A Valuable Gift You’re Not Giving
I entered a singing contest in the 1980s, when I was in 2nd grade, but I couldn’t sing. Ok, it wasn’t actually a singing contest. It was a talent show for a girls' club. But you would have never known the difference because the vast majority of contestants picked singing as their talent. I, however, had not chosen to sing (and rightfully so!). I was going to deliver a speech. I had written a story to read aloud and memorized some literature in an effort to inspire the audience. My initial feelings of inadequacy started to diminish as I walked towards the stage. I felt I was about to do something meaningful for the judges and audience. Turns out, I was right. That year, I won first place in the talent show! What I discovered then has only continued to prove itself over time – a good communicator offers a valuable gift.
That gift is knowledge.
For the person trying to change the oil in their car for the first time, a how-to video on YouTube could be the most valuable thing they listen to that day. Just ask my teenage son. Sometimes the knowledge shared takes on the shape of an idea rather than a tangible how-to. The ideas MLK Jr. shared in his speeches were so rich that they became an international treasure. Whatever the form, knowledge is a gift that, when delivered well, can create meaningful results.
Everyone has knowledge worth sharing, but are you sharing it?
Many people will spend countless hours developing knowledge in a particular field. But how often do you develop the art of communicating that knowledge? The extra effort you make to develop that skill could become someone else’s gold mine.
If you’re like most people, you may be overwhelmed by the idea of where to begin. If so, here’s some bite-sized ideas to get you started:
Keep a journal or notes tab for ideas worth sharing. Each day, jot something down you know or learned that’s worth sharing. Then find a way to share it with someone.
Make it a point to always speak up at least once in every meeting you attend (if appropriate). Acknowledge someone in the room for sharing knowledge you found valuable, and share something valuable yourself.
Glean tips from communication experts. Tips like, stand in a superman pose for 2 minutes before you present. It’s proven to lower cortisol (stress) and raise testosterone (confidence). If you want more of my tips, follow me on LinkedIn.
Consider attending or hosting a workshop on Presenting (link to website)
The first time I gave a public speaking address was the only time I received a trophy for speaking. I don’t know if you have ever won a trophy for speaking, but I do know this: if we take time to develop the art of communicating what we know, we will always win - and so will our listeners.
Want to know what communicators give that’s even more valuable than knowledge? Click here to subscribe to my blog and read my next post.
