The best thing I ever did with my communication skills was research, write, publicly agitate and privately negotiate in what turned out to be a lost cause: an attempt to save from the wrecking ball, the house next door, which I had discovered, too late, was one of the oldest houses in Chicago.
Today in an interview with Dick Gordon for NPR's The Story, I remember those heady days a dozen years ago, mostly with fondness.
Ever since the Huntley House fell, I've wished for another so fully-engaging project—a chance to use all my skills for a worthy purpose. In fact, for such work is all I've ever asked of my god, who is agnostic about me too, and doesn't capitalize murray either.
Finally I think I've found it—or, as usually happens with these things, it found me—and I'll tell you about it very soon.
Meanwhile, I'm curious to know what was the best thing you've ever done with your communication chops.
Rueben says
I once made veterans cry, which is something I think about every year at this time. I had to write a speech for a politician making an announcement commemorating the role of Canadians at Juno Beach on D-Day. I spent weeks researching, which resulted in me spending more than a few quiet moments with my office door closed and teas on my cheeks while I read things like young soldiers’ letters home. But I wanted so desperately to get it right – for the speech to be something more than just another platitude-laden announcement.
The day after the speech, I got a call. I was the rep for the vets organization who put the event together. She’d called the politician’s office asking for his speechwriter. “I wanted to thank you,” she said.
“You should thank the Minister,” I said dutifully.
“No, I want to thank you. Our members sit through a lot of these events and this is the first time I’ve seen one of these speeches bring tears to their eyes.” She said several told her afterwards that “He really understands and appreciates what we went through” in reference to the Minister.
“I’m sure he does,” she said to me. “But I also know that you are the one who made them believe it. And being understood matters to these men.”
So she thanked me one more time, the call ended, and I closed my office door again. It was a small thing. I’ve worked on much bigger, harder and more significant things. But that one little speech was still the best thing I’ve done.
David Murray says
Fantastic, Rueben. Thanks so much for sharing it. The thing I’m working on is along those lines, and your story has made me only more excited to discuss it here.
Rueben says
I look forward to hearing more, David. Sounds intriguing.
Forgive my fiddly-ipad-keyboard-induced typos. For the record, those were “tears” on my cheeks and not “teas.” Putting teas on my cheeks would just be weird. Although, like most communicators, I’ve done weirder things in my career. But best not to discuss those.
Bruce says
Hopefully talked my way into medical school… With a little help from you! Stay tuned.