Do you work at becoming an effective communicator? (156-2)

When a leader is communicating effectively their words will bear fruit. The purpose of communication for the effective leader is not just to speak, or write, or demonstrate through example or visual aid but to be heard and understood. Read Isaiah 55:1-13.

Isaiah 55 offers the words of God, the great communicator. Even though God’s ways and thoughts are higher then any humans, no matter how brilliant, He gives thoughts in simple enough language so that anyone that reads them, regardless of IQ or education level, can be supernaturally changed by His truths. God invites the hearer to participate in His truths even if they have no personal resources and assures them that He alone can fulfill their desires and permanently meet their needs. He urges leaders to seek Him while He may be found.

Leaders who hope to communicate effectively must have an expectation that their audience will be affected by their communication. An effective communicator views their communication like the rain and snow that fall from the sky to water the earth and make it flourish; they believe the communication will not return without accomplishing its intended purpose.

Effective communication is a leadership skill that can be learned. Obviously wise Christian leaders will ask the Holy Spirit to give them wisdom, lead them to methods that work, and prepare their audience but they also seek to use the skills the Lord has helped them develop through education and experience. The following are just a few elements of effective communication that will bear fruit:

Effective communication is presented in the way people think. Leaders may live in a mosaic world of computer games, the internet, 20 computer files open at once, multitasking several projects, etc. but humans still learn through linear truth patterns. Foundational truths first and then sequential truths layered on that foundation. The reason this kind of communication bears fruit is the hearer will only act upon what they believe to be true and truth is established one layer at time with the next truth building on the last truth.

Effective communication is presented in the format people are familiar with and use in their everyday life. Even though truths must be linear and sequential the presentation of those truths may be contemporary. For example linear truths could be presented in a music video, a cartoon or a visual aid with quick cuts and multiple images, or from a podium, in a written document or a low tech PowerPoint. The makeup of the audience determines the format that will be effective. God used everything from a simple conversation to dreams to a burning bush. The format met the needs of the hearer.

Effective communication is clear. When the communication is complete both the one who delivered and the one who received it must have the same understanding or there will be no fruit. They may not be in mutual agreement but they both have the same understanding.

Effective communication has a beginning, an end and calls for a response. The conclusion may be an action step, a mind or life change or simply expanded understanding.

Nehemiah 8:8, “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.”