You want to get attention. Make connections. Move people to action.
It’s so easy for confident communicators!
They’re not invisible. They’ve found their voice. They don’t struggle to engage. Not bothered by rejection. They communicate with ease. Reach out and get replies. Overcome objections. Receiving feedback doesn’t phase their self-esteem.
Why not learn from them?
It depends.
Do they have qualities for empowering your communication confidence?
Illustrating these qualities with inspiration from real people and events.
While at Toastmasters, I sat between two men who were at opposite ends for speaking confidence.
José didn’t speak English or publicly speak, well. Rob was a well-spoken sales trainer.
When invited to give an impromptu speech, you could feel José’s fear. His head lowered. Eyes diverted. He mumbled an excuse. “My voice is hoarse.”
Rob welcomed any opportunity for improving his speech. To help out José, he jumped up to take his place. Modelling confident communication techniques.
The gap between their skills and confidence widened.
Several months later, Rachel became our new club president. She wasn’t proficient at public speaking. However, she was exceptional at evaluating speeches and giving feedback. Skills learned from enhancing her spoken English.
I read Rob’s mind, watching his jaw drop and eyes roll.
“Rachel? How’s she going to lead??!
She’s not an expert speaker! She hasn’t mastered the techniques!!”
One of Rachel’s first changes was for every member to have equal access giving impromptu speeches.
She held pre-meeting sessions with members who felt less confident. The group practiced impromptu speeches in front of peers. They got to know one another and their talents.
Rachel then encouraged the members to share talents with the entire club.
Our group learned that José was a medical doctor. He also did cutting edge research for a national drug company. That’s why he was recruited to live and work in Canada.
Why are two main characters critical for that story?
Both play a key role for José’s goal. Through collaboration, he’s empowered to communicate with confidence.
Compare the role of José to YOU.
What are you talented at that others don’t know?
If you communicated it with confidence –their impression of you would change. By using your talent to move them to action –they would change.
Who plays the role of Rachel? Empowering YOU to share this talent.
Think of a person in your life with these qualities.
*Prioritize ones you value for providing feedback.
· Compassionate
· Caring
· Positive
· Understanding
· Observant
· Actively listen
· Supportive
· Been in your shoes, struggled and improved
· Helped others improve communication confidence
You’re two steps away from knowing how to communicate your talent, with confidence.
Step One: Requesting feedback
· Approach a person with the above qualities you value. Perhaps a mentor, trusted coach, considerate peer, respected colleague or close friend.
· Let them know why you value their feedback.
· Give a reason for your request.
· Estimate time.
“Hey………, I’d like feedback on my communication. As a way to share… (mention your special talent).
You’re observant and considerate.
Would you have (10/15) minutes to share feedback?”
Step Two: Getting feedback
· Choose a way you prefer to communicate, i.e. social media post, email, story, conversation, blog, video, speech.
· Request one communication strength and one suggestion for improvement.
Confident communication moves people to action!
Confident communicators like Rob thrive in this era.
They get attention. Make connections. Overcome objections. Handle rejection. Move people to action.
People are missing out on what YOU have to give!
Receiving your talents would enhance their life. Inspiring them to take action and achieve something.
Who’s your Rachel?
WHO empowers YOU to become a confident communicator?
Empowering you to achieve anything you want, in business.
Begin our email journey… THRIVE by enhancing your storytelling, video and empathy.
