Right from a student’s life to the high-ranking posts of multi-nationals there is a long path filled with obstacles, struggles, competition, etc. to the top. Our success depends exclusively on two key factors-one is self-confidence and secondly the reflection of our confidence from our conversation and expression of thoughts. In today’s progressive world, to be professionally successful, it is of the utmost importance that we are able to convey our thoughts and decisions with great conviction and determination and impressively. Whatever we may know or whatsoever we may understand, it is imperative that we should know the art to convince others. In case we clearly study the highly successful people around us, we will find that most of them possess the quality of impressive conversation.
BLESSING OF SERVICE
“The self-subjugated truth-seers, whose impurities are washed off, whose doubts are destroyed and who are engaged in doing good to all beings, attain supreme liberation.”
Influential Conversation is a Blessing
Today, the world is experiencing a revolutionary phase of communication and information technology. The field of communication is becoming extensive and ever expanding day by day. The sea of new inventions, the ever expanding influence of electronic media, the extensive opening of private sectors, services and the media competition by creating awareness amongst the people worldwide have led to a drastic change in telecommunication sector. Today, in every field, the product has to be displayed with positive approach and view. It is of the utmost requirement that you make impressive conversational technique a part and parcel of your life.
Those persons who are struggling to become efficient leaders, for their impressive talking is a blessing in disguise. Without the ‘Art of Perfect Communication, their success is incomplete. Always keep in mind that what you are is reflected through your communication.
‘Ideas never go waste. It is not mandatory that they give results instantly. A few thoughts take shape after cenutries, while a few of them may have instant resolution. We should think positively with full confidence and determination. Do not have doubt that it shall not be successful.’
-Acharya Sri Mahapragya
Selection Of Words
The world of words is very strange. The use of the words is of great importance in every walk of our life. Without words, it is not possible to survive. We may be of any country, language and culture, but to understand, we have to talk and for talking we need to have words. We require two persons for communication. An impressive, purposeful and successful talk is based on communication as well. The literal meaning of spreading is called communication. In English also, the word ‘communication’ is meant for conversation. It has been derived from the word ‘cummunis’ which means to distribute, i.e. exchange of views, which is called conversation. When this exchange is not successful, then the person hearing it says that the subject is not clear and the logic behind this lies in the fact that we are unable to find suitable words to express our thoughts or feelings. Many people possess the quality of converting a boring topic into an interesting story that the crowd hears with keen interest, while there are a few who for want of words and expertise destroy a well-read topic as well.
“My words fly over my head, but my thoughts remain on the earth itself. Without the help of thoughts words can never reach heaven.”
—Shakespeare
Speak Consciously
Once the manager of a car manufacturing company on a visit to their showroom enquired from an inquisitive customer as regards to the features of the car.
‘It should be good looking’ replied the college-going daughter.
‘It should be reliable,’ replied the wife.
‘My teenage son,’ replied the father.
Many instances where the answer is irrelevant, which is due to the fact that the question is out of context. Reply to a thoughtless question will never be up to the mark.
A national highway was undergoing repairs, and the truck driver changed his route towards a narrow bridge where his truck got stuck up. A man crossing by enquired ‘Are you stuck up?’ The irritated driver replied back, “I am supposed to deliver this bridge but I am unable to find the address.”
Another example of similar nature can be quoted as follows – A person visiting a library, asked for a good book. The librarian asked, “Would you prefer a light book or a heavy one?” “It does not matter. My car is parked outside.” A book can be written on such antecdotes wherein the person speaking and the person hearing is always irrelevant. A youth was travelling in a bus suffering from cold and fever. He kept on sneezing regularly. A young lady travelling along pointed out, “Do you have a handkerchief?” The youth replied, “Yes, but I would not offer it to you.”
Art Of Expression
Words of love may be expressed anywhere, anytime and at any interval. They are always the best.
–Johnavalei
In the world of communication, many a time it so happens that we are unable to communicate what we want to say and also at times it so happens that we are unable to express what we want to say. According to an old adage, we should count up to five and then speak. Listen to other persons carefully, and count up to ten before replying. Whenever we reply back without thinking, we land ourselves in dangerous situations. To be an expert in the art of communication is a rare quality, which leaves an everlasting impression on the opponent. Our words itself play a role in making friends or enemies. Saint Kabir has rightly pointed out–
“Aisi Bani boliye mann ka aapa khoye
Auron ko sheetal karay aaphu sheetal hoye.”
In another incident, a Sargeant asked his junior corporate, “What’s your name? “Robert Jones,’ pat came the reply. The Sargeant shouted back to him to use the word ‘SIR’ before he spoke to him. “Let’s try it once again.” “What’s your name?” The reply came, “Sir, Robert Jones.” What do you say to this.
Wound of words
Speaking rudely and harshly should never be a part of the conversation. We should not speak such words so that the person’s head may bow down. The words which pierce the mind and soul should be avoided. Words are just like arrows when shot from the bow cannot be retracted and these words when spoken put a person in a state of gloominess and sorrow. Hence the words which pinch others should not be used. A forest pierced with arrows or cut down with an axe can be regrown but the wound created by the harsh and bitter words can never be filled up.
Method Of Representation
Most of our tasks do not fail to implement on account of their qualities but lack of presentation puts a stamp of failure on them. Perhaps, we do not have the art of presenting them effectively.
G.B. Shaw once wrote an apology letter consisting of six pages wherein he inscribes–“I would have written a small letter but I did not have time.” Although this statement is contrary but the truth remains that it takes more time in expressing various feelings in a few words while the fact is that writing superfluously six pages takes us less time. This principle is equally applicable for writing and verbally expressing one’s thoughts. Many people are experts in their fields nobody is impressed by them. It so happens that these people do not bother to think or practise before speaking or writing.
Principles Of Effective Discussions
As per our religious epics, on the importance of words, it has been rightly pointed out that words are just like arrows which cannot be controlled nor they can be recalled once they are shot. Therefore, before speaking the following principles should be kept in mind to make our communication more effective and impressive:
- Think twice before you speak.
- The list of your talks should be explained in a clear perspective.
- Never beat about the bush; come straight to the point while conversing.
- Always keep in mind the way you speak.
- Whatever you wish to speak, speak concisely.
- Keep in consideration the environment during conversation.
- Speak less and listen more in a conversation.
- The biggest quality of impressive personality is that they believe in deeds rather than words, which demarcates them from others and helps them to reach the top.
- Also, always keep in mind that your conversation should be natural and simple; in case you disagree to a point, be firm and polite to differ on it.
- Courtesy demands to speak in the same language as that of your opponent.
Principles of Truth
Don’t speak when you don’t have the knowledge of the relevant subject. It is better to remain silent rather than speaking bad words. The competency of a scholar and the foolishness of a stupid person can only be judged when they open their mouths. Similarly, as the difference is observed when a crow and a cukoo open their mouths. Thus the strength of a scholar is his speech and that of a stupid is his silence. Absence of presence of mind and thoughts leads to the silence on animals.
(WHAT DO YOU THINK)
(YOUR DECISION)
ACTION PLAN
- Which conversation is effective from your point of view?
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…………………………………………………………………………………….. - What type of conversation puts an effect on you?
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…………………………………………………………………………………….. - What are the defects of your conversation?
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…………………………………………………………………………………….. - What is the importance of the selection of words in talking?
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…………………………………………………………………………………….. - Do you have a stage fear? If so, why?
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…………………………………………………………………………………….. - What is the importance of effective representation?
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…………………………………………………………………………………….. - What is the method to distinguish between a scholar and a fool?
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