If only we could hear the tone of voice that Moses used as he spoke to the people. Was it loud or soft, calm and firm or urgent and passionate? Did he stand quietly behind the podium or did he pace back and forth? Where were other leaders and where were the children? Studies tell us that as much as 70 percent of communication comes from these non-verbal sources, but we can only speculate on the various possibilities that seem to fit this occasion and this message.
As you imagine the circumstances and the event, there are some things that are clear. Moses was an older and highly respected leader, so when he spoke, it would be with authority and experience. Undoubtedly the people knew that on more than one occasion God had spoken directly and audibly to him and through him amazing miracles had been performed, not only in Egypt but throughout their wilderness wanderings. The older generation who had experienced crossing the Red Sea and came close to going into the Promised Land were no longer alive, but their children and grandchildren were no doubt eager and ready to move on.
Moses knew the perspective on the past which he clearly gave to them and the promises of God for the future would help them move on with success, but he also realized they needed to embrace internally the One true God and His purposes. What was in their hearts would determine their actions. He had lived long enough to know that to be an absolute fact.
How much of good communication is the responsibility of the speaker and how much of it is the responsibility of the listener? While we cannot know exactly how Moses sounded, what we do know is the messages which he gave were filled with the greatest truth for life those people would ever hear. By the way, are you listening?
