It was a virtual workshop on Causative Communication. On my screen were five beautiful faces. Each one of them representing a wonderful person in different countries across Europe.
Julien had just finished practicing presenting a proposal to sell the government of his country a new high-tech product. The others were watching.
Julien knew something was really different about the way he was communicating. He reached the end. Long pause and then he said, “That was Amazing! I never felt that before.”
4 heads nodded. They never had either.
Julien: “What was that?”
Me: “That was a deep human connection. It’s one of the most beautiful human experiences there is. And you just created it.”
Five faces were looking in wonder.
Lukas: “I’m an engineer. I’m not sure I know what a deep human connection is. They didn’t cover that in school.”
I nodded, thinking: “No, they don’t cover that in school. Wish they did."
I said, “You are an engineer, but you’re also a human being.”
They nodded.
I said, “You’re talking to human beings.”
They looked at me in wonder.
Lukas: “I’ve never looked at them as human beings. Especially in a virtual presentation. Especially when they’re having their cameras off.”
Julien: “Well, all I can tell you is, it feels amazing.”
The others nodded.
The world changed for them in that moment.
And everything about their presentations changed. The way they lean in. The way they look at you. The way they talk to you. Especially the tone of their voices. Their tone is now deeply human, rich with intimacy, and powerful with connection. It’s real. It’s authentic.
They were beyond blown away.
Julien: “I never knew I could sell this way.”
He looked puzzled. I asked, “Is there more to that?”
Julien: “Yes, I never knew I could be myself. I thought I had to stop being myself. I thought I had to shut off my feelings. And I never thought I could treat another person like a human being. I’m not sure I even knew what that meant.”
There’s nothing more wonderful than watching five fabulous individuals regain themselves.
It’s politically incorrect for me to tell them they’re handsome, but I can tell you. They became really handsome. I’m lucky – I get to see people become beautiful and handsome every day.
It was a European class and I am in California. These classes start while it’s dark with stars and the moon in the sky.
Right at that moment the sun started to rise, and light started to fill the room through the large windows. It was a fitting tribute to these glorious men.
Be the cause!