That may be a bit strong, a ‘loaded’ word. Probably I should have said, intended audience. As a child I remember listening to sermons in church but that it always seem that the minister was speaking to those not attending rather than to those present. I think I somewhat resented that but I know I thought that he had the wrong way round. I sometimes wonder if I’m doing the same thing in my blog – am I speaking to those reading or is it really ‘aimed’ at those who don’t?
We should all consider our focus – who are we ‘speaking’ to? And what is our purpose? Without both of those being clear to the listener and speaker, there’s too great an opportunity for mixed messages and misunderstandings. That’s why every speaker should be aware of whether or not the listener appears to have heard what you said. Did you hear what you said? If communication is your goal then this is important.
Perhaps the real issue is in ‘how’ we/I say what is said. The issue may be relevant to all but, am I helping or challenging those who actually are reading or wagging my finger at those who don’t? And I have to be honest – I’m an application’s speaker/writer. I always feel that whatever the subject that the reader should determine their own approach but that they do need to apply what they believe, not merely intellectualize it. Remember – though you are responsible for what you know, many people don’t apply what they know – you must act on your beliefs otherwise your knowledge, your beliefs are useless.
As a speaker or writer, you need to know what your expectations are. Are you attempting to influence? Are you merely ‘telling’? Or are you searching for a reaction? What are your motives? For example, mine are very clear… I want you to think, consider, revise, refine what you believe and equally important – why. I want you to understand your own behavior that promotes or undermines your beliefs. That is my target: understanding and behavior.
…but, what do you think?
