order to help them see your vision, your purpose, you must identify those perceived needs and link your words to them. You can do that by getting inside your story. Tell it from the viewpoint of the insider. And don’t leave it hanging at the end; allow them to see what happened next, and enable them to see what their next step is as well.
There are four unpardonable sins for a communicator. When you commit any of these, you lose your connection. This happens when you are unprepared, are uncomfortable, are uncommitted, or are uninterested.
Connectors communicate with conviction
A belief is something that you hold. But a conviction is something that holds you. And your convictions make a huge difference in your message! When your listeners see how important this is to you, they identify more closely with what you are trying to impart to them.
There are three ways to connect your message in a way that makes a difference. Be more than the messenger, be a part of the message. Your listeners will relate more deeply and be more fully engaged. Your message must be more than just a sermon or a speech. Allow your listeners to see just how meaningful it is to you, and help them to see what it must be meaningful to them. And you must encourage them to see that they have a stake in the outcome.
Connectors master the art of timing
In order to connect with your listeners, you need to say the right thing at the right time. The wrong words at the wrong time spell disaster. The wrong words at the right time are a mistake. The right words at the wrong result in resistance. But the right words at the right time wins cooperation.
Know what to say. And know when to say it.
Again, being a great communicator requires a lot of work. It’s not easy. But taking the time to hone your skills at communication will result in a much more solid connection with your listeners than you realize.
And communicators are not only found in the roles of speech givers and preaching. You must communicate in every role you have, whether that’s in the home, or at work, or in your friendships. you must develop the ability to communicate well.
Great communicators connect. And they connect with a great message.
As a minister, what can be more important than communicating well?
We’ve covered the six qualities of a communicator. What would you add to this list? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
