Communication forms the basis for all human interaction, and because of this, it is especially important that leaders know how to communicate effectively on interpersonal, group, and organizational levels. While perhaps seen as the simplest form of communication, interpersonal communication can be elaborate and complex. It goes beyond the words being said. I have learned that effective interpersonal communication is honest, direct, and on a level that is understandable to all parties. A personal favorite tactic is to use metaphors and stories to convey meaning of complex ideas. Similar methods are important in a group setting. Though my experience working in teams, I have learned the value of active listening and waiting to be the last to speak. This is especially important when you are new to a group. In these situations, my first objective is to observe and learn as much as I can. By patiently and actively listening to all group members, I can better craft my message so that I may be understood by all the members of the group.
Outside of interpersonal and small group settings communication becomes more challenging. As a Council Venturing president and later as a National Venturing Vice President, I was responsible for crafting mass-communications for audiences whom were not personally known to me. When communicating to many people I do not know, I feel that it is especially important to have a consistent, simple, and clear message since there will be few opportunities to make corrections or clarify confusion. Different challenges arise when leading a team that will further discriminate the information that you are communicating. While leading the BSA Contingent Commissioner Team, I worked with twenty individuals who were responsible for regional messaging. In these instances, it is important to recognize that a lengthy and unclear message can become diluted. For this reason, messages should be memorable, concise, and key points should be emphasized. By understanding the different concerns associated with mass communication, I have been able to develop impactful messaging campaigns, helping me to achieve the goals of my various leadership positions.
A final way in which it is vital to understand different communication techniques is when presenting. As an experienced presenter, I have learned that there are many possible ways to deliver content, but to be most effective, it is important to incorporate mediums that appeal to multiple learning styles. By integrating several learning styles into a presentation, it is more likely that everyone will walk away having learned something. All presentations and facilitations revolve around a similar idea, to convey meaning and concepts in a way that participants can understand and hopefully apply to their own lives or work. To be successful in this, I have learned how to use videos, activities, games, and visual tools into my presentation.