The struggle to have your message heard is real. Words contain such raw power.

• Leaders use them to rally others or comfort those in need
• The wrong words can create chaos and confusion
• And at their worst, words inflict pain

A message heard ignites power – the power to unite or divide. Have you silenced the power to unite?

A Message Heard

Who could have anticipated 2020?

• Devastating brush fires in Australia
• The impeachment trial of Donald Trump
• United Kingdom officially withdrawing from the European Union
• The shutdown of entire countries due to the global pandemic
• Rumors swirling about the death of Kim Jong-Un
• Global protests supporting #BlackLivesMatter after numerous deaths at the hands of police

And we haven’t even hit August.

Words and presentation shape your message and trigger a response. Think about the messages you received about the above events. How did you feel?

This post originally published in 2012. It centered on better business communication (the theme of this blog). However, 2020 emphasized (in a most dramatic form) how communication is a human trait.

Needing to do better is universal.

Be Mindful

Blame it on social media or the blurring of our personal and professional lives. But, ignoring the current environment in how you conduct your business is not an option.

You don’t need to weave current events into every business communication. But, you should be mindful.

I have always been a LinkedIn promoter – in certain respects. But, who ever thought it could be a leader in some really outstanding posts regarding the #BlackLivesMatter movement?

I’ve shared a few before, but Jaz Broughton shares some real “pearls” in responding to our very different world.

“I…don’t place any judgement on ANYONE in this moment and implore you not to get caught up in guilt for not doing whatever you think you should’ve been doing. Acknowledgment is the most powerful first step, education the next…guilt will keep you stuck and inactive…I by no-means want to put a burden on those of us that are black to educate the World, we have our own journey to walk.”

So, be mindful of how you communicate, but keep it real.

Disingenuous communication is worse than saying nothing at all.

A Symphony of Silence

Is there anything worse than the sound of crickets following a communication you send out? If words contain such power, why have yours evoked silence?

Have you silenced the power?

There are 3 fatal flaws that kill the power of your message. How many do you recognize?

Fatal Flaw #1 – Mistaking noise for power

An assault on our ears is often mistaken for power.

• The thunder before the lightning strike
• The gunshot before the hit
• The crash before the pain

While the noise may get our heart pumping, the real power is in what comes later.

TV commercials are notorious for confusing noise with power.

• The volume leaps 20 decibels and you did not touch the remote
• Advertisers want to make sure you “hear” them no matter where you are in the house
• That’s noise – not power

Commercials are why God invented the mute button.

• TYPING ALL IN CAPS IS ANOTHER KIND OF NOISE
• As is an excessive use of punctuation!!!!
• Pounding your fist while advocating #BlackLivesMatter without a single Black person on your executive team or board mistakes noise for power

Want your message heard? Stop shouting at us. Start doing.

Fatal Flaw #2 – Hitting your own mute button

Speaking of mute, your message can fall victim to self-inflicted muting. How?

• You use terms only insiders know and hear
• Your rambling makes even you nod off
• You fail to do what’s right

You muted the power of your message.

• Put the sound back in your message
• Make the connection and be heard
• Bring voice to what’s right

Fatal Flaw #3 – Looking for power behind a mask

Remember I first wrote this in 2012. Isn’t it funny the thought process that the term “masks” evokes now? Who knew the wearing of masks would become a political statement? At least here in the U.S.

In life and business, we often wear masks.

• Remaining silent on what matters most
• Concealing our identity when speaking out
• Presenting an image that is quite different from who we are

To quote the master ~

Masks are fun for Halloween and costume parties, but people know the person inside. Hiding your message behind a mask is fun for only so long. Sooner or later, you have to remove the mask.

People do business with people they know. Customers want the authentic you.

1. So, stop shouting
2. Connect and be heard
3. Be real

The only silence you want to hear is customers left speechless by the power of your message.

What other fatal flaws have you “heard”?

Note: This July 21, 2020 post is an update to one published on July 10, 2012.

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