Authentic Communication

 When it comes to communication skills training, no matter who is doing it, a lot of the same information is taught (as long as the trainer is half-awake). Voice intonation and modulation, body language, the words used, props (visual aids, etc. ), eye contact, connection with the audience, understanding your audience, and so on are all covered in communication training. We accept all of these as ideas and tactics, but I was reminded this morning of the one most important factor in effective communication: authenticity.

On my way to a meeting with a client, I heard Adam Shaw interviewing Eddie Stobart's COO about his company's results, and the interview was so different from the bulk of interviewees (especially the most well-dressed politicians) that it remained in my mind.

The groomed politicians you hear on Today and other media outlets have typically received a lot of training, a lot of resources to help them communicate, and a lot of help creating their responses, ideas, and themes. We should be eating out of their hands if the basic substance of many communication training sessions is correct. I'm guessing we aren't...so clearly the suggestions, strategies, and styles they employ aren't enough to fully engage me.

Then came William Stobart on the radio. I'll admit that a pause in his response to the first question made me think I'd lost reception, but as the interview progressed, it became clear that he had a stammer, stutter, or some other form of hesitant speech (apologies for any incorrect terminology - it's not an area in which I profess to be an expert). This is something that you don't hear very often on the radio, and it's something that certain people and training organizations would want to iron out.