Communication Strategies, When Is It Time To Speak Up?

In the art of communication, the first rule of thumb is to know and understand not just the power of words but the energy, care, and thought you place behind them. It’s like when I do my hospitality talks, I always like to start with and share that anyone can say hello with a smile in a professional greeting and setting, the real art of service begins, beyond that moment and I will add what is behind your words and smile.

In the past few months, my whole beef with the lack of communication that seems to be on the rise has come to the surface again. I am proudly old school and always in tune with the times and trends, but there is no account for good manners and social graces that offer a level of awareness and appreciation that goes beyond an emoji or tweet after you have taken the time to answer a request beyond a quick hello or text.

I know this is my issue to fully come to peace with, it has nothing to do with being needy, god forbid, or being validated. I notice these things and instances because I pride myself on being a straight-up and clear communicator in all areas of my life. Being self-employed and working on the front lines in high-end service roles most of my life, this has become second nature to me, and if you want to get anything done or need a fast reply, ask a busy person. You're either in the game with care in all that you do, or you have chosen to check out.

No one gets it more than me that our world and times have changed big time over the past many years, now more than ever, yet I never hold or give praise to support anyone who uses I am just way to busy or obsessed with working 24/ 7 as an excuse. No one will come to your funeral when that day comes and applaud you with words such as, god bless them they worked themselves into an early grave and refused to take time out to smell the roses as my father John would say or could not find the grace to enjoy or send a message beyond a text with a thumb’s up emoji.

So, if I in my OG communicating ways, must be the one to pick up the mantle and share the joys and the teachings on how one can never be afraid to communicate and speak up from a new wisdom platform. Then I gladly agree, hence the inspiration that led me to create and write a new seminar complete with workbook manual on the Art of Communication. Even writing this new article, it took three tries and deletes of a full written page so as not to just sound off as in a rant. Ask my friends and family if they do not get back to me after I send out an Email or call after a prolonged time, I am never shy to ask while being classy and pretending to be patient, hey, what’s up no one's that busy, ah hello.

Lucky for me, I have people in my inner circle beyond colleagues and clients who respect and appreciate this. So why do we not speak up on issues that are important or ask for what we need? Well, as my new manual and course would share, it may be because of two things and only two will happen when you do. 1) Your words or request will be welcomed and offers an opportunity for the work or personal relationship to grow to a whole other level of connection or number 2) You will get the boot, the heave ho as in rejection city, or the other person will just shut down and pretend they never heard you.

Now that teaching may open your mind to another way of thinking or reject it, that’s up to you but the intention behind this after much research, study, experience, and meditative thoughts with a lifetime of being outspoken has led me to this belief and communication philosophy. When ready to speak up or communicate regarding a long-held hurt or resentment, what will kill the moment if you unleash twenty years of misdirected anger at who you’re trying to relay a message or communicate to. That’s what therapy and life coaching are for; to assist with those steps so one can get to that place of asking for what you may need and not be offended by the philosophy of no response is a response or is it?

In the wrap up; some of us are born with the gift of gab, the ability to let words flow with careful thought and wisdom that comes from living life, it comes from living large and it also plays a big part in how we develop a sense of compassion towards others that may not be in the same league as us when it comes to speaking up or not feeling worthy to ask for what one desires. As in life and all wisdom gained via firsthand experience, this will come over time, and who knows the next time you receive a non-response or a quick emoji, which is now a global way of saying hello but not a sure way to build any meaningful connection. No offence will be taken, because what needs to be said and shared will happen at the right time and place with ease and a communicator's confidence, now are you not glad you spoke up.