From the Boardroom to the Keynote
Seven Tips for Confident Communication.
As a vocal coach, I know firsthand that confidence and effective communication go hand in hand. Even so, I’ve worked with hundreds of students who’ve reported tensing up just before an important performance, presentation, meeting, or negotiation. I think we can all relate. Virtually no one is confident in every facet of communication. For some, the prospect of speaking in front of an audience of thousands is terrifying. For others, anxiety proves higher when leading a meeting with only a few familiar colleagues present.
I’ve got good news: confidence isn’t only a gift. It’s also a skill that can be studied, honed, and grown into an exceptionally useful tool. When you learn to use that nervous energy to your advantage, great things happen.
One approach to redirecting that heart-pumping adrenaline is to consider the ways in which you might scale your confidence to the situation at hand. The level at which an individual exudes authority can be very situationally dependent, and that means it’s important to think ahead and prepare.
“But I’m a really nervous communicator,” you say. “Where do I even begin?”
““But I’m a really nervous communicator,” you say. “Where do I even begin?””
Fear not! Below are seven tips to get you started.
1. Self-Awareness
Before you can scale your confidence, you need to understand your starting point. Take time for self-reflection to assess your current confidence level in different communication situations. Ask yourself questions like, “What makes me nervous?” or “When do I feel most confident?” Self-awareness is key to identifying areas that could use improvement.
2. Preparation
In any communication scenario, thorough preparation is your best friend. Whether you are negotiating a business deal or addressing a room full of people, the more you know about your topic, audience, and objectives, the more confident you’ll feel. Create detailed outlines, gather relevant data, and rehearse your key points.
3. Interpersonal Negotiations
Active Listening: In one-on-one negotiations, active listening is crucial. The other person must feel heard and valued by your questions and thoughtful responses. This not only builds rapport but also boosts your confidence as you demonstrate your understanding of their needs.
Practice Empathy: Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Understand their perspective. This empathetic approach can reduce tension and increase your confidence in finding mutually beneficial solutions.
Set Clear Objectives: Define your negotiation goals clearly and communicate them upfront. Knowing what you want to achieve will help you stay focused and confident throughout the conversation.
4. Small Groups
Engage with the Audience: In small group presentations, engage with your audience by maintaining eye contact, asking questions, and encouraging participation. This interactive approach can boost your confidence as you see positive reactions and engagement.
Manage Nervous Energy: If you’re nervous, work to channel that energy into enthusiasm. Use tone of voice and body language to convey your passion for the topic. Confidence often follows when you act confidently.
5. Large Keynotes
Visualize Success: Use visualization techniques to imagine yourself succeeding on stage. This mental rehearsal can help alleviate anxiety and increase your confidence when the moment arrives.
Utilize Technology: Embrace presentation tools with multimedia to enhance your message. Knowing you have well-organized content can boost your confidence.
Body Language Mastery: On a big stage, your body language speaks volumes. Maintain a strong presence, move with purpose, and speak clearly.
6. Be Present
When nerves creep in, it’s important to be present to the moment. Avoid a headspace of “what could go wrong” OR “how will the past affect me now”. Instead consider where you are in this moment. Focus on your breathing, your feet firmly on the ground, what you see in front of you. We can glean a lesson from the musical RENT: “There is no future. There is no past.” Don’t let the persistent ghosts of “what has been” and “what could be” haunt your psyche and affect your confidence.
“There is no future. There is no past.”
7. Continuous Learning and Feedback
Confidence is a lifelong journey. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, and coaches, and be open to constructive criticism. Identify areas for improvement and actively work on them. Continuous learning not only boosts your confidence but also helps you stay adaptable and prepared for different communication scenarios. Scaling confidence in communication, from interpersonal negotiations to large keynote addresses, is achievable with training, strategy, and mindset. By building self-awareness, thorough preparation, and practicing empathy, you can excel in one-on-one interactions.
Engaging small group presentations and mastering body language will prepare you for larger audiences. Continuous learning and feedback will keep you on the path to becoming a confident communicator. Remember, confidence is not a fixed trait; it’s a skill that can be developed and refined over time.
Happy communicating!