Authenticity Over Skills

 Why do you have what you need right now to be a great communicator?

The genuine relief and emotion on the faces of the rescued Chilean miners and their families were priceless. I was moved to tears as they thanked the men that had brought them to the surface after 69 days underground.

The power of a moment like that is unforgettable, and the visceral reaction that it can evoke is a reminder of the powerful connection that we humans share. It is this connection that is the conduit for excellent communicators. Authenticity will always draw us in more than honed skills or practiced rhetoric.

For example, just the other night, my friend shared the incredible experience of hearing Mother Theresa speak at a Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. years ago. The picture at this meeting is the leaders from churches and representatives of organizations from around the world. Of course, our President and First Lady (at this time it was President Clinton) are there seated at the dais as Mother Theresa speaks:

Not with her movements or oratory talents, but with her simplicity of purpose and genuine feeling, she grabs this audience of hundreds of people. Her compassion for children and enthusiasm for her work captivates an audience that has been listening to political speeches practically every day for decades.

Mother Theresa, who is soft-spoken and modestly clad, is regarded as one of the most riveting keynote speakers in the history of the Presidential Prayer Breakfasts.

I don't want to minimize the importance of lessons taught; skills are crucial. I teach kids on a daily basis, but sincerity is the most important factor in connecting on an emotional level that is remembered.

Allow yourself to be unconcerned about what others think of you, your dress, your hair, or your business expertise, and instead convey your passion openly. You'll not only feel more connected, but you'll also have a sense of freedom that you'll never want to give up after you've had it!

This may appear to be easier said than done. It may take the assistance of a coach to overcome any assumptions or concerns that are preventing you from becoming a fully authentic communicator, but it will be well worth it!

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What Communication Skills Are Employers Looking For?

 I've collected a few pet peeves when it comes to interviewer vs. interview applicant encounters through the years in various administrative and management positions. Many lessons were taught to me as a result of these experiences, which I gladly pass on to others. One of my pet peeves is going over a candidate's resume and seeing that one of their greatest strengths is communication abilities, but the resume and application letter are full of misspelled words and a variety of other difficulties. When I sensed a bit of potential in a candidate, I would sometimes, but very rarely, invite them in for an interview, and one of my first queries would be, "Tell me about your good communication skills?" They almost always began by elaborating on their verbal communication, and they practically never included other communication skills such as writing or listening.

Communication abilities are placed #1 among job hopefuls' must-have skills and qualifications, according to a 2010 poll by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The point is that you can't just say you're good at communicating; you have to be able to demonstrate it.

While companies are searching for a variety of communication abilities, I would list the following as the top communication talents.

I'm sure you've heard the term "interpersonal skills" before. What does it mean to be able to communicate effectively with others? Interpersonal skills are those that we utilize when communicating with one or more individuals face to face. It's how we interact with others. Our interpersonal abilities determine the effectiveness of our communication.

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