International Institute of Christian Discipleship LCL 05 Communication Skills for Christian Leaders By Peter Swanson Ph.D. General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists ®

Essential Attitudes Understand others well Empathize Help others understand you Tell enough, but not too much

Let people see your humanity Restrain the urge to criticize Empathy is feeling his or her pain in your heart

Jesus’ example is safe to follow

Acceptance is a basic human need Acceptance is needed most when we deserve it least

Jesus accepted people unconditionally

Look for the best, not the worst in people Tell people that you have confidence in them

Overcoming power is freely given to us Jesus is the Source from Whom all blessings flow

Do You Remember What You Learned?

Listening Well Speak less, listen more Talk time is shared equally

Question 1 What did the person say?

Question 2 What can I learn from the way the words were spoken?

Question 3 What is the person feeling?

Positive Feeling Words Happy Excited Satisfied Grateful Relieved Calm Esteemed

Negative Feeling Words Sad Apathetic Discontent Deprived Distressed Anxious Inferior

Question 4 What do they mean?

Question 5 Is what was said really true?

Do You Remember What You Learned?

Conversational Skills Listen with your eyes Observe body language Appearances can be deceiving

Lean forward Make eye contact Don’t stare Smile with your eyes Nod your head

Don’t preach or lecture Large group= few details

Avoid damage to your reputation Avoid causing damage to sensitive people Consider the impact of what you say

Remember people’s names Study their interests Ask thoughtful questions

Conversation Killers

Conversation Boosters

Do You Remember What You Learned?

Phone Calls, Letters, and s More effort is needed Privacy matters

Be courteous and considerate Be polite Be gracious Be thoughtful

Formal Letters… Correct form Clear and concise Good grammar Professional courtesy

Do You Remember What You Learned?

Public Presentations and Persuasion Not too shallow Not too deep Great material= great presentation

Organize your ideas Use credible sources Grab their attention Arouse curiosity

Recognition of real challenges Recognition of new possibilities

Let God do His own work Scriptural assurance Encouragement Reassurance

Practice makes perfect Memorize the ideas exactly Speak distinctly Speak directly toward the mic

Pace yourself Vary the volume Dramatic pause Mental preparation Professional appearance

Connect with your audience Persuasive presentation Logical sequence

Candid presentation of counter arguments Expert opinions Present advantages and outcomes

Inspire confidence Use powerful testimonials Never manipulate people

Do You Remember What You Learned?

Difficult Conversations Conflict is inevitable Maintain secure daily connection

Mistaken sense of superiority Mistaken sense of inferiority

Fair use of time Respect and restraint Time out Eliminate distractions

Thorough preparation Abundant resources

Do You Remember What You Learned?

Conclusion The smallest improvement in your ways of communicating is far better than the grandest intention that never comes to fruition. So persevere in your efforts to develop your new habits.

International Institute of Christian Discipleship LCL 05 Communication Skills for Christian Leaders By Peter Swanson Ph.D. General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist ®