Roberta M. Helming: Communication skills vital in life

Roberta M. Helming: Communication skills vital in life


Publication: The Day

Published 02/12/2009 12:00 AM

Updated 12/11/2009 01:06 PM

In November, I volunteered for Barack Obama's campaign in Laconia, N.H, a swing state. I had reservations about making politically based phone calls for Mr. Obama.

At the headquarters each morning I would be handed a script of what to say during my phone calls. I politely responded that I wouldn't engage in negative campaigning. I explained that as a team we wouldn't win over Republicans and undecided voters in a swing state by being negative about the other candidates.

I spoke with hundreds of undecided voters on the telephone about Barack Obama and, because of my approach, most were open to me because I wasn't trying to explain what was wrong with their candidates, but rather what was right about my candidate. I say this to help people understand that communication skills in life are of the utmost importance and how we say things directly effects the response we receive and the influence we have on others.
With regard to communicating more effectively, I recommend a book I read recently titled “Leadership and Self Deception: Getting Out of the Box.” It is by the Arbinger Institute and, as it did mine, it will truly change your life.