I was fortunate enough to visit the colourful, breathtaking Cirque Du Soliel production of Varekai. Varekai means “wherever” and this mystical exploration of endless possibilities was a great example of how communication transcends language. Without a word of English, the Cirque Du Soliel performance evoked feelings of wonder and awe with the audience.

Everyday we communicate in lots of different ways. The world of Varekai reminded me that communication is all about feeling. If we can create meaning for our audience, whether presenting to one thousand or just one, if we can get them to feel, rather than just hear, our job is done.

Felicity Zadro’s article on ‘Meaning Making’ explores just that – authentic, meaningful communication and how these principles remain relevant, no matter what your line of work or play.

Spring is all about new beginnings and this month’s Brave Bod is embarking on two exciting new adventures. Matt Nable and his beautiful wife Cassandra have just welcomed their second son, Jesse into the world and Matt’s new film goes into production this month.

May you have a wonderfully colourful spring…

Best of life,

P.S Please send any feedback and brave ideas to me at: belinda@bravecoaching.com

Being an excellent communicator is arguably one of the most sought-after skills in business today. Communicating is easy… right? It’s all about being a great talker... WRONG. Communication is so much more than saying what it is we want to say.

Before we learnt to talk we learnt two other important things; we learnt to listen and to understand. We also learnt how to get our messages across and quickly influence our audience, without even speaking a word.

Communication forms the backbone of our business and personal relationships. Mastering communication is an influential leadership tool and a competitive advantage. Have you ever worked for a boss who was technically excellent but terrible with people? Chances are they weren’t good at communicating. Can you recall a boss that completely inspired and captivated you with their stories and experiences, yet allowed you to be heard and valued your opinion? It’s these feelings that great communicators can evoke in their audiences.

Here are 10 tips to mastering communication:

1. Listen.
   Active listening remains at the heart of good communication. Listening means understanding what the person means, not just what they say. A mentor of mine shared with me a very simple but useful tool that I often use when I am working with clients - ‘W-A-I-T – ‘Why Am I Talking?’.  Encouraging others to talk by asking open ended questions is one of the simplest ways to get what you want. Clarifying is also a particularly simple tool to ensure you have understood correctly and no misinterpretation has taken place.
2. Start with the end in mind.
   This is relevant to any form of communication. When considering how to approach the conversation/ presentation/ conflict, consider the specific outcomes you want and work back from there. Create a picture of how you want the interaction to take place and then plan the most effective way to get there. Consider the feelings, background and needs of your audience before your own when developing your plan. 
3. Always speak the truth.
   Learning to speak the truth directly and respectfully is one of the most important tools of communication. Being honest radically simplifies your life and it establishes you as a person of trustworthiness and character. Your reputation is everything. Always speak the truth and quickly admit when you are wrong!
4. Think before you speak!
   Ann Landers put it so sweetly when she said: “The trouble with talking too fast is you may say something you haven't thought of yet”. Communicating isn’t about showing people how much you know – it’s about achieving the outcome you want and this often requires more listening than speaking. Speaking succinctly is the best way to get your point across. In times of high energy I can’t overestimate the value of two or three deep breaths!
5. Make a habit of speaking to people you normally wouldn’t.
   When was the last time you spoke to someone you didn’t know very well and were surprised and delighted by what an interesting individual they were? Who knows what hidden talents exist around your workplace or the other communities you are part of. People who you normally wouldn’t mix or work with can bring fresh and new perspectives to the business challenges you face. Why not spend some time connecting with someone new this week?
6. See things from the other person’s point of view.
   Ensuring your message has meaning for the other party is crucial if it is to be received and understood. Always consider what the world looks like from the other person’s point of view. A message without meaning is often better left unsaid! If you’re ever unsure, ask.
7. Get to the point – quickly.
   Everyday we are bombarded with thousands and thousands of messages. The filters in our brain block out the majority of irrelevant messages, only taking in those that are within the scope of our focus. Whether you are presenting to one thousand people at a conference, ten people at a team meeting or one potential customer or supplier, it’s critical to get to your point quickly. Asking questions up front will ensure you can target your message where the recipients focus or interest is.
8. Be present.
   Apart from being rude, not listening and responding to others with your whole head, heart and body will often mean you miss out on a really important message. If you have other things on your mind, try to park them when you are dealing with others, or politely excuse yourself. This includes listening for someone’s name when they introduce themselves and making eye contact. A great rule of thumb is to treat your staff and suppliers like you would expect them to treat your most important customers.
9. Leave your baggage behind!
   Let’s face it, carrying around a bag full of negative ‘stuff’ just makes your load heavier. To get your message heard and understood, the key is finding common ground, not arming yourself for a battle ground! The next time you have a difficult situation to deal with, try leaving your baggage outside the door as you walk in. Don’t ever assume, ask permission to address tricky subjects – you can then openly discuss issues that may be sensitive.
10. Become genuinely interested in other people.
    Take the time to listen and be genuinely interested in what others are saying. If you demonstrate a real interest in helping the other person achieve what they want, they will reciprocate. They will communicate more freely and openly and listen more attentively, because they feel valued. Always do what you say you will. Follow up verbal communication with written clarification to ensure no misunderstanding took place.

It’s not enough to just be technically smart in the workplace anymore, it’s how ‘people smart’ you are that has emerged as the new yardstick. So whilst you’re probably doing many of these things naturally, everyday as you influence and lead in your business and personal lives, why not try adopting just one new tip this week and see what a difference it makes?

You can find more content on our website: www.bravecoaching.com

The Heart Foundation’s 2006 Door Knock Appeal is on throughout September. Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel disease) is the leading cause of death and disability in Australia. The Heart Foundation was formed in 1958 and is now recognised as one of the largest organisations funding health and medical research in Australia. Find out how to donate, or better still, how to become a volunteer and support the heart foundation at: www.heartfoundation.com.au

We’ve updated this section on our website with some fantastic websites that will help you save money, keep up to date with important business (and fashion!) trends and much more: Check out websites we love this month!

Popular thought is that we will change careers between four and seven times. At 34, Matthew Nable has embarked on his fourth career change. After an interesting and varied career, and no formal writing training Matthew decided it was time to truly follow his dream. He left his secure job in sales to become a full time writer. Less than 12 months later he is preparing to star in the film he wrote, alongside some of Australia’s most respected actors. Matthew is witty, humble and honest and I loved learning more about his latest inspiring and brave adventure…

B: Can you give me a two minute rundown on ‘The Last Winter’?

M: The Last Winter is about a guy who has his identity stripped away in very short period of time. It’s a film about rugby league, but one that will transcend sport. It’s about being made redundant and not being ready for it. It’s a very gritty, real and human story.

The main character has to deal with betrayal and the changing game of rugby league. The adulation and attention attached to being a rugby league star is stripped away from him. At 30, it’s all finished. At a time when most other men are coming into their own, he needs to deal with the loss of his identity and all that has become attached to it.

B: You’re also going to act in the lead role in the film – how did that come about?

M: Not through narcissism - I went through the normal casting process with the director, and despite the advantages to our budget, I know this character very well. Because I have developed the characters, I can bring an extra element to the lead. I know the pivotal moments in the dialogue and what lies beneath it.

B: You’ve cast some great Aussie actors already… can you give us a sneak peak at some of the cast?

M: Definitely. Matthew Johns will be playing the role of the coach and his profile will be great for the film. Chris Hemsworth who was voted most popular new male talent at the 2005 Logies will be playing the role of the brother and we’re currently looking for someone to play the key role of the CEO. We’re hoping to cast someone like David Wenham, John Waters or John Jarratt. There’s also a very small role that we’re chasing Russell Crowe for, so we’ll see how we go! Lots of well known Aussie actors have been showing interest.

B: When did you start writing?

M: I was really drawn to writing fiction and at school I excelled at it. I started university, majoring in English, but quit to go overseas where I played rugby. I started writing over there and found that I just couldn’t stop. When I returned to Australia I was twenty four and I think I just didn’t have the maturity I needed. I worked in a series of roles until I made the decision to write full time.  I worked as a carpenter for 4 years, then as a self employed personal trainer for 5 and most recently in sales.

B: Was there a defining moment when you decided you wanted to become a full-time writer?

M: Yes, definitely. One of the things that makes me a better writer is that I am very honest with myself. Before making the decision I was filled with insecurity and self doubt. I was very concerned about what other people would think. I thought they had me pegged a certain way and I didn’t tell anyone I was writing for a long time. After writing my last novel I contacted Thomas Keneally and gave it to him to read. He said to me “This is what you should be doing” and that gave me the ammunition to make the leap.

B: Did you ever doubt your ability to make the change successfully?

M: Success for me means giving it everything I have. I decided that I was going to explore every possible avenue to get my novel out and if it didn’t work I would still be happy to say I followed my dream. I was called a ‘dreamer’ for years and I recently realised that being a dreamer was a good thing – but that making a difference meant taking the first step. 

B: What do you think got in your way of making the change sooner?

M: I think it took me a while to grow up. It took me a while to build the confidence to accept that this is what I wanted to do. I had to be honest with myself and overcome the insecurity and doubt. My partner was amazing in supporting and encouraging me to make the change. This was a big part of it as choosing to write can place a big strain on a relationship. It is a selfish pursuit.

B: As a rookie in producing a film, what were the critical steps you had to take in getting your novel ready to show directors.

M: I first wrote ‘The Last Winter’ as a novel. I then invited two mates to join me. One of them is the most positive person I know, he has always filled me with confidence. The other has never let anyone tell him he couldn’t do something. The first thing I had to do was write the novel into a 95 minute screen play. I had no idea how to write a screen play, so we watched a series of DVD’s on independent film making that we had flown in from Los Angeles. We were so inspired by the presenter – we decided that you didn’t need to be a genius to do it. So we just did it…  I wrote the screen play and we put a 6-7 minute film together. We used this to raise the investment we needed. Once we had the funds raised, we started hiring people from the industry. We’ve hired some amazing, award-winning crew – these are the people who will build the vision we have created.

B: What’s been the most difficult thing in bringing the film together?

M: Fear of letting people down. People have placed their confidence in me - manifested in the money they have invested. I don’t want to let anyone down. There are a lot of really talented people in Australia struggling to get work and I’m very aware of that. Knocking on lots of doors and telling your story can also get monotonous. You can get a great response, but getting the result is what matters.

B: I’ve always imagined the film industry to be very ‘clicky’ and hard to break into – what’s been the key to getting noticed?

M: We didn’t follow a conventional method. We bypassed a lot of the typical avenues and went straight to investors with our script. Once we had the dollars behind us, people were jumping at us.

B: Why do you think the film will be a success?

M: The film is about what Aussies like to read about, hear about and watch. The subject matter has wide commercial appeal in its own right, and it’s about an emotive side of sport that just doesn’t get covered. We’re really confident that the film will have strong appeal overseas as well, given the universal themes.

B: In the SMH article about your film, Matthew John’s referred to his decision to act in the film as ‘…taking it to the next level and testing myself further’. What advice do you have for other people feeling they want to take things to the next level in their business or personal life?

M:

1. I urge them to take the leap. You have zero to lose if you look at the big picture.
2. Whether someone else deems what you do a success, just doesn’t matter.
3. Face your fears and consider what you’re truly capable of.
4. Have a go – I’ve found the journey uplifting and satisfying.

B: So what’s next for you and the film?

M: We’re currently in pre-production. We will film for 5 weeks, starting mid-September. Post production will take 12 weeks and we will look to release the film at an opportune time in 2007. We also plan to enter the film into one of the festivals overseas. As for me, I will start writing another screen play in November, with the aim to have it done by the end of the year….

B: What about your acting career?

M: As long as I am writing and earning enough money to go on a holiday with my wife and kids each year, then I will be happy. I don’t need to be a movie star… although if that happens, it would be cool!

…This week I came across an enthusiastic, inspiring address titled ‘You’ve got to find what you love’. It was given by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and Pixar Animation Studios to final year Stanford University students in 2005. This is a must read for anyone who has ever dreamed of achieving more in their business lives. Visit Websites We Love for a direct link. (The article was sourced from www.anitaroddick.com)

By Felicity Zadro

Whether you start your day with a freshly home brewed espresso, a long haul commute or walking out into the fields, the tasks of your day, your responsibilities, the decisions made and relationships you make are an expression of who you are and what you see as important. Due to this connection, most of us care about the meaning of what we do.

Recently, the meaning of what I do in my daily work life has dramatically changed. I have gone from ten years in community health and services working for the ‘voiceless’ and for recognition of mental health and multiculturalism, to working in the meeting and events industry. They are different worlds with seemingly nothing in common. Or are they? On the verge of this change I thought to myself, what could I possibly bring to my new role that would be relevant, useful and valued?

The one thing that all workplaces – regardless of industry - have in common is that the people who work there all have a desire for their work to be valued, recognised and to see how it is contributing to the bigger picture – and that is all before the size of the pay packet! The main way these needs can be fulfilled is through meaningful communication.

Communication is the core of our existences. Through communication we come to understand our world, get our work done, resolve conflict, learn, express ourselves and make relationships. We communicate all the time and are being communicated to consistently, but are our personal and professional communication techniques beneficial? Are they making life less complicated? Is it getting us where we want to be? Does it allow personal change and growth in our immediate environments?

Whether you are organising a conference for 4000 people or promoting good mental health, our efforts are wasted unless we communicate meaning to our target audiences. Gone are the days where shooting out an email or flyer about what is going on at your workplace is considered ‘communicating’. We need to understand where people are coming from before we can listen to them; understand what is important to them before we design communication strategies and care about the experience of the communication before we do anything at all.

We know that people will be more likely to take on board the messages of a health campaign, promotional material or website if the reader perceives they were thought about when it was put together, whether it connects with them in some way – whether it has meaning for them.

Here are some points to remember:

1. Words are arbitrary sounds put to concepts. We develop concepts in our minds through what we have experienced or learnt and which are strongly influenced through culture, socio-economic status, religion etc. However, when we speak the same language we use the same words. Consider the different meanings, feelings and interpretations of words such as success, change, love, national pride, political freedom, good health. Consider how your understanding of these words has changed over time.
2. When communicating always try to consider the context that the person is coming from. Sociologists call this the ‘field of experience’. Before you launch in with talking to people about your service or business, spend some time asking questions about the person, their likes or dislikes, personal experiences like travel or parenthood. Don’t be afraid to ask politely and gently how they felt about something they raise in conversation. 
3. If you have to explain an idea or concept to someone take a sheet of paper and start drawing! Concept maps with lots of arrows, circles and scribbles will make much more sense than words. You will also be able to tell more clearly if it makes sense for them.
4. What we know now is the basis from which we learn new things, so use analogies and metaphors to get your point across.
5. If translating information, avoid the cheap ‘direct translating’ services and make sure you have someone who understands your industry or business translating concepts. Often direct translations have a different meaning and need a whole different series of words to describe the same concept.
6. Even if you are meeting up with colleagues for a casual coffee or lunch, always follow up with an email identifying the main points of the conversation including actions agreed to and points for further discussion. This will not only remind you of the things you had to do, but lets the person know that you valued their input and time.
7. Implied meaning in communication is often the most powerful because it is harder to identify and usually happens frequently. Examine the culture of your workplace, the language used, the actions of the boss and senior managers to see if the rhetoric matches the actions. Put culture on regular staff meeting agendas to allow a discussion on ‘how things are done around here’ – you might be surprised at the result.

Changing the industry that I work in has been a challenging experience, but what I have kept the same are the things that provide the most meaning for me – working in a challenging and learning environment, creating positive experiences for staff and clients and valuing people – regardless of what they do.

Making meaning in your personal and professional communication for yourself and others is an effective way to create change and embark on new adventures.

Brave Coaching and Consulting offers a no-obligation, free trial coaching session either in person or by telephone. During the session you will find out about how coaching can help you achieve your potential and you and your coach will set some inspiring goals together. What goals would you set if you knew you couldn’t fail? Simply e-mail us at:
trialsession@bravecoaching.com and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to meet.