Here are a few of my favorite news sources, take them or leave them.
Google News - it has a feature you can personalize the settings.
Feedly.com - formerly Google Reader (on it's way out) it allows you to track news quickly with a scan
PoliticoWire.com - National, but they seem to have up to the minute political items. It definitely has a liberal slant, so take it all in context.
TheBlaze.com - This is a news site that was created by Glenn Beck and colleagues.
DrudgeReport.com - One of the top news sources that politicos of all kinds watch. Matt Drudge has the corner on the market for news reporting. Credible.
MichiganReport.com - Similar to Drudge Report, I find this to have "new" info I'm not hearing elsewhere.
Twitchy | Who Said What - Michelle Malkin has created what Greg Gutfeld calls the thing of the future. This site provides an aggregate of news stories that are happening on twitter. And it's not going away. Not into joining twitter? At least follow this up and coming news source.
Twitter.com - Biggest tips for Twitter? It's perfect for people who work in politics or want up to the second news. Do word searches on topics you're interested in. And watch what's trending - it will tell you what is on the lips of the markets you might be interested in.
Also, I hope to start tracking these sources more:
Reddit.com - Supposedly this is the place where a lot of young people gather. As with Drudge Report, the presentation is bare but it's the content the visitors care about. And the minimalist asthetics has some appeal in thsi bells and whistles world!
Breitbart.com - Andrew Breitbart (deceased in 2012) was a bold voice for reporting and revealing the truth. His legacy continues.
DailyCaller.com - Tucker Carlson is becoming a fmiliar face on FoxNews but his primary role is as the leader at Daily Caller. He is in the "friend to conservative" media circle. There aren't many - but he is someone to regard.
For TV, I follow Foxnews
For Radio, I'm a ginormous fan of (check your local stations):
Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh (check your local station), Sean Hannity, NPR, WJR/or any local station I can pick up.
I'd rather read the news on my phone (it's smaller screen and lets to move my eyes across) and I love listening to the news. Make your items short and sweet and assure us that you are the reporting voice who is credible, objective and known for passionately pursuing the truth of the story. I, for one, am a Millennial willing to listen.
Over and out.
- ajh
Generations matter. We each carry a vital part of the story. We must understand one another and communicate more effectively. Millennials, you have been commissioned for this hour. Those that have gone before us have great wisdom for us to glean. Together we are giving the next generation of Americans hope. Together, members of all generations, can ensure that America's greatest days are still ahead. .
Showing posts with label communication 101. Show all posts
Showing posts with label communication 101. Show all posts
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Communication 101
So you want to get a message across? Or perhaps you've been trying and no one is listening? Even the best communicators are wise to review some of the basic guidelines for communication; for those of you who don't consider it "your thing" perhaps these tips will be just the thing you've been looking for.
Remember the following; they are part of the basic 101 tips of communication.
What you Meant: As individuals who want to convey a message be it via public speaking venues or just one on one with a friend over coffee, our default as humans is to think that we are right, that our message makes sense and that anyone not understanding me is weird. But, if you want to be an effective communicator you have to try a different paradigm.
As frustrating as this is, whether the listener understands your message is not based on your intentions, passion or how well you think you articulated the message. Instead, it is dependent on how well the message is received by the listener. A lot can happen in the transition from your mind to their ears.
If they take away something different than what you intended or do not offer you confirmation and recognition that "they get it", do not blame it on them. You are the influencer. If people are not responding to you as you had hoped, it's possible you should reconsider what you said and how you said it! The power, persay, is in your hands to make sure the listeners "get" the message you intended.
Powerful Perception: How will those you want to influence perceive you - immediately? This is one I wish everyone would understand: Everything about you communicates something. And this truth is as sure and unchangeable just as the sun comes out in the morning and the moon at night. If you can't change it, you best learn to work with it.
For example: What are you wearing when introducing yourself to individuals? What do you want to communicate and does your attire, mannerisms, personal presentation reflect that goal?
Scenario: You are speaking to college students; are you dressed in casual and classy attire, displaying smart, stylish, mature and credible? Or are you dressed in a patriotic tie, your hair is a mess and you smell like you just ate onions, the students may mock you and for sure twitter and facebook will be a buzz with the "weird one" that came to class today. Now, what was it you wanted them to take away? I don't think it's that you might struggle with style.
But on the flip side: If you were a college student showing up to speak to a political party meeting you would not want to dress in pjs, yesterday's tshirt and slippers. The listeners will be frustrated they are having to give you the time of day. But if you go prepared, friendly, dressed in a classy, modest, professional attire, have a message clearly stated and are respectful to those you meet - they may ask you to run for city council! Am I serious? Somewhat. Why the difference? Because, perception matters. They have a few seconds to immediately "take in your story" and determine who you are through their senses. You might be a brilliant guy with the perfect message but if you immediately throw them off in the first 30 seconds, communicating something that causes them to perceive differently than what you wanted, your message may be in danger.
Get the idea?
Listening: Giving a presentation requires significant talking, of course; but a one on one conversation with your teenager or a colleague is best served with lots of listening on your part. Once they know you care about what they say, they might be willing to listen to you. And those you're "listening" to can tell if they are being heard with intentional listening. So be careful.
Listening builds credibility, is thoughtful, is wise and a good relationship building tool.
Exercise Suggestions: Consider, how do you like to be communicated to? Does it get under your skin if someone tries to tell you something but then they drone on for eons? Or if they take great interest by listening to you, how do you want to return the favor? Perhaps by taking even greater interest in their point of view?
You might also try catching yourself: try counting every-time you say the word "I". Or try reading the other individual as you are speaking. Do they keep checking their watch, or looking away, or starting to yawn? It might be time to listen and ask them something in return.
More tips soon! And remember this basic fact: communication is a part of life. You can't get away from it - so might as well do it right!
Remember the following; they are part of the basic 101 tips of communication.
- What you "Meant" doesn't matter: The message that counts is not the one you intend and try to send, but the one that is received.
- Perception Matters. Impressions will be made in the first 30 seconds of introduction.
- The most important form of communication is Listening.
What you Meant: As individuals who want to convey a message be it via public speaking venues or just one on one with a friend over coffee, our default as humans is to think that we are right, that our message makes sense and that anyone not understanding me is weird. But, if you want to be an effective communicator you have to try a different paradigm.
As frustrating as this is, whether the listener understands your message is not based on your intentions, passion or how well you think you articulated the message. Instead, it is dependent on how well the message is received by the listener. A lot can happen in the transition from your mind to their ears.
If they take away something different than what you intended or do not offer you confirmation and recognition that "they get it", do not blame it on them. You are the influencer. If people are not responding to you as you had hoped, it's possible you should reconsider what you said and how you said it! The power, persay, is in your hands to make sure the listeners "get" the message you intended.
Powerful Perception: How will those you want to influence perceive you - immediately? This is one I wish everyone would understand: Everything about you communicates something. And this truth is as sure and unchangeable just as the sun comes out in the morning and the moon at night. If you can't change it, you best learn to work with it.
For example: What are you wearing when introducing yourself to individuals? What do you want to communicate and does your attire, mannerisms, personal presentation reflect that goal?
Scenario: You are speaking to college students; are you dressed in casual and classy attire, displaying smart, stylish, mature and credible? Or are you dressed in a patriotic tie, your hair is a mess and you smell like you just ate onions, the students may mock you and for sure twitter and facebook will be a buzz with the "weird one" that came to class today. Now, what was it you wanted them to take away? I don't think it's that you might struggle with style.
But on the flip side: If you were a college student showing up to speak to a political party meeting you would not want to dress in pjs, yesterday's tshirt and slippers. The listeners will be frustrated they are having to give you the time of day. But if you go prepared, friendly, dressed in a classy, modest, professional attire, have a message clearly stated and are respectful to those you meet - they may ask you to run for city council! Am I serious? Somewhat. Why the difference? Because, perception matters. They have a few seconds to immediately "take in your story" and determine who you are through their senses. You might be a brilliant guy with the perfect message but if you immediately throw them off in the first 30 seconds, communicating something that causes them to perceive differently than what you wanted, your message may be in danger.
Get the idea?
Listening: Giving a presentation requires significant talking, of course; but a one on one conversation with your teenager or a colleague is best served with lots of listening on your part. Once they know you care about what they say, they might be willing to listen to you. And those you're "listening" to can tell if they are being heard with intentional listening. So be careful.
Listening builds credibility, is thoughtful, is wise and a good relationship building tool.
Exercise Suggestions: Consider, how do you like to be communicated to? Does it get under your skin if someone tries to tell you something but then they drone on for eons? Or if they take great interest by listening to you, how do you want to return the favor? Perhaps by taking even greater interest in their point of view?
You might also try catching yourself: try counting every-time you say the word "I". Or try reading the other individual as you are speaking. Do they keep checking their watch, or looking away, or starting to yawn? It might be time to listen and ask them something in return.
More tips soon! And remember this basic fact: communication is a part of life. You can't get away from it - so might as well do it right!
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