3 Quotes to Shape Your Communication

The rule of 3 I use is really getting in the way today, because I want to share 20 quotes that have shaped my communication. “Sticking to my guns”, I had to pick my favorite three that have forever impacted my approach. It’s ironic because the subject of communication is a challenge in itself. Your intention is to help someone and make the world a better place but was it received? With that intention in mind here we go. These three quotes are simple and yet so profound in what they communicate.

Maya Angelou

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel”. How often have we been right and drove a point home, ultimately showing our superiority on a particular subject? Afterwards leaving as if we lost because we hurt the other person’s feelings. It has happened on many occasions when a debate that started friendly, ends in sadness because of the delivery. Regardless of who was right or wrong, wasn’t the point to see the other person’s side and respect their opinion?

Teddy Roosevelt

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. I come back to this quote on a weekly basis. Facts and figures do not move people, but emotions certainly can. In leadership this lesson has had a profound impact on me personally. When I first became a “leader”, I thought I had to look and act a certain way. The truth came to me later in my leadership path that “actually giving a sh*t” about the person across from me was what matters, not how I looked or what I knew.

Thumper from Bambi

“If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. I had to fact check this quote as I always credited it to my Dad. All my life I thought he came up with it but it’s nice to know Pops was keeping up on his Bambi knowledge. In all seriousness this simple saying can change the world. Why say mean things? It’s only to feed our ego or to tear someone else down. In heated moments, we say stupid things. Next time try to channel your inner Thumper and keep those mean thoughts to yourself.

When you prepare to make a speech, most of the time is spent on the words being said. Next time you go into a conversation or if you’re going to address a crowd, ask yourself how the audience will feel as you are talking. What is your intention for your talk? Most of the time we are communicating to people we love or want to get to know better. Think of how they will feel, show them you care and keep it positive. Your communication will be better received and leave a lasting impression.