February 2007 Deep Insights

Did you hear what I think I said?

A mature mind will always observe its audience knowing the prepared message may get caught in translation issues grounded in experiences. Theirs not yours -- caused by family, religion, education or employment. Life has many pathways that are not traveled by everyone or if traveled their time span is different.

Each person in the audience has their own story, their life story, which translates your message to them.

Families come in all sizes. A single child, to one of 9, 10 or more, oldest, middle, youngest…Mom and Dad, married, single, divorced, separated…Race, cultural backgrounds, close ties or not so close with relatives, geographically within limited time or distant…Neighborhood urban, suburban, working class, middle class, affluent.
Religion structures good and evil, fairness, what one believes to be destiny, how they relate to other individuals, communities, races, cultures.
Education directs knowledge and how one earns position in their chosen field…Was it liberal, conservative or centralist, focused or liberal acts, prestigious or accepting, open or directed, participative or dictated, taught to respect or be respected.
Employment with a company or companies that held performance as their standard or effort…Governance autocratic, democratic or consensus driven…Macro or micro managed, told what to do, asked to participate, rewarded and recognized for contributions, market driven success, years of experience or one year’s experience.

Knowing your audience is complicated but not impossible. Determining their translation of your message is a simple process:

Step One: Ask questions
Step Two: LISTEN
Step Three: Resolve the best possible path to YES is through NO
Step Four: Maintain a ritual of TALKING AROUND
Step Five: Refer to Step One

These five steps will help you know if your message has been translated as you desired. Unfortunately most people tire of “talking around” just when people are getting the message. Do not give in—stay the course.