Effective communication is characterised by enthusiasm and focus – on the part of all involved.
Too often this is not the case.
Putting aside environmental influences (such as cold rooms and uncomfortable seats) I think there are three key variables:
- the “presenter” may be too distant, academic, or didactic.
- the “message or subject” may be too dry, dull – even dare I say it, boring; and
- the “audience” may be distracted, attending under compulsion, or even perhaps just not even interested.
One way of giving the process a better chance of success is to illustrate with examples or by stories – almost as analogy or metaphor – and in selecting an appropriate example or story, use everyday experience(s) that nearly everyone will be familiar with.
Yesterday I decided to video my morning cup of tea on the iPhone – then added a few pics using the free app “Splice”. The aim was to promote some Business Continuity principles – and a software tool (Excel Workbook which works like an app rather than a spreadsheet); while having a bit of fun to boot.
What do you think (aside from the fact that I’m still having fun)? The two main variations on the theme are below:
I look forward to your reflections and receiving your feedback.