WF Pride

Excel in Communication

Chad Cottingham

When I was teacher, I used to love playing the ‘telephone’ game with my students. The game was simple but the impact was huge. Five students would be removed from the class. One student at a time would enter the room and be told information that they had to repeat to a classmate – usually full of dates, times, and various details. The second student would come in and the first student would have to repeat what they heard. The process was continued through all 5 students. The last student would then have to repeat what they thought they heard to the class – it was usually hilarious. Dates and times would be messed up or deleted altogether. The original message would then be repeated back to the 5 volunteers. Each would look with amazement at the one that gave them the information. Comments like “That’s not what I heard!” or “Where did that come from?” These were usually common responses from the students. The ‘telephone’ game was a great way of teaching students the importance of good communication.

When there is a breakdown in communication problems begin to occur. This is not only true for students, but adults as well. Communication breakdowns happen all the time in business, athletics, politics, and relationships. When communication breakdowns, things such as gossip and doubt can sneak in and wreak havoc. Poor communication can be like cancer spreading through a body. We must all make a concerted effort to excel in communication at all times. Whether it be verbal, non-verbal, or written, the message must be conveyed and conveyed properly.

Effective communication helps us better understand a person or situation and enables us to resolve differences, build trust and respect. As simple as communication seems, much of what we try to communicate to others—and what others try to communicate to us—gets misunderstood, which can cause conflict and frustration in personal and professional relationships. By effectively communicating, you can better connect with your spouse, kids, friends, and coworkers.

The bible talks repeatedly about how we talk and what we say. ‘Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.’ Ephesians 4:29 ~ NLT.

“Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, help the words that come out of our mouths be right, and honorable to You. Help us to communicate clearly and effectively to all those we come in contact with. Thank you for letting us communicate with You through prayer, and help us listen to what You say through Your word – the bible. It’s in Jesus name we pray, Amen.”