16 Laws: Who Says It - Part 3 (Observation!)

Good Communicators learn from Great Communicators. Warren Buffet says "Much of what you become in life depends on whom you choose to admire and copy." Early on in my journey as a Speaker, I joined the Toastmasters Club to hone in on my speaking skills by practicing my speeches in a safe environment and I decided to observe other great speakers from various clubs.

It helped me to become a better speaker and a Winner at the District Level for the Toastmasters International Speech Contest in 2021 - I observed and learned from other communicators who were better than me.

During the pandemic, I visited many clubs virtually to observe and learn from speakers across the globe. I learned by observing the best speakers. I watched them, learned from them, and imitated what I thought would work for me.

The keyword here is "what would work for ME". You do not want to copy everything you observe, think about what is your UNIQUE style and how can you incorporate some of the techniques in your own speech delivery.

Let me share with you my stages of Communication Growth:

1. I Learned the Basics of Good Speaking Where I Was - my starting place was to look at others within my toastmasters network, I learned by observing the best speakers who had won the Speech Contest or were competing to win like me. I spoke as often as I could, to practice. I tried different styles, failed often, made adjustments and improved by delivery along the way.
2. I Learned More from Great Communicators Outside My Own World - As I became better, I widened my view. I looked at the world-renowned speakers who were invited by John Maxwell to speak each year at the annual leadership event Live2Lead. In fact, I became a Live2Lead Host for the past 4 years bringing these valuable resources to my community. This year I have decided to attend the LIVE event at Atlanta, GA.

If you have not already begun observing communicators and learning from them, then it is time for you to begin NOW. If you want to lead a business well, watch great business communicators cast vision, introduce their products or learn from what they do. My friend Margarita Estrada and I ( Anupama Kinatukara, PgMP?, PMP? ) went to attend a Women's Summit to hear other women entrepreneurs like Catrise Austin Celebrity Cosmetic Dentist and Branding Coach speak.

If you start to become a good communicator in your field, don't stop there. Have you heard the saying "If you are at the head of the class, you are in the wrong class." Honestly I did not agree with this statement first since I used to feel great about being at the head of my class during my school days.

I scored the highest in Mathematics during my final year at High School and it felt like I was at the right place. As I matured, I understand better what this statement means.

To continue growing as a speaker, I need to expand my view of communicators in every field. I am privileged to be in the company of highly skilled and experienced communicators like the following:

• Mark Cole on Maxwell Method of Leadership
• Chris Robinson on Maxwell Method of Selling
• Valorie Burton on Maxwell Method of Coaching
• Roddy Galbraith on Maxwell Method of Speaking

Everyday, I am learning different lessons from each of them. For example,

• Mark Cole taught me how to connect continuously.
• Chris Robinson taught me how to bring out the best in people.
• Valorie Burton taught me how to be resilient in times of difficulty.
• Roddy Galbraith taught me how to share personal stories effectively.

You might ask what can you do to apply the Law Of Observation.

In the book that I am teaching from "16 Undeniable Laws of Communication", it says that we need to watch intentionally. Each time we observe great speakers, ask yourself these questions:

1. What did the communicator do to connect?
2. Why was it the best moment?
3. How did the communicator create it?
4. What made the communication memorable?
5. How much was personality and how much was technique?

Finally, What did he or she do that I can try? It is important for us to not only observe and learn but also APPLY.

Contact Anupama Kinatukara, PgMP?, PMP? if you are keen on improving your communication skills. Block 15 min on my calendar to learn more about the Maxwell Speakers Club with Anupama where I help individuals like you in a small group, we learn directly by watching John Maxwell's speeches and learning 26 lessons put together by Roddy Galbraith. I will be your Speaking Coach and will provide Live Feedback as you give your speeches twice a month. A new cohort is starting soon!

Next time we will discuss the Law Of Conviction - start thinking about what value do you hold so dear that it's deep in your heart and soul. Share this article with a colleague of yours and invite them to develop their speaking skills with you.

If you want to become a good communicator, you need to learn from those who've gone ahead of you. Good communicators learn from great communicators. Let's do it together!

Join me and others for Live2Lead 2023, registration is open for the LIVE event - contact me for details and we could plan to go together or bring this teaching to your company as a Private Rebroadcast!

We will discuss specific action steps, during the?Masterclass with Anupama, you can take to ensure that when you speak you always connect with your audience!

Note that?this is an excerpt from the book I have referred?in this article - get your own copy and join me on this journey of significance.