The person I think of who demonstrates competent communication for me was; Martin Luther King Jr. Every time I have heard him speak so profoundly, it was like I was listening for the first time. I believe he was a very powerful speaker. He'd begin speaking slowly and would increase the pace and volume, I think to draw the audience to what he was saying. I found out that his “I Have a Dream” speech, was not written and he improvised it from speeches he had done over the years.
That impressed me so much about him, and I found it to be one of the best speeches I have ever heard.”King was also a master of using a simple, yet key phrases like "I have a dream," again and again in his speeches. That kind of repetitive structure enabled him to clearly make his main point and at the same time make it easy for the audience to come along with him” (Six Qualities, 2010). Martin Luther King Jr. has set the bar so astronomically high, but I would like to model my communication behavior after him to improve myself, even though, I could never do it in the way he did.
Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent example of an effective communicator!! I do not think anyone can top him in the field of powerful speaking. His words brought inspiration to all those that listened and also led others to make positive changes in our society. You and I may not ever be powerful speakers.(at least I know I will not)We can however be inspiring to the children and families we serve. We can make their lives easier and strive to meet their needs. Thanks
Mary Jo
Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how someone can take three words like "I have a dream" and make such an profound impact that their words are studied for years. Even more that those words are timeless. Martin Luther King is one of those people. Thank you for sharing a little about how he constructed his speeches also.
Terri
Kathleen, I was truly inspired by Dr. King's speech when I first heard it in school and even today when we celebrate 50 years since the march on Washington. I think what was so inspiring was his ability to connect with his audience and his authentic and honest words which made you believe that his dream was truly achievable. When using communication, this is one of the key concepts, making people feel that you are not only authentic in what you say but that they can believe it. This was a great example of communication.
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