A NEED FOR A RESPONSE

     Yesterday I participated in my first audio webinar for Worship Leader magazine.  I have done some video kinds of training, but this was the first time I had to simply speak into a phone receiver and communicate essentially without seeing any faces.  At the end, I was able to hear some voices and respond to some questions.  I appreciate very much the opportunity to deliver training through Worship Leader.  But as I reflected on the experience, I realized again how different and somewhat challenging it is for me to teach when I'm not in a room, looking into the eyes of people and making connections.

     Many years ago now I went through an elaborate process called "MAP" that helps to define a person's motivated abilities patterns.  I learned a great deal about myself through that experience, including the fact that I am a communicator who needs (maybe even craves) a response.  Now at first I thought that was really bad, like I'm a terrible narcissist just seeking approval.  But the coach who walked me through that tool said that many communicators are wired this way.  We keep going and adjusting as we look into the faces and receive nonverbal cues from others.  If we see someone falling asleep, or scowling, or nodding their head in agreement, this tells us what is working and what isn't.  For this reason, I always prefer to speak in a well-lit room so I can see faces.  And my ultimate preference is a small group of folks around a table, spending half a day or more together, learning from one another and connecting.  

     I guess the revolution of the Internet in terms of my communication will always be a bit of a hurdle for me, even with the option of dialoguing through comments.  Yet in light of this economy and the need for people to engage quickly, at low cost, and at a time of their own preference - I know I must embrace this tool.  I will always prefer what I get to do the next couple of days as I head to Atlanta to serve at the Orange Conference.  Tomorrow I'll spend the entire day with about 30 or 40 women in leadership, facilitating conversation about leading in the church.  Then on Thursday afternoon I will have a chance to speak to the entire conference - sure hope they have some houselights on!  I'm speaking late afternoon, starting around 4:30 pm, so maybe I won't want to see the sleepy eyes.  

     I'm curious how some of you handle communication and dialogue when you can't look into the faces.  How have you adjusted?  Will I ever get over my need to hang out and be together?  

     Finally, I want to put in one more plug for the Arts Conference - I think today is an early bird deadline.  At this event, we get to look into the eyes of people who truly "get us."  Pastors and artists come together to be inspired and equipped, to be reminded that we're not crazy for investing our gifts in the local church.  I hope you are doing everything you possibly can to join us - I want to SEE you here!!!!  And June in Chicago is simply magnificent...

Published 28 April 2009 02:19 PM by Nancy Beach
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Comments

# Kathy Sanford said on 28 April, 2009 08:26 PM
I've missed being one of those faces in the room ...
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# Sharon Lee said on 30 April, 2009 05:23 PM
Will the Arts Conference be available on DVD when completed, or even through web brodcasting??
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# Lori Finnegan said on 30 April, 2009 11:00 PM
Hi Sharon. The DVDs of the sessions will be available at some point. We are actually still working on when that will be. We may be using some in a training event that will be simulcast in early 2010, so we won't release them until after that. We are also in the process of developing an online community where we will post video clips and other training that will be streamed. Smaller clips of sessions could be available there as early as August.
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# Deb Meyer said on 01 May, 2009 10:21 AM
HI Nancy, I totally agree with your comment of being able to see people and how they are reacting when you're speaking. While I am not a teacher or speaker, as you are, I do know that I seem to learn and take away more info and ideas from people I am listening to live, rather than in another format. I like the personal connection aspect, even if I'm just one of several thousand people sitting in the upper level at an event. Also, as a writer/director I really need to see how people react to my scripts, that's pretty hard to judge if I'm not in the room. I know technology is always changing and we need to keep pace and adapt, but there' still nothing like the more up close and personal experience.
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