#greatcommunication

‘All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.’ Sir Winston Churchill.

I have always thought of Sir Winston Churchill as a great communicator. If I am looking for something apt or with some humour I always go to find one of his quotes to illustrate what I am trying to communicate. The quote I used to open this entry with, pretty much summarises his style of communication and made him a great communicator.

Churchill was not a natural orator and had a speech impediment. Due to this and his desire to communicate effectively in order to get the desired results he sought Churchill was extremely dedicated in rehearsing and editing each of his speeches for many hours. He knew that hard work and practice were key components together with thoughtful preparation and sincerity in effective communication.

Having strong communication skills can sometimes override the fact that there is nothing else a leader can do in certain situations and I am sure that Churchill’s excellence in communication gave many a heart a sense of security.

Having wisdom, good judgment and solid principles are also essential in communicating well. Churchill’s wisdom, judgment and principles would never have been brought to the world stage if he had not been able to communicate them effectively.

On a personal note I have three favourite quotes from Sir Winston Churchill, two really witty and one deeply thought provoking.

1. ‘I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.’

2. ‘If I were your wife I’d put poison in your tea!” “If I were your husband I’d drink it.’

3. ‘We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out.’

I have included an example of Churchill’s communication approach.

Churchill had six communication strategies which enabled him to be a great communicator:

1.Be clear about the audience you are addressing, who they are what their needs, worries and concerns might be.

2. Make sure that your communications have a well-defined purpose, have a well-defined objective.

3. Be aware of all the facts before you speak. Do your research to make sure that you have all relevant information available.

4. Use simple but precise language.

5. Use humour to make your speeches easier to understand and to remember.