We all have different learning styles. Some of us are
visual; some hands-on; some are auditory; and some are reading/writing
learners. Personally, I am a combination of styles; visual and hands-on. I
learn best with charts and graphs and pictures and colors (visual); taking
things apart and putting them back together (hands-on).
Auditory learners need to hear the information and often like
to say it out loud to help them remember it. Reading/writing learners do best
when reading and writing. Go figure.
So, what difference does it make? Let’s just suppose you
have important information to convey to an audience – customers, employees,
family, friends – and you want to make sure they “get” it. How do you present
the information in a way that achieves your goal? Understand that not everyone
in your “audience” learns the same way. Learning is not a “one size fits all”
proposition.
My point? At any given time, each type of learner will be in
your audience and the way you deliver your message better include something for
each learner type. At Sentry, we are in the business of safety. Any messages we
send out – whether it’s product information, safety tips, or general safety
information – needs to hit the target. That means the message needs to contain
something for everyone. What can you do to engage people in your message? Before
you speak, listen. Yep, that’s right. Listen; not just hear but listen. Too
often we listen to reply, not to understand. Know your audience, whether it’s
one-on-one or a large group. Effective communication is about removing
obstacles and taking the other person(s) into consideration. Know what they need
and find ways to solve their issues. Make it all about them.
Have a great weekend.
Posted by MJ Thomas
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