“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has occurred.” George Bernard Shaw. Wow, I love that – how do we know when it has occurred? I mean, we should just know, shouldn’t we…hah, wish it were that easy. But more often than you’d think, the communicator is not aware that the people he or she is talking to are tuned out.
“Some people talk in their sleep. Lecturers talk while other people sleep.” Albert Camus. More of the same, but this one makes me laugh. How many times have you been in an ‘educational’ session and find that it’s a great cure for insomnia?

I’ve just returned from PCMA Convening Leaders conference in Las Vegas, and the level of engagement during the educational sessions was fantastic. Thought leaders like Jeff Hurt presented dynamic sessions with conversations that were two-way, three-way, four-way and more. I had to be ready to interact, engage, add my own ideas and react. That’s the way most adults learn best. Plenty of opportunity to interact, question, share opinions and voice ignorance in order to become informed.

I not only learn from cutting edge presenters, like Jeff Hurt, Scott Klososky and Rohit Talwar (linked for a reason, they’re worth reading), but they reinforce my faith in the work we’re doing with musical team building and my own presentations about harnessing your creative power. Music is a vehicle that enables us to be engaged, open, interactive and kinesthetic, providing great opportunities to learn. Camus and Shaw both had it right, it’s important to stay awake and to communicate. That being said, I’m ready for some sleep after eight days on the road and lots of inspiring input from many wonderful people.

Billy Kirsch

About Billy Kirsch

Billy is a Grammy & Emmy nominated, CMA & ACM award winning songwriter with numerous Top 10 hits to his credit. His team building programs and keynote speaking presentations help people tap into their creative abilities to become more innovative and engaged in their work. Clients include Fortune 100 companies and organizations throughout the world.