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In your line of work or any line of work, communication skills are absolutely critical to success. We learn at a fairly young age to hold back a bit and not say certain words or phrases even though they are at the tip of our tongue at a specific moment.
Have you seen the news clip on Mark Halperin the news reporter from MSNBC? He was speaking about President Obama.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/58098.html
Okay, so maybe Mark Halperin was prodded along a little. No one expected what happened next.
What about you in your business, public speaking or working with your clients?
Are you open and totally and fully saying everything that comes to mind?
Where do you draw the line?
Let’s get the discussion going below.
Yikes! I think whether it is in person or via a post on a social media site, we’ve all said things we wish we could take back … but this one was a doosey because it was so public. I’m again reminded of what my husband and business partner Brian always says, “Know your audience” before you speak … and I agree, not all opinions should be shared or are appropriate to be shared.
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative, LLC
Jennifer,
Yes, this was a real doozzy if you ask me. Opps!
doozzy, did not mean to offend anyone.
Mitch
Dear Mitch,
Great article! As we all know, today’s world allows us to communicate 24/7 on a global level. The Mark Halperin situation reminds us that we need to always speak as if their is an open microphone on. As many people know, i am a pretty straight shooter and usually speak my mind – even in the public forum. How direct I am about my thoughts and feelings is often based on who my audience is – and the venue in which I am speaking – but I am always honest!
Thanks again for the great article on communication!
Dr.Patty Ann
http://www.relationshiptoolbox.com
Dr. Patty Ann,
You are correct. Pretty much the cameras and mikes are ready all the time anywhere you go and no matter who you are so thinking clearly about what you say and how you act is as important as ever.
Mitch
I hadn’t seen the news clip. My very first mentor told me never to say anything in biz I wouldn’t want to have repeated on TV or radio (this was in the days before social media). Good advice!
Sue
Sue,
Thank you for stopping by to comment.
You are so right.
Mitch
Hi Mitch – I hadn’t seen this before thanks for sharing. Interestingly as a professional communication coach I always teach that people should be mindful to never speak with a forked tongue – one should always be respectful in communication about others – even more so when they are not present.
Good communication can still be authentic, clear and even assertive without being demeaning.
A lesson for us all!
Heidi Alexandra