Page 6 - Kindness - No Forward

The problem for many of us is that we are unaware of when we’re failing to
convey dignity and respect to the people to whom we are speaking.

I believe it’s time to stop and look at ourselves to see how we can become
more effective by putting a little courtesy in communication.

And that is why I have written this book.

Greek legend tells of an orator by the name of Demosthenes.
Demosthenes was not an accomplished public speaker. He stuttered.

But Demosthenes overcame his stuttering to become one of the best-
known speakers in history.

He put nuggets in his mouth, which corrected his stuttering.

My purpose here is to share some of the most successful “courtesy
nuggets” I have accumulated over years of teaching communication skills
and speaking professionally. I know as you practice these techniques,
you’ll discover for yourself how effective they are on a daily basis in every
type of communication. Just like the numerous attendees of my
workshops and seminars, you will find that people respond positively when
they are treated thoughtfully.

Common Sense Is Not Always Common

Recently, I was explaining some of these techniques to a senior official of a
Fortune 100 company. After listening to me describe the importance of
infusing communication with courtesy and how it could impact customer
relations, she said “But isn’t this common sense stuff?”

It is.

But just as common sense tells us to eat a healthy diet, and not drive too
fast, and to buckle our seat belts, we still need to be reminded.

My goal in writing this book is to introduce values in the way we
communicate. The values I’m taking about should come as no surprise at
this point: treating other people with dignity, with kindness, and with a
celebration of our differences.