Keep it Simple

Less is generally more. This is my guiding principle when it comes to communication. Express your thoughts in the most simple, straight forward way. Yet, communicating simply is one of the most universally difficult tasks. No doubt, you have encountered something like this:

“Rudolph made a major contribution to Santa’s success by leading multi-unit marketing initiatives developed through detailed interpretation and tracking of innovative, little people interfaces.”

”Why not say, “Rudolph delivered.”

Granted, both statements are generalities. Write with substance, even if it takes a little more effort. Readers will thank you.

“Rudolph contributed to Santa’s success by delivering just the right present to each child.”

Long story, short: Less IS more.

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Go Ahead, Reminisce

For the holidays this year, I was determined to remain unruffled. Thanksgiving came about as early as was possible, and I was responsible for only mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. That was pretty easy!

 

Using the last week in November to marshal my ingenuity and perseverance to decide on the season’s gifts, I still felt that time was on my side. One quick e-trip through the events calendar of the Twin Cities, and I found the perfect experience: Black Nativity. Of course, Benny and Baxter wanted to attend. I could imagine them swinging to the gospel music and dance, definitely ruffling a few feathers. No monkey business this time, so they settled for hearing about Holidays Past.

When my now adult children were in their teens, I always found a cultural performance for us to participate in as a family. Usually, it was one-way reception: a play at the Guthrie, Lorie Line, a ballet, an orchestra concert or choral production. We always had a fabulous time. So in that tradition, the Black Nativity was no exception.

Continuing with Holidays Past, I began to remember some of my holiday strategies, like engaging the family in more “giving” experiences. One year we sang Christmas carols in a nursing home. Another year we put on a Christmas play, using Santa Bears. Many years, we cut our Christmas tree, decorating it with popcorn and cranberry chains. The Christmas of 1999 found family and friends visiting stations throughout our home to cut out paper snowflakes, decorate cookies, put a puzzle together, and create messages and special packages for our 2000, turn-of-the-century cylinder. I think I will resurrect that cylinder and lovingly recount its contents with everyone during December, 2009.

But, I digress. Yet, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Taking some time to reminisce, tell favorite stories, and relax in the peace of family and friends. Yes, I have enough time to do what is needed, and I remain unfuffled, er, unruffled.

Long story, short: Focus on what is really important this season, and keep it in your heart year ‘round.

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A Life-Changing Formula

I volunteered to present a short message on “Peace” for an upcoming Sunday Service. To some people, this topic is not a “showstopper”; certainly we will hear about it throughout the holiday season. That’s my challenge: How can I present “Peace” in a new way, as a compelling, memorable message?

I always like to “google” topics to see what information, perspectives and practical demonstrations are available. Of course, Wikipedia leads the search with definitions. Continuing to peruse the Google list, I found a site offering an International Creed for Peace (www.internationalcreedforpeace.co.uk ). The Creed has two parts. The first part asserts independence: I am independent. I am free. I am just. The second part asks for an action in response to that independence: I have a duty to choose my beliefs. I have a duty to be alive. I have a duty to respect others.

These parts of the Creed begin as individual thoughts that become actions. What we think and believe, we then become. Part of our duty in respecting others is to do what we can to create peace for them. This may take the conventional form of sharing food and clothing or contributing to a cause. We could get more creative: holding their hands, smiling, listening, telling stories or spending time in conversation. In doing so, we open ourselves, inviting laughter, joy, warm and fuzzy feelings and genuine goodwill. By creating peace each day for someone else, our own peace will grow exponentially.

Long story, short: How will you help someone to experience peace today?

 

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Appeal to Both Head and Heart

Over the weekend, my family and I attended Black Nativity (www.penumbratheatre.org), a performance of the interpretation through song and dance of the events leading to and surrounding Jesus’ birth. The energy, brilliant voices, passion and choreography unleashed were mesmerizing. I could hardly keep from joining the cast in movement and melody. This experience I felt deep in my bones.

That all of my senses were touched impacted me. I couldn’t wait to hear the next professional voice, see the facial expressions, and witness how the events of the Christ Child’s birth interfaced with the family’s celebration.

The setting and mood were created with the traditional holiday backdrop and symbols, yet the series of interpretive and seemingly spontaneous actions and reactions made the production memorable.

Long story, short: Memorable communication is a product of talent and passion, appealing to both the head and the heart.

 

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