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Aristotle believed that effective communication is a combination of ethos (the credibility of the speaker), logos (the truth and relevancy of the message), and pathos (the emotional and appropriate response of the receivers).

The Foundation to Good Communication

I want to focus particularly on the ethos of the leader, realizing, of course, that having well-prepared, truthful, and relevant content (logos) and understanding and listening to your audience so as to elicit a response (pathos) are equally important. We get our word “ethics” from ethos. Aristotle identified three principles in the communicator’s ethos: intelligence, character, and good will. Translated, I believe it means:

• Know your subject
• Be a person of inward genuineness, conviction, and sincerity
• Place a high value on the interests of others

It is safe to say that people want to know three things about the person who is communicating. Do we really believe what we say we believe? Do we live by it? Does it make much difference?

Passion Enhances Ethos

I think that an important aspect of ethos is being passionate about what I say. It has a grip on me. I recall hearing about two leaders discussing their beliefs and how they were different or similar. After a few minutes one said to the other, “Well, it appears to me that we believe the same things,” to which the other replied, “The difference is that you have it on ice, and I have it on fire.” Ethos should be truth on fire, conviction, and deep passion that is picked up by the listeners. Aristotle believed that people are much more likely to respond to a message if, in addition to understanding it, they experience the emotion that elicits an appropriate response. This emotion starts with the communicator.

Conviction Engages Listeners

In today’s technological and information-overload culture, facts and reasons alone are unlikely to trigger action. We need some fire and excitement. I am not suggesting phony trumped-up enthusiasm or empty emotionalism, but conviction from the heart. I believe that effective communication is first and foremost a “work of heart.” People know if you really believe it and if it grips you. If not, why should they care?

D.L. Moody was once asked how he had become such a dynamic communicator. He replied that before he spoke, he went off to a field by himself and asked God to set him on fire! That is my constant prayer.

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Effective Communication series: Click | View Series

A Skill Worth Learning

Probably no skill is more helpful to acquire and develop than becoming an excellent communicator. I believe that communication is a skill that can be learned. A number of years ago I realized that my ability to communicate well needed major work, so I joined Toastmasters International in order to improve my private and public communication. It was by far the best investment in my leadership portfolio that I have ever made. I am still reaping the benefits of the eleven years I was a Toastmaster.

Author, speaker, and seminar leader Brian Tracy says,

Your ability to communicate effectively with people will contribute more to your success than any other skill that you can develop. I’ve studied success and achievement in America for more than 30 years. I’ve spoken to more than a million people, individually, and in groups, and I’ve taken extensive courses on speaking and the art of persuasion. I’ve read countless books and articles on how to influence, negotiate with, and persuade people. I’ve learned that fully 85% of what you accomplish in your career and in your personal life will be determined by how well you get your message across and by how capable you are in inspiring people to take action on your ideas.

Wow! Is learning to communicate essential or what?

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos

What is involved with saying what you mean and causing others to understand and respond positively? Let’s go way back to Aristotle, who lived, wrote, and taught three centuries before Christ. What he had to say still serves us well today. He believed that effective communication is comprised of the speaker, the message, and the audience, and to get your message across without misunderstanding is a combination of ethos (the credibility of the speaker), logos (the truth and relevancy of the message), and pathos (the emotional and appropriate response of the receivers). The ethos of the speaker sharing the logos of the message will elicit pathos in the audience. What Aristotle believed has been accepted, taught, and practiced for 23 centuries. Must be something to it!

To be continued.

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Leaders Who Last

Too many Christian leaders stumble, burn out, or veer off track. Learn how to endure from a seasoned pastor and leadership coach in Leaders Who Last.