5 Basic Communication Practices

Communication is key.  I learned this early on in my ministry when I couldn’t figure out why people weren’t responding to my messages, emails, etc.  I grew frustrated wondering, “Why aren’t people getting back to me?”  It wasn’t until I was talking to a veteran youth worker that he reminded me of a basic communication practice, “If you only announce it once, chances are the majority of people won’t hear it.”  

Courtesy of Tim G. Photography/Creative Commons License

There is so much communication that needs to happen in youth ministry.  Whether it’s the bottom line in your message or informing parents of an upcoming workshop, you need to get the word out.  When you communicate correctly you get your initiatives across and build momentum. Of all the responsibilities that a youth minister has, your communication skills are amongst the most importants.  So, how do you improve your communication?  Here are 5 basic practices I use:

1. CLARIFY THE ACTION STEP:  Don’t just talk to hear yourself speak.  Every time you speak whether it’s in a message or an email have a takeaway.  It might be as simple as asking someone to follow up with you or a challenge like inviting a friend into a relationship with Christ.  You want your audience walking away knowing what to do next.
2. SUM IT UP: The more clear and direct you can be with your point the more powerful it will be.  That doesn’t mean you can’t use examples, just make sure they are relevant and drive the point home.  In mediums like emails and phone calls make sure you aren’t wasting up space with throwaway words or side stories.  To help craft this rule practice summing up everything you want to say in one sentence.
3. PRACTICE TILL YOU HATE IT: This is important when it comes to giving a message; however, it’s also something you can use when writing an email.  Practice what you want to communicate also means editing, tweaking and revising your words.  If all you do is write, and then deliver you’ll find yourself making careless mistakes.
4. BOUNCE IT OFF OTHERS: While you might not be able to do this all the time (i.e. tweets), don’t be afraid to bounce what you want to communicate off of a coworker, friend or family member.  Allow them to give you feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of what you are trying to communicate.
5. REPEAT, REPEAT AND REPEAT: You cannot saying something enough times.  People might grow sick of it, they might make fun of you for being a broken record; however, their feedback is the fruit of your communication.  If you are shooting out an invitation to an event, communicate it again and follow up with your audience.  Make sure your bottom line is repeated several times throughout the message.  Repeat, repeat and repeat.

How you communicate as a leader is essential to how your ministry will grow. Poor communication leads to confusion and disengagement.  Practice not just what you preach but how you preach it.  Make sure your message is clear, compelling and right to the point.  People want to follow someone they can understand.

What other communication practices would you add?