Have you noticed just how nuanced we like our communication to be? Accent, tone, volume, movement, energy level, etc. can simultaneously catch the attention of some and tune out others. All of us differ in communication preferences. What we hear depends on more than just the words that are spoken.

I am in mid-preparation for an event where I have been invited to speak. My brain felt fried yesterday after several hours of trying to hammer out something to say. Throughout my prep time, I felt conflicted about how I have planned stylistically to communicate my message.

Recently, I sat chatting at a party. You know how it goes, popcorn topics. We talked about trips, both past and upcoming, daughters’ boyfriends, ordering clothes from Amazon, and, of course, books. Those conversations fill my cup. Girlfriends make my world go ‘round.

I brought up a new online Bible study I’m participating in. When I said the name of the author, my friend responded immediately. She recounted a video she saw of the author. Something about her voice, in the video, irritated her. With her envy-worthy humorous flair, my friend demonstrated the voice for all of us. We laughed.

Another author I am familiar with speaks in a quirky way that drives me nuts. I refuse to watch videos of her teaching. I completely understood my friend’s aversion to listening to the author I brought up. Our exchange prompted some deep thought for me.

I enjoy the author I brought up very much. She uses odd syntax and tends to employ an ethereal tone in her writing. In other words, she’s very artsy. I eat that up. Her delivery leads me to visualize much of what she says. Her words take on rich color and texture as I process them. I walk away from anything I read of hers feeling like I just watched a great movie in the theater. Do you know that feeling? You walk, maybe a little numb from the uncomfortable seat, back into reality, bright light, outdoors, car ride, all while wanting more.

The woman I refuse to watch speaks with an aggressive tone and one corner of her mouth pulls down. Her words fall harshly on my ears. I can’t handle it. Anymore, I do not read her books because I cannot help but read the words in her voice. To read or listen to her work, I feel preached at by a rough truck driver.

Both women speak the truth. They both write, speak, etc. for large followings. Ample evidence exists of their passion to share their faith. They just approach their passions from different angles and with wildly different styles.

Our issue lies in the choice to pay attention and identify communication styles. I am guilty, sometimes, of deciding a person has nothing good to say simply because I don’t care for their style of delivery. I wonder how much we are missing due to quickly tuning out those that don’t fit our preferences.

The truth remains that it takes all types. We appreciate different styles, sometimes changing with the day or the hour. When the comparison troll tempts us to feel some type of way, we need to remember that important truth. Your style will not be received well by every other person on earth. People may find my style irritating. But, neither of us should be dissuaded to pursue what we are called to do for fear of being laughed at or tuned out. Someone somewhere needs to hear the message on our hearts, regardless of the style or medium we use to share it.

I may never be invited to speak again. The event may be my first and last. I want, however, to be true to myself.  For sure no one will enjoy what I have to say if I try to imitate someone else. Your message deserves the same treatment. Show up authentically.