Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1469328
2 • THE ARTISAN SUMMER 2022 "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." —George Bernard Shaw There is a myriad of ways to communicate, including verbal, nonverbal and artistic, all shared in different ways and on a variety of platforms. We as artists in our craft spend hours specifically creating characters to bring them to life all the while communicating with many co-workers along the way. There are ideas, direction and information coming from all corners during work, including department heads, co-workers, actors, directors, producers, etc. With all this interaction, it is helpful to understand the way people communicate to help make sure the person on the other end actually understands what is being conveyed. Simply checking in and saying, "Please let me know if you need me to clarify anything," is one way to ensure people understand your ideas or direction. When giving direction, it is helpful to ask team members to rephrase what you said in their own words. This way, you can catch if anything is being misunderstood and clarify. This also works when sending direction in a text or email. Face-to-face is the best way to communicate, especially on the set. When conversing, one of the main things to keep in mind is maintain eye contact. This shows you are engaged and listening. In communication generally, what is received by the listener is approximately only 55 percent, so if you are not communicating face-to-face, it can be very easy for people to misinterpret. Remember to keep important directions simple and if given verbally or written, follow up to make sure they are understood. Another important factor is to listen. It has been said in many different ways there is a real difference between listening to someone and waiting for your turn to speak. It is not an easy feat to pause and actually listen to what someone may be saying and resist the urge to make an excuse or put in your opinion. A person can tell when they are being heard and most of the time, especially during a conflict, that is what is most important. If you as the listener have no agenda and are trying to create or resolve an issue or problem, you can more easily understand what is being said and possibly gain an understanding on how to remedy the situation. It is good to be aware of nonverbal communication or "body language." Much communication is nonverbal and we can tell a lot from listening to one's tone or observing one's gestures, nods, grins, or facial expressions. If you are aware of what hand or arm movements you or others are making, you can recognize agitation, stress, anger, worry and much more. Even if you say you are not angry, if your body language or facial expression shows differently, it is harder to calm things down. It can be as simple as changing the way you are standing or holding your arms while talking that may help diffuse a conflict. When someone is visibly upset already, communicate you recognize this and are open to listen to what they have to say. Know when it's best to wait and give some time and space, then try to listen objectively before speaking. When communicating through email, text, or social media for business, it is smart to avoid using jargon or abbreviations and terminology and make sure you always speak or write in a respectful way. Sometimes what is written may be misconstrued when reading as one cannot hear your tone of voice or see facial expressions. Perhaps follow up with a call or face-to-face first before sending long communications that may be misinterpreted. Just like each of us has our own artistic style with our make-up and hair styles, one size does not fit all when it comes to how we communicate on the job. One thing that is universal however, is that we all want to be heard, understood, and get along well with everyone we are working with. The first step is recognizing and accepting that good communication is a learned art and maybe one we can all work on together. J S President Managing Editor A B Contributing Writers C A D K M. F J K P L R S J S Publisher ID M Office Manager K S Mailing List Manager K S The Artisan is published quarterly by Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706, 828 No. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 Phone (818) 295-3933. Fax 818-295-3930 All editorial and photo submissions should be sent to email address: hllywdmkupartist@yahoo.com To update member information, email to: dispatch@ialocal706.org Advertising: IngleDodd Media (310) 207-4410 muahs@IngleDodd.com www.IngleDoddMedia.com Officers of I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 President Julie Socash Vice President Kim M. Ferry Recording Secretary Daniel Curet Secretary-Treasurer David Abbott Sergeant-at-Arms Sherrita Cole Business Representative Karen J. Westerfield Official Magazine of Hollywood Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists. Published in the Interest of ALL the Members of Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 FROM THE PRESIDENT