We have many opportunities to demonstrate our confidence or otherwise, but perhaps the most obvious example is when we are talking to an individual or a group.
Those who have low self-esteem or confidence are likely to mutter, stutter and avoid eye contact. Those who are highly confident and sure of themselves will speak loudly and proudly.
So with that in mind, how do you go about communicating as confidently as possible and helping to ensure your message comes across well while also making you look sure of yourself and of what you’re saying?
Speak Slowly
The first tip is to talk more slowly. When we are nervous, we will often speak more quickly without even realizing it. This is a result of neurotransmitters being released, which slow our perception of time and which encourage rushing.
Simply slowing down then will significantly increase your sense of calm and authority. Not only that but giving people longer to hang on to what you’re saying will let your words have more impact and drama. This also suggests trust in what you’re saying – it shows you aren’t worried people will stop listening – whereas rushing makes us seem like we’re worried people are just going to move on!
Watch any big celebrity talk on TV, and you’ll notice they tell lots of stories and they always build suspense and use rhetorical questions. They’ll use repetition and leave big gaps. This takes huge confidence, but if you can pull it off, then you’ll have an audience eating from your hands!
Practice Active Listening
Confident communication isn’t just about how you speak; it’s also about how well you listen. Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker, showing that you value their input and are interested in the conversation. This can be demonstrated through nodding, maintaining eye contact, and responding appropriately.
When you listen actively, you’re more likely to understand the other person’s perspective, which can help you respond more thoughtfully and confidently. It also builds rapport and trust, making your overall communication more effective.
Improve Your Posture
Your physical stance plays a crucial role in how your confidence is perceived. Standing or sitting up straight with your shoulders back projects confidence and readiness. Avoid slouching or crossing your arms, as these can signal defensiveness or insecurity.
Good posture also aids in better breathing, which can help reduce anxiety and improve vocal projection. Practising good posture regularly, even when you’re not speaking, can help make it a natural part of your confident communication style.
Make Eye Contact
One of the most important things you can do to demonstrate confidence as you speak is to maintain eye contact. This is true if you’re speaking with just one person, and it shows that you aren’t afraid to meet their gaze and to speak to them as equals. It’s also true if you’re speaking to a crowd; however, in which case you need to look at everyone and ensure they are all following and included.
Think About Your Message.
Effective communication is about clarity and focus. When preparing to speak, ask yourself two crucial questions: "What does my audience need to know?" and "What do I need from my audience?" By putting yourself in their shoes, you can tailor your message to meet their needs and expectations.
Sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in explaining every detail of a process, but often, your audience is more interested in the outcome. For instance, your manager may not need a step-by-step rundown of your work; they may just need to know the results so they can plan the next steps with you. Therefore, it's essential to think about your main points and stick to them.
Keep your communication focused and to the point. Identify the key messages you need to convey and ensure you don’t get sidetracked. This not only helps in keeping your audience engaged but also makes your message more impactful and easier to understand. Remember, clear and concise communication is a hallmark of confidence and effectiveness.
Be Congruent
Finally, remember that communication is only somewhat verbal. More of what we mean is conveyed through body language, and this is why it’s so important that your body language reflects what you’re saying. Be passionate and let your arms do the talking along with the words you’re saying. You’ll appear more honest, more confident and far more engaging!
Regards
Paula Donnan
Career Coach for families
For assistance with any of the information above, please e-mail me at info@donnancoachingservices.com
Website: www.donnancoachingservices.com
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