Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home4/thepeo16/public_html/wp-content/plugins/osd-simple-table/osd_simple_table.php on line 17
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home4/thepeo16/public_html/wp-content/plugins/osd-simple-table/osd_simple_table.php on line 17
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home4/thepeo16/public_html/wp-content/plugins/osd-simple-table/osd_simple_table.php on line 17
Yogi Berra, long-time all-star catcher for the Yankees and quote machine, died recently. This is one of about a million articles written in tribute to him. But it is probably one of the few that genuinely celebrates his unorthodox use of language that, in all likelihood, is more responsible for his fame than his baseball accomplishments.
Celebrating the Unorthodox
Back to a couple of key words…celebrating his use of language. Are you kidding me? This is the guy who said “You can observe a lot by watching”, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it”, and “The future ain’t what it used to be”. Why would we celebrate such nonsensical statements?
Because when you allow yourself to step away from the precision of the words, the basic message is clear and memorable. And isn’t that the essence of communication? Yogi was the master of conveying a message. And his unconventional method made his messages very memorable.
A Time & Place for Precision
There certainly is a time and place for precision in communication – legal documents, non-fiction writing, technical writing, etc… But Yogi teaches us that there is more than one way to convey a message and to make it stick. And sometimes the precise, technical, and often boring methods of communicating can go in one ear and out the other.
“In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.”
“A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”
“No one goes there nowadays. It’s too crowded.”
“If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.”
Words are Important – But they Don’t Mean Everything
These colorful quotes give us insight into how Yogi thinks and what makes him tick. They help us connect to his messages because it’s fun to try to figure out what he really means. He finds a way to create a positive emotional response by merely offering a simple phrase. And yet our interpretation of his message is consistent.
The overarching lesson is that words are important for effective communication, but they don’t mean everything. Find a way to elicit an emotional response, whether through the colorful use of language or creative ways to deliver the communication. Take as much time to think about HOW you are saying something as you do WHAT you are saying.
Oh, and a personal apology to Yogi for not paying my respects in person, because “You should always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise they won’t come to yours”.
Image Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
THANKS, much, for sharing, Steve! We’ve chuckled about Yogi for years. Even your choice to cite him exemplifies the core of the message here: getting heard & making an impression is at the root of effective communication. I’d also put a different spin on time: how many times do folks spend time in meetings polishing 2 or 3 bullet points on a slide. In the end, the words may get more grammatically correct, but are arguably drier (e.g. less “Yogi-esque”). At a minimum, such meetings aren’t very productive! Yogi would’ve used what the meetings start with (without a meeting or slide) saved hours of resource time, and likely left a stronger impression!