Importance of having a clear message

- [Instructor] Have you ever had a toddler ask you for a toy? Or maybe even food? Even though few words are spoken, you know exactly what they are asking. Their message is clear. As that toddler grows, they will even know more words but how they communicate will become more complex, and it will be harder for them to communicate and have a message that is clear. What I'm really saying is at its most fundamental level, effective communication is the exchange of thoughts, information, ideas, and messages between people or groups. When your message is clear and concise, it is easier for others to understand and respond. So this lesson is all about giving you insight on how valuable concrete and precise language motivates others. To lead with purpose, intention matters. (gentle music) Let me first start off by saying that to have a clear message, we need to stop spending so much time thinking consciously about what we're trying to say and spend more time thinking about how we're going to say it. Our message consists of two conversations, the words coming out of our mouths, and the non-verbal messages. So it's very important for us to be clear about what we are saying consciously and our communication style as a whole, such as body language and tone of voice. Failing to do so can cause confusion to our audience. (gentle music) Second, I remember being at a leadership conference and the speaker saying something like, "If you want to know why so many organizations "sink into chaos, look no further "than their leaders' mouths." That really stuck out. Leadership at any level certainly isn't a walk in the park, but vague statements makes leaders' jobs more difficult than they need to be. So remember, to have a clear message, you can't be vague. Know your audience and exactly what you need to clearly communicate. (gentle music) Finally, having a clear message is important because leaders have to communicate the vision and goals to their teams so that they are motivated to achieve the vision and the goals with efficiency. To be an effective leader is to have a message that your people can execute efficiently. So in summary, it is important that you not only consciously think about what your message will be, but your actions as well. Take charge of how you communicate by communicating with intention so that your message is comprehensible and your vision can be carried out.