How to be a More Confident Communicator
Be a More Confident Communicator
Most people would like to improve their confidence as communicators. We all have many thoughts, ideas, and feelings which we would like to express confidently to others, but we can't find the words. We say to ourselves, "I know what I mean, but I can't explain it." We need to be able to explain ourselves, and what we have at our disposal, is language.
The gift of the gab.
Some people have the gift of the gab; they can take whatever thoughts they have and translate them immediately into words. Other people, not so much. You can develop the gift of the gab.
Here are a few tips:
1. Prepare your message in advance.
If your message is an important one, then it is worth taking a few moments to jot down a few ideas onto a piece of paper to order your thoughts into a logical sequence. Only if your thoughts are expressed in a logical sequence will they make any sense to the listeners.
None of us are born with a natural ability to think logically; it must be learned and practiced. And the best way to practice is to write out your thoughts before you use them. If you know what you're going to say before you say it, it's much easier.
You don't have to have it word-perfect, but you do need to know the sequence of ideas you will cover and the order in which you will cover them.
2. Slow down.
The pace at which you speak is important. If you talk too fast, the person will hear you but may not understand what you're saying. It takes time to process information, and if the speaker talks too fast, the listener can get left behind.
Your listener might still be thinking about the first thing you said when you've moved onto the fourth item on your list. It is vitally important that you slow down to allow your listener time to process the information you are giving them.
Their facial expression will reveal whether they are tracking your conversation or if you've lost them.
3. Observe the reactions.
As you speak, observe the reactions your words are having on your listeners. If they seem to be following you and agreeing, keep going for a while longer, then stop and let them rest. If you are getting resistance or they look puzzled, then ask them a question to discover at what point you lost them.
4. Don't talk too much.
Even the best speakers can become boring after a while if they continue to talk in an uninterrupted monologue. Give others a chance to comment and to express their views on the conversation. If other people say things you don't agree with, don't tell them they're wrong. Simply say that you understand their point. (Understanding does not imply agreement).
5. Keep a relaxed, friendly facial expression.
Try to keep your face open, relaxed, and happy. Don't come across as angry, aggressive, or bored. Look into their eyes and smile. You will be amazed at what these two actions, when combined, will do for you.
Communication Skills Training
I hope these thoughts have been useful to you. Give them a try. They work every time.
If you want to learn more about communication skills, please attend our one-day communication skills course.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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