Don’t Ever Let a Great Message Get Lost in the Delivery

“Don’t ever let a great message get lost in the delivery. Hard truths are vital; harshness is not.” ~LMB

Speaking your truth to others is an essential component in any healthy relationship. Regardless of whether your truth is about dissolving a marriage, firing an employee, or standing up to hate, how you speak your truth is paramount to how others will receive it. If you want your message to be well received, you better pay attention to how you deliver the message. Too many great messages get lost in the delivery.

How you speak about an issue dramatically influences how others will respond to that issue. Snapping at people doesn’t lead them to hear you better. Getting angry and reactive won’t slow them down to think about what you’re trying to tell them. Rolling your eyes, yelling, ordering others around, giving people the cold shoulder, etc., does not help others hear your message. All of these reactive responses lead people to tune out, not tune in. Your angry communication may lead others to “yes” you or get them to shut up, but don’t confuse that with your message influencing their actions, thinking, or behavior. Few people genuinely listen to others who are reactively firing messages at them.

Don’t let a great message get lost in the delivery. Learn to pay attention, not only to what you speak but how you speak it. Hold others accountable to do the same. Stop normalizing “hot responses.” Don’t justify your snapping, controlling, or angry outbursts because of someone else’s actions. If you want others to listen, be more effective in how you communicate.

• Lead with kindness, not criticism.
• Make a direct request rather than making an angry complaint.
• Speak your upset with a grounded powerful strength rather than an aggressive one.
• Take a breath and calm your energy before snapping, rolling your eyes, or making rude comments.
• Take the time to listen to others rather than trying to force them to listen to you.

Compelling, powerful communication starts with respect. Refuse to throw respect and compassion out the window just because you’re upset. Channel your upset into delivering a more powerful message. And, remember to follow up that message with action.

Challenge: Be mindful of how you speak—especially in the most difficult of times. The more reactive you are in your communication, the less impact your communication will have. Create impact.