Speaker - Terry L. Sumerlin

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PEOPLE CONNECTORS: Resolutions That Work and Why

Is your New Year’s resolution for fun or for real? If it’s for real, it will require communication. Here’s how.

PEOPLE CONNECTORS: Resolutions That Work and Why Is your New Year’s resolution for fun or for real? If it’s for real, it will require communication. Here’s how.

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MY HOLIDAY COMMUNICATION LIST

It has been wisely said that words are vehicles on which thoughts travel. That being the case, we must always be careful what passengers we put on the plane.

It often seems we take the communication process for granted. We assume that since we have been talking since childhood we know how to communicate. Therefore, we tend to give inadequate attention to effective communication, or its by-products.

Perhaps we should all ask “Santa” for better, high-quality communication tools. These are on my wish list:

1. Better forethought.

One of the things of which we must constantly remind ourselves is that effective communication is always preceded by effective thinking. We’re familiar with the adage about putting the brain in gear before engaging the mouth. It’s good advice. Too often, the first words that come to mind are not high-quality.

2. Wise delay

Along with the preceding wish, is delay. Long ago I learned that what’s written or said one day doesn’t necessarily look the same the next. For that reason, I seldom submit anything the day I write it. This “gift” has prevented untold embarrassment on social media, text and e-mail. I always ask for the patience of communication delay.

3. Kind words

The previous tools apply in various communication contexts. Who hasn’t at some time thought they had the right response, only to think the next day, “I sure wish I hadn’t said it like that”? Who hasn’t fired off an angry e-mail, and then wished they hadn’t? An immediate response is required less often than we think, especially if it is something unkind. Think kindness.

4. Communication clarity

Consider the case of one who enters a fast food restaurant and asks for a hamburger – cut the onions. To an untrained employee or one for whom English is challenging, does this mean that the onions are to be sliced, diced or eliminated?

In the DFW metroplex, 100+ languages are spoken. Diversity is similar throughout our country. My Christmas list includes trying my best to effectively communicate with, and to communicate respect for, everyone.

5. Smiles galore

A smile is a powerful gift. Did you know that a smile can be seen the length of a football field? I’ve often thought that if people that frown were turned upside down we would see more smiles and less frowns. Smiles can communicate acceptance, respect and authenticity. Smiles connect and prepare minds for listening and learning.

CONNECTOR CLIPS: Let’s see that “Santa” fulfills this communication wish list for each of us.

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(AK Photo | Karen Gist)

The spotlight is fun, but connecting is what it’s all about.
(National officers of the Future Business Leaders of America)

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THE BEST COMPLIMENT

At last week’s ACTE’s Career Tech Vision 2024, Education Business Division opening, I had the opportunity of speaking to dedicated educators as well as an amazing group of leaders from the national Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

After my presentation, I was honored by their desire to chat. One young man said something I will never forget. He first repeated what I had said in my keynote, “Encouragement (appreciation) does no one any good if it stays in our brains. It must be communicated.” This post is his response to what I'd said. What is our response?

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"kindness doesn't create a fraction of the problems that unkindness does"
("Stop Talking, Start Communicating," by )

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CONNECTOR CLIPS: Do This Again and Again

To maintain relationships, as well as to communicate effectively, this specific, vital, communication skill must be in constant use. Then we are able to connect, communicate and teach. Otherwise, we have the reverse.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDiE-_GAGbU

PEOPLE CONNECTORS: Do This Again and Again To maintain relationships, as well as to communicate effectively, this specific, vital, communication skill must be consistent in our interactions. Then a...

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CONNECTOR CLIPS: The Basis for Enthusiasm

It’s easy to view excitement and enthusiasm as synonyms. They’re not. Excitement is circumstantial and temporary. Enthusiasm rises above circumstances and can be long lasting.
In every profession including education, as well as in life, enthusiasm is the key to success.

“encouraging, positive, filled with humor, Terry truly connected”
Michelle Chiles-Fourcoy, Chief of Staff, COABE

PEOPLE CONNECTORS: The Basis for Enthusiasm It’s easy to view excitement and enthusiasm as synonyms. They’re not. Excitement is circumstantial and temporary. Enthusiasm rises above circumstances and ...