"Speaking of Communication" column
By: Susan Young
Welcome to the debut monthly column of "Speaking of Communication."
My goal in writing this column is to provide business professionals with insight into understanding and improving communications skills. I see this as an interactive opportunity. I am inviting you to e-mail me questions or topics of concern that you would like to see addressed in upcoming columns. After all, isn’t that what communication is all about? (E-mail [email protected], and in the subject line, please write Speaking of Communication). I’ve worked in the communications and news industry for 21 years. Communications has to be a two-way street. A dialogue.
Future topics and columns will vary from public speaking tips, controversial communications, the art of listening, meetings, PowerPoint and candor in communications. I welcome your input, communications challenges, and ideas.
Webster’s Dictionary defines communication as "the exchange of thoughts, messages or information." The way in which we communicate both at work and at home affects every aspect of our lives. There is no other species on the face of the earth that has the emotions and brains that human beings possess. It is our emotions and brains that separate us from all other life in the universe.
In the book "The Four Agreements," by Don Miguel Ruiz, one of the agreements is "Be Impeccable With Your Word." Ruiz writes, "Through your word you express your creative power…the word is the power that you have to express and communicate, to think and thereby create…it is the most powerful tool you have as a human being. It is the tool of magic."
As the new year unfolds, think about some of your words and how they have affected your life in 2005. Maybe your words were powerful enough for a successful negotiation. Maybe they weren’t but could have been. Maybe your words were filled with compassion, trust and understanding. (Yes, that is usually acceptable in the office). Maybe they weren’t but could have been. Consider how you can use your words both written and spoken in 2006. Take the time to compliment instead of criticize. Don’t assume that people know what’s in your head. Take time to communicate with them, to truly listen. Choose your words carefully. Words have an amazing power to bring people together and to move people emotionally. They can also destroy people (think about the power of Hitler’s words and propaganda).
During one of my recent public relations group coaching phone calls, someone expressed frustration that reporters weren’t returning her phone calls and pitches when left on voicemail. After a brief exchange about the details on the wording of her message and how it was delivered, the coaching participant experienced one of one of those "A-ha!" breakthrough moments. A slight change in the wording of the voicemail prompted reporters to return the message. Her words got their attention.
Which words in your vocabulary should be used more often in 2006? Which words should be banned from your vocabulary in 2006?
Some of my overused words in 2005 were: "stressed out," "tolerate" and "busy." In the New Year, I’ll be focusing more on words like "fun," "opportunity" and "aware."
Happy holidays!
Susan Young’s Speaking of Communication column appears monthly in Princeton Business Journal. Ms. Young, president of Susan Young Media Relations, helps businesses, non-profits and professional associations to increase their publicity, name recognition and revenues. The company specializes in creating special media projects, public awareness/education campaigns and managing crisis communications. She also is a frequent speaker at professional meetings and conferences on "How to Get Free Press," "Proactive PR" and "Communicating with Confidence." She writes a free monthly e-newsletter, "Life’s A Pitch." To contact Ms. Young, call (732) 613-4790 or visit www.sueyoungmedia.com.

