By: Maria Williams

Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “Understanding is a two-way street.” This quote emphasizes that both parties must engage, listen, and share their perspectives to develop mutual understanding. It applies to personal relationships as well as professional environments where there are many communication barriers.

Unknown to many, effective communication is less about delivering a message and more about establishing a connection. Elaine A. Clark, one of the leading experts in voiceover and communication, states that when speakers share not only the polished parts of their experience but also the vulnerabilities, fears, and setbacks, they build a bridge of understanding. This bridge, founded on shared human experiences, allows the audience to relate more personally.

It’s worth noting, however, that constructing this bridge requires vulnerability—a trait many struggle with due to the brain’s protective mechanisms. The amygdala, a brain structure that controls fear and anxiety, can affect one’s ability to be vulnerable. When activated, it triggers the fight-or-flight response and causes speakers to feel anxious or defensive. Emotional walls then tend to grow between the speaker and the audience.

“Speakers then need to check in with their emotions and determine the motivation behind their message before communicating,” says Clark. Doing so helps ensure the message they deliver is honest and relevant. The seasoned professional has understood this notion over decades of exploring how to shorten the distance between speakers and their audiences. Clark developed a unique methodology to bridge this gap after a mundane incident.