Initially, effective communication is made up of three characteristics: being friendly, precise, and honest. But if it was really that easy, we wouldnt have the thousands of books, CDs and courses on the subject, would we?

Ive always been a talker; it was just my nature early on to be outgoingmy Mother always said, Keith, you have the gift of gab. Well, that may be so, but just because I loved to talk, doesnt mean I did it well. Ive had to learn, just like everyone else, how to be an effective communicator.

(1) Besides those initial three characteristics, an additional attribute, which establishes a foundation for good communication in business and personal relationships, is self-esteem.

Yup, self-esteem. If you like yourself, you arent busy wondering if: you are coming across like a nerd (not a bad thing these days), whether or not your attire is appropriate, whether you have offended this person in the past, if you have your facts straight, or IF a whole host of other things are wrong with you, which probably arent.

(2) Effective communication also is based in self-confidence. Confidence comes from a string of successes, which have accumulated, enabling you feel in control and together. Some people look like they were born confident, while the rest of us have to work at it. We have more confidence at certain times and not so much at others, thats a fact of life. You might have a lot of confidence speaking before a group of salesmen and feel like the proverbial fish out of water in front of a bunch of teenagers.

Communication also comes in a lot of subliminal forms: body language, eye contact, gestures. But, if you concentrated on all of these things youd never utter a word. Although they are important and will become natural with time and practice, be aware of them, but dont focus on them.

Have you ever watched a couple of good friends talk? They are very animated, often happy, energized, facing each other, and otherwise, fully engaged in theyre conversation. To communicate effectively, be fully in the moment, listen well and enjoy yourself.

(3) Communication is also about positive, personal energy. When you are energetic you appear more confident and in control. People admire energy and the communication that comes with it. They want to talk to you when you have a positive attitude because it brings energy to the conversation, and they feel better about themselves while conversing with you.

Being a friendly, precise, honest, person with good self-esteem and self-confidence, and a positive attitude in a conversation with your spouse, the guy next door or your boss will change your life. The beauty of this formula is the more you do it, the better you get at it. Remember the old adage, Practice makes perfect. Its true; give it a try.

In the end, its just one mans opinionmine.

Keith Renninson

Keith E. Renninson is a native of Colorado. After a tour of duty in Viet Nam, he returned home and spent 30 years as a financial planner and insurance agent. He was a two-term President of the Mile-Hi Association of Life Underwriters and four-term President of the Kipling Sun Homeowners Association. He is the Chairman of the 2006 Tour de Cure bicycle ride for the American Diabetes Association in Colorado. Keith is also the current Vice-President of COBRAS (Colorado Organization of Bicycle Racing Seniors).

In 1995, he self-published his first book, ?The Pain & Joy of Love: A Collection of Poetry, Black and White Photography and Short Stories.? In 2003, Keith was the Editor of the Arapahoe Community College Art and Literary Magazine ?The Progenitor,? and in 2004-2005 the Editor of the Arapahoe Observer newspaper.

During eight years of the 1990's, Keith wrote his column, "Philosophically Speaking" for the Downtown Denver News.

In August 2004, Keith's essay "Compassion at Death's Door" was published by The American Legion Magazine and received worldwide acclaim.

When neighbor Michael Conrad Kelley offered they work together on his manuscript ?Zooch the Pooch,? Keith was excited and honored to be involved in such a worthy project. An illustrated children's book and parenting tool, Zooch was published in November of 2005 and is available on their website or at Amazon.com.

Mike and Keith are also professional speakers presenting their inspirational talk & seminar "Seven Simple Steps to a More Fulfilling Life." They can be contacted directly for radio, TV and print interviews.

In December 2006, one of Keith's latest essays, "To Achieve Clarity in Life Make Meditation Part of Your Day" will appear in a new book "101 Ways to Improve Your Life" alongside notable authors such as Mark Victor Hansen of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" fame.

Keith formed Golden Years Videos, LLC with business partner Jeff Forman which produces exercise videos for senior citizens, and those unable to perform standing exercises. Always the exercise enthusiast Keith, wanted to provide a series of videos which would assist those in need of conditioning. You can see more about this at the Golden Years Videos website listed above.

In his leisure time, Keith studies philosophy, competes in American Cycling Association bicycle races around Colorado, loves to downhill ski, practices yoga, writes and climbs the Fourteener?s of Colorado?s Rockies.