Communication Excellence Without Excuse

Notes on:

Wash A. Jones, Ph.D.
Leadership Institute
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
January 9, 2010

*Work and commitment

Take Responsibility

-Genesis 3:12 (first excuse in the Bible)
-Don't make excuses for you actions
-Be PROACTIVE instead of REACTIVE
-Proactive
-we don't let others weaknesses drive our decision.
-make choices according to your purpose
-always check yourself, do not depend on others to correct you
-Reactive
-when we blame others
-Whatever your responsibility is here you are accountable.

Educate yourself

2 Timothy 2:15 (Study)
2 Timothy 4:13 (Reading)

-Before you start to talk, educate yourself
-Read! Invest in a dictionary.
-Travel to other ministries and educate yourself.
-Don't limit yourself

Consider your audience-->and work with them

Matthew 10:16
Galatians 5:19-21

-If you are teaching, break it down to them.

Diagnose before your prescribe

Revelation 2:29 (Hear)
1 Corinthians 14:20 (Mature)
James 1:19 (Swift to hear)

-We have to listen 2 times as much as you talk.
-Listen with the attend to understand not respond.

Five Level of Listening

1. Ignoring
-making no effort to listen at all.

2. Pretend to Listen
-make believe or give the appearance to listen.

3. Selective Listening
-hear only the part that interest me.

4. Attentive Listening
-Paying attention and comparing what was said to what we experienced

5. Emphatic Listening
-Listen with your heart and mind to understand the speakers words, intent, and feelings.

-We typically speak at 100-175 words per minute
-We understand intelligently 600-800 words per minute
-For example, the disclaimer statements on advertisements

Think on your feet

1 Peter 5:8
1 Timothy 6:20
Ephesians 6:10-18

-Things to help you Boost your brain power

Breathe deep/meditate, video games, sit up straight, use dead time, learn a language, write, listen to Mozart, exercise, imaginary friends, learn more efficiently, take notes from the start and leave with a question or 2 in mind, use techniques for clear thinking, talk-->try explaining things you don't understand well, do something you enjoy, eat fish, laugh, do puzzles, sing, fiber, develop your creativity, avoid too much fat, eat potential brain foods, and avoid unnecessary arguments.

Use pictures [BE a picture]

Ephesians 4:1 (rather SEE a sermon than HEAR one)
1 Corinthians 16:2
Malachi 3:8

Bridle the tongue

James 3

Circle of Concern/Circle of Influence

My circle of Concern (things you care about)
-The salvation of people around the world
-Healthcare of the world
-World peace

My circle of Influence (things you can change)
-Training young men to be disciples for Jesus
-Sharing my faith with others
-Playing music with my trumpet and the piano
-Doing what God called me to do


What is your Circle of Concern? What is you Circle of Influence?