Being Knowledgeable

At the beginning of the 20th century, before his nomination to the United States Supreme Court, attorney Louis Brandeis was visited by a group of students who came seeking advice on how to be successful lawyers. Brandeis told them to go down to City Hall and pick out an issue that the city council was currently grappling with. The issue could pertain to taxes, sanitation, local education, or crime or a host of others. It did not matter. Select one, Brandeis told the students, and then become as well-versed on the issue - pros and cons - as a person could be. Once you have done this, Brandeis said, make a decision as to where you stand on the issue, make your expertise known, and then begin working as an advocate for or opponent of it. In giving this advice, Brandeis was subtly urging the students to become active in their community but also, on a broader scale, to become knowledgeable about issues that they as lawyers take on.

It was Brandeis' contention that by becoming well informed, lawyers or persons in any other profession become that much more effective at what they do. They are able to speak with a greater sense of confidence and authority, work more effectively with others, and ultimately have better success at advancing issues in which they believe. This philosophy can easily be applied to those persons looking to get into communications. Become knowledgeable. As is the case with lawyers, rarely do communicators work alone. Inevitably, their work revolves around representing others in some way. This is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously and treated with the greatest respect.

One aspect of becoming knowledgeable particularly important is becoming well-versed in arguments against positions you might espouse. This requires research and putting yourself in the shoes of others; listening; being able to articulate their perspectives; and gaining an understanding of their sources of information. This knowledge enables you to better articulate your own point of view because you have developed a through grasp of arguments against it. While not everyone agrees with the advice Brandeis put forth nearly a century ago, I see much wisdom in it. From a communication stand point, it helps keep the lines of communication open between various publics and helps ensure those lines will remain civil and respectful.