Contemplate In Order To Resonate

Those who are truly understood typically get what they want. Being misunderstood can be one of the most frustrating things one can experience. Effectively communicating thoughts clearly, especially in the workplace, can literally be the difference that promotes someone up the corporate ladder or one that languishes in the shadows of other colleagues.

How does someone learn to speak or communicate in any form, so that it resonates with others? True, there are some people that naturally have a gift to come up with a compelling and articulate story on the fly, but most are not like that. And I would say, even if one has that gift, it is not the best route to take. One learns to resonate by practice. Make a habit to consult the brain and upon others before making decisions.

“Greatness, admiration, respect, and success” have always started with a plan written in the mind or on paper that was well executed, so that it resonated with those who could in a sense, allow an individual or group to be successful. This executed plan or preparatory mental state, I like to call “necessary contemplation.”

Those who “wing it” in presentations, or randomly blurt out disorganized and disconnected content do not resonate with others. This state of contemplation can be as brief as a few seconds or last for several days; each circumstance will dictate the necessary time. It’s absolutely amazing how quickly our brains can generate impressive and thought provoking ideas (if we actually decide to use it). When our mothers told us while we were growing up to “think before we speak”, she knew what she was talking about..

Resonating vs. “being heard” are two entirely different concepts. Resonating with others is “sticky” and isn’t easily forgotten because the content is so interesting and relevant that the listener cannot deny the power that accompanies it. It is convincing, believable, and perspective altering. Being heard sounds like the same old stuff, and generally goes in one ear and out the other. It is boring and sounds like a memorized stump speech. Being heard doesn’t move people to leadership or solidify a partnership very quickly.

Likewise, contemplation and “surface thinking” are different as well. Contemplation demonstrates diligence and desire to contribute meaningfully to the solution. It uses perspective, reflection, and knowledge in decision-making. Surface thinking displays neglect and a sense of apathy. Eventually, those who wing it, lose credibility and audience.

Benjamin Franklin astutely declared:

“He that can have patience can have what he will”

Next time you communicate or present your opinion, contemplate for a time, then move forward. You will know if you resonated because you will feel a sense of edification with the audience. And as a result, audiences will seek your opinion and consultation more regularly. People will naturally gravitate to you. There will no longer be a ladder to find to climb up, it will come to you and people will push you up it.