Ralph Waldo Emerson is known for stating, “To be simple is to be great.” Yet, life’s mammoth offerings of daily responsibilities can make any task anything but simple. 

According to John C. Maxwell, author of “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect,” people must allow for humor and hope to get through the tough times in life. Laughter has always been thought of as good medicine. It puts a smile on one’s face and creates a contagious reaction in others. By thinking positive and having a feeling of hope while believing what you do will inspire others is a simple way to captivate another person’s heart.

When communicating, many times we think we are speaking clearly. We know what we are aiming to say, but sometimes the words do not exactly match our thoughts. Then, we become very confused when the receiver of the information asks questions that simply do not match what was presented or intended to be conveyed. Basically, the first time something is said, it is heard. The next time it is shared, it is better recognized, but sometimes a third repetition might be required for someone to fully understand a message.

Unlike communicating, when connecting, dialogue is shared in a meaningful way. Simple monologue is not enough. To truly connect with others, one must capture the person or audience’s attention from the very beginning.

Have you ever attended a church service where you felt like the preacher was speaking directly to you? If so, there was a connection in what he or she was preaching and what you fully understood from the message. The same effect can be experienced from listening to music or watching an emotionally charged movie.

In the past, people would sit around and listen to the radio for entertainment or to hear the most recent news stories. Yet, the majority of people will admit that they are visual learners and are enlightened by the most current forms of visual communication: television, movies and You Tube, for example. Therefore, what is really important is that as communicators, we find a way to appeal visually to our listeners in some fashion.

Telling stories is a great way to spark the interest of another and allow that person to create mental images of what you are sharing. President Abraham Lincoln was known for telling great stories. He believed illustrations provided the best picture for any repeated tale. 

No matter what your role in communicating might be, it is always wise to share with enthusiasm. Express your thoughts with words of joy and use facial expressions and gestures that captivate your listeners. What people need to see is that you are genuine in what you speak and that you are not afraid to reverse the role and behave as the “simple listener” as well.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column regularly appears in The Bulletin.