Going Long is Still a Great Play

Does the flood of tweets, status updates, and text messages indicate that we are no longer able to contemplate deep subjects and mine them for their richness?

Clive Thompson of Wired Magazine doesn't think so. In "The Short and Long of It" in the January 2011 issue, Thompson thinks that the torrent of short-form thinking is actually a catalyst for more long-form meditation.

News events trigger a blizzard of status updates - half-baked, gossipy tidbits that might not even be true. That's the short take; it's not intended to be a weighty consideration of things, just a snap shot.

On the other hand, the long take - deeply considered reporting and analysis - used to take months or years to produce. Now it is cranked out in longer blog posts in a matter of days after an event.

Thompson finds that the long take also has a long tail - online, searchable databases can provide thoughtful analysis from last week or five years ago that once only lasted for the life of a magazine article.

And that introduces the dilemma of the middle take - reportage and essays reported a few days after a major event, with a bit of analysis sprinkled on top: weeklies like Time and Newsweek stuff. They're neither fast enough to be conversational nor slow enough to be truly deep.

So what about you and your organization? Are you focusing on only one length of communications? Do so at your own peril.

The Internet is once again a game-changer.

The 10 Words of Effective Communication

From Dr. Frank Luntz's "Words That Work"; the abbreviated version:

• Simplicity
• Brevity
• Credibility
• Consistency
• Novelty
• Sound
• Aspiration
• Visualization
• Questioning
• Context

What matters is not what you say, but what people hear.

Check his book out here, buy it as a gift here.

As Technologies Expand, What Do We Lose?

Remember Marshall McLuhan and "The Medium is the Message?"

While preparing for some upcoming presentations, I came across a very interesting blog post from "Life After Powerpoint." Chris Witt, author of "Real Leaders Don't Do Powerpoint" (another great book, another great post) elaborates on some of McLuhan's thoughts. Here is an excerpt:

Media, according to McLuhan, is an extension — any technology a person or society uses to expand the range of the human body or mind in a new way. Telegraph, radio, movies, TV, the Internet, e-mail, and IM are all extensions, because they are — or were at one time — new technologies that expand how we communicate.


Extensions bring about amputations — technologies that are lost because of the adoption of a newer technology. The telegraph, for example, is an amputation caused by the telephone.


McLuhan noted — and was concerned by the fact — that most people are excited about extensions while ignoring amputations. We are, in simpler terms, excited about what we gain by a new technology, a new medium, without giving much thought to what we lose.

You can read the whole post here.

What about it? In your efforts to have the latest and greatest, are your extensions bringing about amputations? What is being lost? Will anybody miss it? Do you care?

Avoiding Misunderstandings

The way to avoid a misunderstanding is to have an understanding.

I heard those words from my father years ago, and they have come to be an important part of an ongoing learning curve involving that most difficult of social skills – communication.

Communication between individuals or groups of people is never easy. Some people think that all we have to do is to listen. Others think we just need to hear them out. However, there is a great difference between hearing and listening. Hearing refers to the physical dimension of the sound waves striking the ear and the brain processing them into meaningful information. Listening, however, involves far more than the hearing process. It incorporates paying attention and focusing with the intention of understanding and responding appropriately.

One of the most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and to be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them. Not only that but when people feel that you have really listened to them, you will gain their respect and they will value and give you the credibility to speak.

Consider how you feel when you sense someone is really listening to what you have to say. You feel good, you feel understood, and more connected to the person who is listening. The fact that they are interested causes you to feel cared for.

True listening is a skill which needs to be learnt and practiced because the mind functions seven times more quickly than it is possible to speak. Therefore the mind needs to be slowed down and focused on what the person is saying, and not pay attention to other irrelevant thoughts or distractions.

One of the best ways to build up your listening skills is to ask a question, and then be quiet and listen to the answer. Questions will give you a greater understanding of the person, give them encouragement, and instill a sense of connectedness. Make sure that ask questions and listen more than you speak.

When you have the opportunity, use a question or questions and experience the power of creating understanding with others through the power of listening.

Brevity

When it comes to effective communication, small beats large;

short beats long; and plain beats complex.

Sometimes, visual beats them all.

The quote above, from Dr. Frank Lutz in his book “Words that Work”, is an appropriate challenge for every leader. Good Leaders communicate. They may use the written word, they may use the spoken word, they may use only visuals and no words, but good leaders communicate.

How are you doing in your communication? Are your words simple, to the point, and memorable? Are your words consistent with your actions? Can the reader or listener visualize your intent?

Or, are no words at all the best path to take? We live in a society almost overwhelmed by the visual image – and we ask for more! Sometimes, a visual image is the best “word” we can use.

Communication – written, spoken, or visual – is just a tool you as a leader have at your disposal. But what a powerful tool! Communicate with passion, purpose, and persuasiveness in all your communications – and you will be well along the path to becoming a great leader.

Tell Stories

Continuing the conversation from yesterday:

Bob Buford - entrepreneur, founder of Leadership Network, author of the Halftime book series - is in a conversation with Moe Girkins, CEO of Zondervan, about a future where the world of the printed page is changing as a generation of nonreaders takes over. The digital wave is coming full force - or is it?

Buford recalls a Bible study he did some years back on the parables of Jesus. It's so powerful and applicable here it is in its entirety:

This sounds very new, but it is pure first century. This weekend with all this tech stuff/reality-based sharing in mind, I found in my journals a study I did seven years ago about the Parables of Jesus. It is said there are two ways of teaching – the Greek way (very linear and logical outline form (I. A. B. C., II. A. B. C.), one idea builds on another to form a conclusion. Most university teaching fits this model. The other model is rabbinic teaching (“that reminds me of a story”). Jesus taught almost entirely through stories and personal example (the cross). That is the way the next generation seems to want to learn – in community – through stories and authentic experience (e.g. Twitter, text messaging). In the parables, Jesus was rabbinic (no surprise). No professional footnoted papers -- just stories – stories concentrated on two main themes.

Eleven stories about forgiveness (the theological term is grace):
1. The Wheat and the Tares -- Matthew 13:24-30
2. The Unmerciful Servant – Matthew 13:23-35
3. The Laborers in the Vineyard – Matthew 20:1-16
4. The Two Sons – Matthew 21:28-32
5. The Two Debtors – Luke 7:41-43
6. The Friend at Midnight – Luke 11:5-8
7. The Lost Sheep – Matthew 18:12-14
8. The Lost Piece of Money – Luke 15:8-10
9. The Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-32
10. The Unjust Steward – Luke 16:1-9
11. The Unjust Judge – Luke 18:1-8

Eleven stories about risk, responsibility and accountability (what I now call “Release”):
1. The Sower – Matthew 13:5-8
2. The Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31,32
3. The Leaven – Matthew 13:33
4. The Ten Virgins – Matthew 25:1-13
5. The Talents – Matthew 25:14-30
6. The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37
7. The Rich Fool – Luke 12:16-21
8. The Barren Fig Tree – Luke 13:6-9
9. The Rich Man and Lazarus – Luce 16:19-31
10. The Pharisee and the Publican – Luke 18:10-14
11. The Pounds – Luke 19:12-27

Look ’em up. They are all stories, no big theories.

Buford's summary:
The way Jesus taught is very like the way people are learning today. There is much distrust of credentialed experts, and institutions. Teaching by personal example (“follow me”).

Permission stories – stories of “people like me” – flawed and forgiven. Release, risk and responsibility stories – growing the seed that has been planted in you. Accountability. “Manage Yourself in Community” stories.

Sounds to me like where the Moe-assisted world is going: back to stories, parables of real time/real life.

What do you think?

The Power of a Presentation

2009 is shaping up to be my busiest year ever as a speaker, and I want to pause right now and thank God for the opportunities He has given me to speak. He has given me the desire and basic tools to use, but more importantly He has given me the drive to constantly improve.


In that constant journey of becoming a better speaker, I listen to as many presentations as possible at events I attend; I browse the web for captivating speeches; I listen to CDs of great speeches, and I read a lot (is that a surprise?) on the best books available on the topic.


One such book is slide:ology by Nancy Duarte. I've mentioned her work before, but it has been such an important work and influence that I wanted to post her Five Theses of the Power of Presentation for your consideration - and application.

• Treat Your Audience as King - They didn't come to your presentation to see you. They came to find out what you can do for them. Success means giving them a reason for taking their time, providing content that resonates, and ensuring it's clear what they are to do


• Spread Ideas and Move People - Creating great ideas is what we were born to do; getting people to feel like they have a stake in what we believe is the hard part. Communicate your ideas with strong visual grammar to engage all their senses and they will adopt the ideas as their own


• Help Them See What You're Saying - Epiphanies and profoundly moving experiences come from moments of clarity. Think like a designer and guide your audience through ideas in a way that helps, not hinders, their comprehension. Appeal not only to their verbal senses, but to their visual senses as well.


• Practice Design, Not Decoration - Orchestrating the aesthetic experience through well-known but oft-neglected design practices often transforms audiences into evangelists. Don't just make pretty talking points. Instead, display information in a way that makes complex information clear.


• Cultivate Healthy Relationships - A meaningful relationship between you, your slides, and your audience will connect people with content. Display information in the best way possible for comprehension rather than focusing on what you need as a visual crutch. Content carriers connect with people.

As I continue preparing for 2009 presentations, I'm going back to a blank page and starting with this question:

What action do I want to move my audience to undertake?

Communication is Powerful

The lack of communication is very powerful, too.

I'm in the midst of day-long meetings at my company where decisions are being made, prior decisions being made public, and future decisions are coming. Part of the day has included a very frank discussion with a business partner in which the current relationship has been strained, and future work was very much in doubt. I'm heading into a meeting where significant decisions for me personally and our company are under consideration.

The common denominator in all of these is communication.

Some things should have been said, and weren't. Other things were said, and shouldn't have been. Still more things need to be said, and how they are said is just as important as what is said.

How we communicate is powerful - and we can never stop learning about communicating. I've gotten a refresher course today, and there is still much more to come.

Connecting Face to Face

In addition to the importance of connections to others via the social networking opportunities (Twitter, Facebook, this blog, etc.), there is no substitute for the rich interaction of face to face conversation and sharing.

For families, it's my wife and I driving our son 1 1/2 hours to drop him off for an overnight summer camp interview process; and then driving another 1 1/2 hours just to have supper and a conversation with our daughter and "that boy" at their college. After our brief time together, we will turn around and drive 3 hours back to Charlotte - late, to be sure, tired undoubtedly, but a very important part of parenting - even for a 20 year old. Because of crazy work schedules, that drive time will probably be a time of significant conversation for my wife and me.

For friends, it's being able to call someone who has the tools and know-how to diagnose a dryer that's not drying. The benefit: learning a little more about how things work (while your 16 year old son watches intently) and discovering that it will be a $40 part versus a new dryer. While the man talk is going on in the laundry room, the woman talk is going on in the kitchen as my wife and my friend's wife talk about what color to repaint the kitchen in the upcoming renovation work there.

For a different sort of friend, one who began as a acquaintance in ministry, but transitioned into a client, and now is a brother to share life and "stuff" with, its a relaxed conversation over a meal. Stories abound, laughter ensues, and life goes on - the better for the one hour conversation.

For business, it's a primary way to interacting with prospects, interested parties, and clients. Yes quick emails work; phone calls are necessary; even snail mail and other hands on media have their part in the conversation of business. But being able to look across the desk, or table, eye to eye, that's communication of the richest sort.

So, I'm an introvert who really gets into the digital communication - but face time is authentic community on the deepest level.

What Are People Saying To Each Other - About You?

The title of the book by Pete Blackshaw captured my attention and I wondered: Is this true for churches as well?

Blackshaw's work documents how the balance of power for today's businesses has shifted - the consumer is now in control. In the world of Consumer Generated Media (blogs, YouTube, social networking, etc.) a single disgruntled customer can broadcast his opinion to millions and derail a company or undermine a global brand. Companies can't ignore CGM, and have nowhere to hide. According to Blackshaw, the only response is creating 100 percent credibility by establishing:

• Trust


• Authenticity


• Transparency


• Active Listening


• Responsiveness


• Positive Affirmation

I know this is a business book, but the more I get into it, the more I find application for churches. Here are a few questions I have:

• Are churches impacted by consumer-to-consumer communication?


• Do churches have reason to be concerned about what people are "saying" about them?


• How can churches find out if CGM is going on?


• How can churches make positive use of CGM?

What do you think? What can you add to the conversation?

Persuasively Speaking

While prepping for the weekly post at my blog on Church Solutions, I was struck by the word "rhetoric." In our society today it generally has a negative connotation - just think back to the recently concluded election campaign for examples. Originally, though, rhetoric was a good word, one of the three branches of discourse developed by Aristotle (the other two were logic and dialectic). At its heart, rhetoric is all about persuading people to your cause. Church leaders should know about, and practice, rhetoric in their writing and speaking.

Here are a few resources that will help:

Rhetoric - Aristotle

Words that Work - Frank Luntz

You've Got to be Believed to Be Heard - Bert Decker

Little Green Book of Getting Your Way - Jeffrey Gitomer

For real world examples of rhetoric in action, check these out:

White House Ghosts - Robert Schlesinger

Jacked Up: The Inside Story of How Jack Welch Talked GE into Becoming the World's Greatest Company - Bill Lane

Compelling rhetoric makes for compelling leaders. Leaders want their words to win hearts and change minds.

How will you learn to use rhetoric in 2009 to effectively persuade people?

The Eyes Have It

Okay, here's the deal - I've been really fortunate to be selected for presentations at national events the past few years. This year alone I have spoken at 8 conferences, giving a total of 13 presentations. The topics ranged from Creation Care Audits to leadership development. The topics were all submitted in advance, and chosen by the conference team. All were designed to give a lot of information to an audience (supposedly) interested in learning. And so I dutifully did the PowerPoint thing, with anywhere from 30-85 slides for talks ranging from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. They were deemed successful by the surveys and the conference team, and everybody seemed happy as they headed off to their next seminar.

What's wrong with this picture?

I have come to the conclusion that I am going about the right thing in the wrong way. I have had suspicions of this for many months, but it was brought home to me at the Catalyst Conference in October when I heard Seth Godin rip through well over 100 slides in less than 45 minutes. The kicker - it seemed like 5 minutes, and I was captivated by his presentation. Godin wasn't giving information out - he was telling a story. He issued a call to action through the story, and by the end everyone in the 12,000 + audience seemed ready to take him up on it. Oh, and by the way - the "information" was given out as his latest book - to all the audience - as he left the stage.

If you want to give out information, put it in writing.

If you want action, speak in stories.

So here it is the end of 2008, and I'm prepping for presentations coming up in January and February of 2009, with the likelihood of more coming throughout the year. And I'm pretty much starting with a blank page - or in this case, a blank white board. Using the ideas I've posted about recently, I'm crafting a new presentation that will be highly visual. The audience I will be speaking to will be expecting "information" - and the conference requires it - but it will come in written form after the presentation.

Here's my first attempt at white boarding on a big scale - as in a 4 x 8 whiteboard in my office. It's not a great picture, but maybe you can get the idea. What you can't get is the feeling of creativity, flow, and grasp by having the major points of what I am trying to communicate in front of me all at once.

This is going to be really fun.

Whiteboard for Skeptics

According to author Dan Roam (The Back of the Napkin), there are three kinds of visual thinkers: people who can't wait to start drawing (the Black Pen people); those who are happy to add to someone else's work (the Yellow Pen people); and those who question it all - right up to the moment they pick up the Red Pen and redraw it all.

Hand me the pen!
Black pen people show no hesitation in putting the first marks on an empty page. They come across as immediate believers in the power of pictures as a problem-solving tool, and have little concern about their drawing skills - regardless of how primitive their illustrations may turn out to be. They jump at the chance to approach the whiteboard and draw images to describe what they're thinking. They enjoy visual metaphors and analogies for their ideas, and show great confidence in drawing simple images, both to summarize their ideas and then help work through those ideas.

I can't draw, but...
Yellow Pen people (or highlighters) are often very good at identifying the most important or interesting aspects of what someone else has drawn. These are the people who are happy to watch someone else working at the whiteboard - and after a few minutes will begin to make insightful comments - but who need to be gently prodded to stand and approach the board in order to add to it. Once at the board and with pen tentatively in hand, they always begin by saying "I can't draw, but..." and then proceed to create conceptual masterworks. These people tend to be more verbal, usually incorporate more words and labels into their sketches, and are more likely to make comparisons to ideas that require supporting verbal descriptions.

I'm not visual
Red Pen people are those least comfortable with the use of pictures in a problem-solving context - at least at first. They tend to be quiet while others are sketching away, and when they can be coaxed to comment, most often initially suggest a minor corrections of something already there. Quite often, the Red Pens have the most detailed grasp of the problem at hand - they just need to be coaxed into sharing it. When many images and ideas have been captured on the whiteboard, the Red Pen people will finally take a deep breath, reluctantly pick up the pen, and move to the board - where they redraw everything, often coming up with the clearest picture of them all.

Roam's conclusion of these different types of people?

Regardless of visual thinking confidence or pen-color preference, everybody already has good visual thinking skills, and everybody can easily improve those skills. Visual thinking is an extraordinarily powerful way to solve problems, and though it may appear to be something new, the fact is that we already know how to do it.

What color is your pen?

Your Visual Thinking Toolkit

The basic premise of Dan Roam's book The Back of the Napkin is that anyone can use a visual medium to powerfully communicate their message. Here are the main concepts - but I encourage you to pick up a copy of the book as soon as possible to fully understand, and implement, these powerful communication tools.

3 Basic Visual Thinking Tools

• Our eyes
• Our mind's eye
• Our hand-eye coordination

4 Steps of the Visual Thinking Process

• Look
• See
• Imagine
• Show

5 Questions to Help Open Your Mind's Eye

• Simple or Elaborate
• Qualitative or quantitative
• Vision or execution
• Individual or comparison
• Change or status quo

6 Ways We See and Show

• Who/what - portrait
• How much - chart
• Where - map
• When - timeline
• How - flowchart
• Why - plot

Tomorrow, I'm going to dive into how I'm using these concepts on a couple of brand new projects: a consulting project for a church in the Bronx, and a new presentation for the Church Solutions Conference in Phoenix next February. For now I've got to run - I'm sketching in my journal at Panera!

The White Board Experiment

You've seen the UPS ads - the guy standing at a huge white board, drawing a simple figure that turns into something connected with UPS and what Brown can do for you. It's mesmerizing, isn't it? Simple ideas, simple drawings, conversational style - what more could there be?

There's more than meets the eye, though. It's all about the narrative, the story the guy is telling. (By the way, that's not an actor - it's really one of the creative team that dreamed up the series). There's something about the power of a simple drawing that communicates.

I've been intrigued by a book by Dan Roam entitled The Back of the Napkin. As anyone who has been around me knows, I'm no artist. But the same group of people also know that if we're having a conversation, it won't be long before I've pulled out a napkin, piece of paper, or a journal page and started sketching. It's like I'm translating my hand gestures onto the page. Which is all about where this is going...

...I've got a whiteboard experiment in the works. Not just any whiteboard, mind you, but a big one - no, make that several big ones. As in 4x8 big. I'm sketching a project on it. Stay tuned...