The Communication Sucks

Communication:

• isn’t just saying things
• is saying the right thing, to the right people, the right way, at the right time, leading to the right response.

Don’t believe me – look at your marriage. Has everything you’ve said been interpreted exactly the way you meant for it to be interpreted?

Wanting a response means taking extra responsibility for that response.

Why is communication so hard?

• It’s about what people hear – not what you say. We don’t have complete control.
• We are excellent at tuning things out.
• Numbers & distance – the larger and more spread out we are the more difficult and messy communication gets.

At SSC what response are we looking for? We want people to take their next step spiritually. That means:

The value of our communication grows in direct proportion to how easily people can find and say “yes” to their next step.

6 Principles for better communication

• Think “next step” before “my ministry.” SSC is not about your ministry, but your ministry helping people take their next step.
• Offer fewer choices, one if possible. There are several types of counseling at SSC. We don’t list them all – we give ONE contact email.
• Think clarity first. Be creative. Be cute. Be emotive. But first, be clear.
• Ask. Tell. Remind. Check. Double check. Take responsibility for getting the information.
• “Reach fewer people more times.” (A quote by Chris Forbes) Mass invitations are not nearly as effective as tapping a shoulder.
• Think invitations, not commands. The reason many leave church is because they were given commands, not invitations.

What are your insights on better communication?