@Patrica-I agree. We definitely need to be active listeners if we want to be good communicators.

@Lorraine-I love that! Being fully present with the person you are talking to. I’d bet most miscommunications happen when people are not fully present during conversations.

@Sara-Thanks so much I like what you said about communication needing to be a sharing of our gifts and ideas. What a wonderful world we would live in if everyone did that.

@Keith-Oh yeah, Toastmasters is a great organization. Although it is centered around public speaking and leadership, there is so much more a person can gain by being an active member.

To quote Cavett Robert..

“One of the greatest tragedies in life is the waste of human resources. Too many people die today with their music still within them,never having released their imprisoned splendor.”

Public speaking allows us all… to release our imprisoned splendor.

Given this, I also liked what you said about listening and hearing what others have to say. I’ve known some excellent public speakers in my time but they tended to be good at the speaking part, but not so good at the listening part.

It sounds like you take that time with your audience, which in my mind makes you not just a good speaker, but a communicator:~)

I too have found verbal communication a passion as a way to express my heart using my voice. It is truly an art – to be able to express clearly, articulately, and CLEANLY so that you are using language and words that are deliberately chosen rather than whatever comes out of your mouth. I would add to be thoughtful about your responses when you listen, and be present to the other person. One of the greatest ways to honor and love someone is to be fully present w/them, in person, or on the phone.

And to your point about saying something that might be life-changing for another? Gosh, that’s one of the best things to receive. Knowing I have been of service to another makes my soul smile.

Great job Ralph

Blessings,
Lorraine