Would you like to come across as a clear communicator who engages the listener and instills a sense of confidence? In this article we address 3 practical communication strategies that can help to create a confident perception to your listeners.
Pacing and breathing
Body Language
3 Point Responses
1. Pacing and Breathing
When you talk too fast or too slow it can send out a subtle message about your confidence. When you speak too fast it can come across as nervous and if you speak too slow it can sound like you are unsure. This is where you need to use a healthy mix of steady breathing as well as pacing your words.
It goes without saying you should breathe right? After all if you don't breath you die so no one has to practice breathing. What you need to do is monitor your breathing much like is done in yoga to get the right rhythm in your body. When you are not confident you can send out an energy that feeds uncertainty and one solution to control that is to breath at regular intervals. It actually helps to adjust and manage the adrenal gland which normally fires off a couple of missiles if you are nervous, which can dull brain performance in communication. When you breath and pace your words it brings this dynamic under control.
To the listener when you speak at a steady pace with natural pauses, it creates the impression that you are in control and as a result more confident. It is a good thing to practice by breathing in through your nose and slowly releasing the oxygen next time you are have a conversation. This is critical when you need your brain to be fully alert and supportive.
2. Body Language
It is an interesting fact that Body Language rates high on its contribution to the overall communication message. Some experts say it is as hi as 90%. Particularly with the popularity of video on the Internet body language is a major part of people of the reason people trust you and will listen to what you have to say.
You may of heard a lot on this subject before but it needs to be stated, that even though we may understand how body language effects communication, do we practice it? Normally people are unconscious of the silent messages that they send out with their non-verbal communication.
To convey a greater confidence using body language it is important to become aware of what non-verbal message you may be sending out. Confident Body Language means sitting up straight or standing without slouching, positive and non-threatening eye contact, open gestures to build rapport and remove nervous fidgeting.
I am surprised with all the knowledge and communication training that is around these days, how such a simple thing is still not practiced as well as it should be in the business world.
3. Respond by Using 3 Points
When answering a question try and use 3 points to form your response. For example your response may be structured like this " Great question let me answer it by making 3 points."
The reason that this type of response comes across more confidently is that it helps send out a message that you are thoughtful, knowledgeable and logical. This helps to create the perception of a more confident communicator.
It may take some practice to collect your thoughts into 2 or 3 points but it helps people follow you more easily. It will also encourage a higher listening attentiveness, as most people will be waiting to hear all the points before they make comment.
These simple strategies can be very valuable to remind us to communicate at a higher level of awareness to convey confidence. Even if you have heard these 3 tips before ask yourself this honest question, but do I practice them?
David Patmore is recognized as a leading expert in Communication Skills Training and workplace performance.
He currently consults and coaches with many of Australia's best known organizations, helping people to discover their confidence and hidden potential to become high level performers.
Discover how *you* can become a part of his FREE Communication and Performance Tips Program by clicking here:
==> vtiperformance.com Communication Training
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