Emotion In the Message

I was talking with a client and friend of mine about being comfortable
speaking in an interview situation about what she does. She knows her stuff
from top to bottom but gets the heebie-jeebies when in the spotlight. We spent
a bit of time talking about why she does what she does and what it is that
drives and inspires her. Then we identified some topics that directly related
to those passions and will seek to target those topics in interviews. Needless
to say she’s feels much more comfortable. She’s more confident because she is
speaking from the heart…speaking with commitment…speaking with passion.

Bob McClain of WordsmithBob.com,
forwarded an article from one of his guests, Judy Merrick-Lockett, about
emotions being the bottom line of success. The article talks about the number
one factor determining success…emotional intelligence. It’s an interesting read
and points out, as above, that your emotions are a great tool when used
correctly.

Of course, there is a time and place for restraint. Let’s
not be going off on a rant about the high price of plumbers when someone asks
the way to the bathroom or starving kids in China when your kids say they’ve
had enough to eat (Mom!).  At the same
time don’t be afraid to be emotionally involved when you communicate whether in writing, during presentations, or in conversation. Too
often we get caught up in what and how something should be communicated and
miss the chance to really connect with the message and our audience. In a world
crowded with too many messages, a bit of passion and commitment will go along
way in cutting through the clutter.

A Note for the Teacher

Dear ______,

I was looking through the
handout that came home with my son regarding your plans, expectations, and
policies for your communications class. I truly appreciate all your hard work
and will do everything in my power to help my son excel in your class and
develop a strong interest in communication as I have. 

Also, I wanted to ask if you
have anything in your curriculum regarding communicating in the “New
Media” world including e-mail, text messaging, voicemail, blogging, etc… If
so, great! If not, I’d like
to talk with you about the subject.

Whether it’s a one day topic or a
week long “unit”, the way our kids communicate today is much
different and involves a technology that’s quite different than previous
generations. Text messaging has already become the communication of choice
among our youth and has spawned a whole new “language” while e-mail is the
standard in the business community. It is vital that our kids learn the art of
communication no matter what the vehicle. They must understand the difference
between crafting a short story or composing a letter and how they text or
e-mail. Imagine Hamlet written “2B?” You’d have to agree that what we write
reflects who we
are as an individual, as well as whom we are as a society, to
readers now and in the future.

I know you have much on your plate
as a new school year begins and I’m sure there are many things you wish to
accomplish. I hope that this topic is part of your teaching plans, if not this
year perhaps next.

Again, thanks so much for your
dedication to our kids and thanks in advance for your time on this
discussion. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Phil  Wilson

Dad