1. Ronald Reagan Effective Communication to Establish Connections

2. A Skilled Communicator Communication is essential for all who would lead. Be honest in your presentation. –Belief in your message inspires believability. To persuade others, share your vision. –“Without a vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18 –Embody your vision and personify your cause. Signals sent through non-verbal communication should be consistent with verbal message. Non-verbal communication may reveal traits of character. Live your message.

3. Focusing on the Audience Always talk to your audience. Aim your message as to a group of familiar individuals in a familiar setting. Focus on the interests and concerns of the audience. Direct communication toward action. Q&A sessions help speaker learn about the audience. Use both careful preparation and spontaneity.

4. Designing Communication Find your own voice and become your own best speechwriter. In public speaking use short sentences and short words. –“Mr. Gorbachov, tear down this wall.” –Establish who you are, where you stand, and what you want. –What you say and how you say it. Use examples, statistics, quotations, etc. Be sure you are “holding the pen” for the final draft of a speech.

5. Responding to Criticism Accept questioning and criticism and learn from it. The higher you go, the more intense will be the criticism. Respond directly to legitimate criticism. –Avoid being distracted by personal attacks. Respond to a critic in a way consistent with your broader message. React in a steady, detached manner. Emphasize the affirmative rather than the negative. –Focus on what you are for. –Ignore what you are against.

6. Personal Traits for Leadership Courage. Authenticity. Confidence. Empathy. Discipline. Perseverance. Constancy. Distance. Humility.