I realised from watching Project Runway that the most talented tailor, won’t always get to Bryant Park.
Project Runway is a reality series that pitches fashion designers against each other, and only the top 3 gets the privilege to showcase their work at New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park. However, talent alone does not warrantee a golden ticket. Often, the winning design comes with a winning story – the story which explained the designer’s concept, and the same story which convinced the judges.
This observation from watching a reality television show resonates well into our reality, as it demonstrated how indispensible communication skills are. When I tried to think of situations where effective communication skills will not benefit me, it was indeed tough to propose solidly valid reasons.
No matter what my endeavours are, it is almost always crucial that I am able to convey my real intentions or capabilities effectively. It could be simply speaking to a friend, enquiring a request from supervisors, expressing gratitude, being interviewed, presenting an important proposal, or so many other situations in life.
Effective communication skills focus on mutual communication. As much as it is important for me to express my view, it is equally important that my audience can understand what I am trying to convey. It is not enough to only ramble away, feel satisfied to have voiced my stand, yet fail to solicit the intended or desired respond. Likewise, I would also benefit tremendously if I could accurately decode a message addressed to me. Understanding the skills to connect to people, it will help to prevent unfortunate misunderstandings.
Bright ideas can bring us far, but will be nothing if our audience cannot associate. Being able to articulate clearly, appropriately and confidently, gives us the power to influence.
I hope to gradually hone my communication skills, and would one day be able to present my own winning stories with ease, and with style.
Hello Caifang!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help but tell you how your bringing in of pointers from reality TV really worked for me. I totally agree with you that the brightest, most talented individuals will have to be able to successfully bring their ideas across to their audience before they can be a true winner.
Though I may not be bright or talented; one example for me would be when I had my presentations. Sometimes I really think I babble too much without being able to being a clear and consize idea across. Thanks for your post!
I like the way you start your post by linking effective communication to reality shows. Lee Iacocca, one of the greatest American CEO once said this: "You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can't get them across, your ideas won't get you anywhere." I agree with you that we have to convey our ideas and stories in order to capture the hearts of our audience and earn ourselves tickets to the success of life.
ReplyDeleteYou also mentioned that you would benefit if you can accurately decode messages. I agree with this, but would like to add on to this point. I personally feel that we have to first listen actively and receive the message before we can decode it.
I hope you find your power to influence soon!
What a good reflection! Reality television often emulates what happens in real life doesn't it? It takes good presentation and communication skills in order to promote and value add our ideas and creations.
ReplyDeleteTailors are just like any other salesman, you've got to be able to promote your products convincingly in order to generate a demand for it. No demand, no business! Yet another example why communication is important in our daily lives. Thank you for sharing Caifang!
You're so right about this Cai Fang:
ReplyDelete"Bright ideas can bring us far, but will be nothing if our audience cannot associate. Being able to articulate clearly, appropriately and confidently, gives us the power to influence."
I would go even further and say that communication is only effective when you build truct in your relationships. Your listeners must want to be persuaded by you in order to open their minds to your ideas. To do this, you must develop a sincere style of communication.