Transcript Ronald Reagan on Communication

Ronald Reagan
Effective Communication to
Establish Connections
A Skilled Communicator
• Communication is essential for all who would
lead.
• Be honest in your presentation.
– Belief in your message inspires believability.
• To persuade others, share your vision.
– “Without a vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18
– Embody your vision and personify your cause.
• Signals sent through non-verbal communication
should be consistent with verbal message.
• Non-verbal communication may reveal traits of
character.
• Live your message.
Focusing on the Audience
• Always talk to your audience.
• Aim your message as to a group of familiar
individuals in a familiar setting.
• Focus on the interests and concerns of the
audience.
• Direct communication toward action.
• Q&A sessions help speaker learn about the
audience.
• Use both careful preparation and spontaneity.
Designing Communication
• Find your own voice and become your
own best speechwriter.
• In public speaking use short sentences
and short words.
– “Mr. Gorbachov, tear down this wall.”
– Establish who you are, where you stand, and
what you want.
– What you say and how you say it.
• Use examples, statistics, quotations, etc.
• Be sure you are “holding the pen” for the
final draft of a speech.
Responding to Criticism
• Accept questioning and criticism and learn from
it.
• The higher you go, the more intense will be the
criticism.
• Respond directly to legitimate criticism.
– Avoid being distracted by personal attacks.
• Respond to a critic in a way consistent with your
broader message.
• React in a steady, detached manner.
• Emphasize the affirmative rather than the
negative.
– Focus on what you are for.
– Ignore what you are against.
Personal Traits for Leadership
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Courage.
Authenticity.
Confidence.
Empathy.
Discipline.
Perseverance.
Constancy.
Distance.
Humility.