Effective communication is at the heart of so many successful projects, relationships, and endeavors. Given its magical ability to make things happen, we thought it would be helpful to bring some of the best communicators we know together to share their stories and insights around how they developed their ability to communicate effectively.
Preston Page
“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it.” – Albert Einstein
Communication starts with careful listening and asking questions about subject details that you understand it well enough to repeat. The “Five Whys” methodology developed for root cause analysis can also be applied to conversation to find the common ground for interaction. Read more>>
Toxickbunny
I think the moment I realized that everyone’s perspective is completely different is when I truly learned how to communicate.
When you learn that not everyone understands the world like you do, you get better at explaining your perspective and defining terms that might cause misunderstandings. This also means you become easier to digest and a way better storyteller. I hope to tell engaging stories that are relatable and entertaining for my community! Read more>>
Karlene Clark
The most important thing is knowing how to listen. More than spending time using the word “I” a person should focus on the “interview” questions when visiting with someone. “How are you”, “When did you do that?”, “Where was that restaurant you were talking about?” This allows you to learn more about the person and the community you are in. Read more>>
Chesapeake Mermaid
Well, our journey in developing effective communication skills has been quite unique. Back in 2017, the Chesapeake Mermaid faced an unexpected challenge when she lost her hearing overnight due to a rare bacterial infection. Instead of letting this setback stop us, we were inspired to create ‘The Last Bivalvian’ storybook within just three months, ensuring we could still connect and engage with audiences. Read more>>
Jai Staton
The most critical aspects of effective communication are knowledge of self and being willing to cultivate the ability to listen and think critically. As I continue along this journey, I’m discovering that knowing myself and what I believe to be true gives color and life to any situation I may find myself in. My knowledge of self guides my choices. And I know that other people have the same opportunity to bring their unique perspectives to their lives. That helps me to remember that everyone does not communicate the same way and that I want to be mindful of how I engage with others. I’ve also learned that being willing to engage and learn about others and with others has provided me incredible opportunities to listen and to think critically about what I may be hearing or reading. These factors are so beneficial to effective communication. I’ve learned many of my lessons in this area from being in positions of leadership, through volunteering, through my network of career, social, and community connections, and through writing. I want to be understood when I communicate. That means that I must seek to understand. And I do that as much as I can. Read more>>
Will Walls
I developed my ability to communicate effectively through a deep awareness of language and its use across different communities. As a sociolinguist, I study how language functions in various contexts, such as the exchange of goods and services, where the language of sales operates as a distinct dialect of English. By observing and analyzing this language in action, I’ve learned how to enhance productivity through effective communication at critical points of human connection. Read more>>
Matthew Dow
Communication looks different for everyone. It took me years of practice, trial and error, and self-reflection to learn how I give and receive communication.
As we know, the three main elements of communication are verbal, non-verbal and the actual words being communicated. In a world where the majority of communication is done via text, it becomes increasingly harder to get your point across without inadvertently offending someone. Read more>>
Damont Diggs
My ability to communicate effectively has been shaped by a combination of personal experience, education, and a deep commitment to understanding others. Growing up in Compton, I quickly learned the importance of clear and meaningful communication in a community where words carry weight. Later, my formal education at USC and UCLA allowed me to refine my skills, both in writing and in verbal expression, by immersing myself in diverse perspectives and complex ideas. Read more>>
