The most important thing about communication.
Back when I was in grad school, I had this incredible opportunity to soak up wisdom from one of the most captivating speakers I've ever encountered.
This verbal guru was on another level. He had this knack for blending stories with statistics and holding you spellbound with every word. You didn’t have to pay attention, because he captured your imagination from the start.
So, it's the first day of class, and there we all are, eagerly waiting for him to drop some knowledge. He strolls in, cool as a cucumber, and hits us with a simple question:
"What's the most important thing about communication?"
Hands shoot up left and right, one by one we all get shot down. The tension in the room builds until he finally breaks the silence:
"The most important thing about communication is having something to say."
Boom.
Mic drop.
That insight has stuck with me shaping the way I approach everything in business and life. I've built my whole practice around it—writing, teaching, coaching, you name it—making sure I've always got something worthwhile to share.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I've distilled my communication must-dos into five key principles.
Yep.
You can count 'em on one hand, and they're absolutely helpful for improving your verbal skills.
First up: Have something to say. It's like that old saying, "Buy the ticket and take the ride." You've gotta get out there and live a little, fall down, pick yourself back up—do the whole dance. Sure, research helps, but there's nothing like hearing straight-up truth from someone who's been around the block. Nothing beats personal experience and the wisdom that comes from living life.
Next, say ONE thing well. None of that waffling around trying to cover every base. Keep it simple, stupid. Use the MEAT acronym—Motivation, Examination, Application, Takeaway—to keep your message tight and on point.
Motivation is the hook - stats, stories and humor work.
Examination is a deeper look from your perspective.
Application is the relevant bit that means something to the fine folks you’re speaking to.
And, the takeaway is a call to action wrapped back around the main idea of what you’re yapping about.
Speaking from the heart is key, too. It's all about being real, vulnerable, and having the guts to say what you mean. None of that sugar-coated BS—people can smell insincerity a mile away. Use your voice. Don’t try to sound like everyone else. And, don’t try to be an expert. Be you. Honest and unfiltered.
Don't forget to tell stories. We are story-telling creatures at our core. Stories stick with folks, they hit 'em right in the feels, and they're the best way to drive a point home. If language shapes culture, then stories frame the truth of what works. At least, that's what worked for us. And, how we best remembered it.
Last but not least, speak to ONE soul. Forget the generic spiel—aim small, and you'll hit big. Whenever I write, give a keynote, or plan a workshop, I always have one specific person in mind. It’s a lot easier to communicate with clarity when you’re speaking to someone you know. Tom Waits said it best: "The way you affect your audience is more important than how many of them are there."
So, yeah, that's the lowdown. My five key must-haves to connect and communicate in meaningful ways.
I’m not sure which one resonated with you the most, but, I’d start there. Pen to paper. Fingers to keyboard. Face to face over coffee. Whatever little bit of wisdom struck a chord, camp out with it for a while. Make it your own. And, use it to your advantage.
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Steve Knox | Houston, Texas
/// Thanks for reading and getting the word out. Our little tribe is growing. Forward or share this post to your circle of amigos. Then tee up a time to talk with them about it. It’s a conversation worth having.