Eloquent: having or exercising the power of fluent, forceful and appropriate speech.
Effective: adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result.
Today’s Examples
Example 1, the Flight
This morning, someone I’ve been waiting to hear from regarding a trip I committed to take in May sent an email to confirm that I was still willing to speak on a certain day in May. I responded with this message:
“You can confirm me. Could you tell me exactly when you want me to arrive and depart so I can book a flight?”
While the response I received was polite, it did not tell me exactly when I should arrive and when I should depart from the airport.
“Thanks so much. You will need to arrive on Sunday, 22 May. your speaking commitment is Monday, 23 May. The event runs Sunday-Tuesday."
While this was a polite response, it was not an effective response. I still don't know what i need to know.
Telling me what time on Sunday May 22 I need to arrive before making my 1+ hour drive from the airport and exactly what time I should book a flight on either Monday night or sometime on Tuesday would have effectively answered my question.
Example 1 Result
- I still can’t book a flight
Example 2, the Goalie
This afternoon, I was informed by the goalie for my Red hockey team that he can’t make it tonight. Finding goalies with a lot of notice is tough. Finding goalies on short notice is even more difficult.
I sent an email out to the list of local hockey players I have in my possession. A response came back to me.
Calling all goalies, it looks like red needs a sub tonight @ 8:00. Can anyone take it?
On Mar 30, 2016 10:22 PM, "Jim " <jimxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:
I can take it...
Jim
On Mar 30, 2016, at 9:29 PM, jessicaxxxxxxx@yahoo.com wrote:
Hi guys - I'll be out of town next Monday (April 4) and need a sub for Silver at 9:15. Can anyone please help me?
Thanks.
Jess
Okay, you tell me. Has Jim committed to being a substitute goalie for the Red team tonight at 8 PM or has Jim committed to being a substitute goalie for the Silver team next Monday at 9:15 PM.
Example 2, Result
It’s now 4 PM and the 8 PM puck drops in 4 hours. We still don’t know if we have a goalie for the Red team game or not.
Eloquent: having or exercising the power of fluent, forceful and appropriate speech.
You only need to be an eloquent communicator if you’re going to stand on a stage in front of an audience or if you’re going to host a weekly podcast.
Effective: adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result.
If you want to be successful in any professional field, in any relationship or as a teammate on any kind of team, you need to master effective communication. Learn to communicate clearly and properly so your audience is perfectly clear about your intentions once you’re done communicating.
Professionally speaking, when you learn to be a highly effective communicator, there's a good chance that your "Personal Stock Value" will increase. That's the amount of money others are willing to pay you to do whatever it is that you do.
