Hello Fabulous
Communicating can be difficult, well, effective communication anyway. We live our lives and so often we presume that others have similar experiences and stories. We know about cultural differences but the term ‘culture’ is far greater than race or home country. We all have out own micro cultures.
Think about it; how different is your life from your neighbours, your work colleagues and friends. It’s not just your experiences that shape your life but those around you; even those you have never met. Traditions, values and experiences can be passed down and fed in to your life in so many ways.
All of this feeds in to the wonderful bag of ‘All-Sorts’ that is life. However, this can be problematic when trying to communicate an idea, story, service or project. So often we think something is so obvious that we forget to mention or explain it properly.
Our experiences are ours. How we live and interpret them can be vastly different. Just because we live in the same area, work in the same office or live similar lives, it doesn’t mean that everyone knows or understands what what you are trying to say. This is why I came up with ‘Talk to the Alien.’ When it comes to writing a proposal, speech, project plan or even adverts, don’t presume your reader / audience will automatically know what you are trying to communicate.
They won’t necessarily know the ‘obvious benefits’ of your programme. The ‘clear problems’ you are solving. So what do you do? Speak to the Alien! This is so simple yet an effective tool. Buy a toy alien, make one or even print this image out, and keep it next to your computer, work station, or even with you.
When writing your proposal, completing your application, practising your talk etc, write it for and read it to your alien. Feel free to name it; mine is call Zin. This alien knows nothing of your world. It’s your job to explain what you want to say to it (it, him, her, thing, whatever you want). When I teach, and this covers all subjects, I can’t just presume every participant understands what I am saying or ‘the use of that pencil is so obvious,’ or ‘of course no one will do that.’
My jewellery has more meaning and benefits than at first glance. I have to highlight them. Many of you have seen that I run a business that tries to be environmentally friendly. When purchasing a piece of jewellery there are ‘green’ things that the buyer can do with the packaging. I presumed that it would be obvious what to do with that. Then I realised that I was in the wrong, I needed to be clearer. So now with every purchase I put a little tip card inside.
When writing applications for things such as funding. You may think the benefits of your idea is of course so obvious that the funder will award you the money for your fabulous project. Well no! It’s up to you to explain the ‘obvious.’ You may think your advertising campaign will speak to the public but have you really told them about what problem you are solving? You are the expert in your life, experience and views. Don’t presume the reader or viewer is that expert too.
Remember your Alien knows nothing of your world. You must make the introductions. Be respectful, just because you are explaining , don’t be patronising. By talking to your alien you will be a better communicator and get your message across more effectively and productively.
Here is to many more great conversations with your alien.
