3.0 How do you shape a communication culture?

Even if public speaking only happens occasionally, you will still need to communicate on a daily basis. Shaping a culture is about a certain way of doing things. For example, in the U.S., it’s not culturally appropriate to say “no.” If someone asks you if you want a piece of cheese, you don’t say, “No, thank you,” you say, “You can have it first.” Learning to do that is hard.

Every country and city has a speech culture that automatically spills into your group. Some of it you may find appropriate, some you may want to change. In particular, you want to promote a culture that is consistent with what the Bible teaches us. E.g. Ephesians 4

29 Let no ugly word pass your lips, but if a word, let it be a good word, edifying where it is needed and bringing joy to those who hear it.

Or the golden rule:

Luke 6, 31 And as you would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.

Remember what we said at the beginning of the script: Our words should be powerful and releasing. By the way you speak, you “create” a culture in your group. Shaping that culture is a leader’s job.

The question is: What kind of culture exactly do you want to shape? Here are a few examples:

Well-being culture – harmony is the value behind all communication.
Culture of daring – Celebrating faith, victories, defeats, and courage.
Safety culture – explanations and transparency about details are important.
Relationship culture – appreciation and sympathy are important.
Performance culture – Results are measured and communicated.
Tolerance culture – Differences are emphasized as enrichment.

You must be wondering what the right “biblical” culture is. There is no single answer to this question. However, God has a mission with your group and you will create a culture accordingly.

You have several opportunities to shape culture.

in two-way conversations
in meetings (team meetings, worship service…)
in your emails/letter correspondence.