Speak With Confidence
Do You Struggle to Get to the Point? Try the HEC Strategy!
Ever been asked to “get to the point” and found yourself scrambling? If so, you might be an inductive thinker—someone who starts with smaller details and builds toward the bigger picture. While this approach feels natural for many, it can waste time and frustrate deductive thinkers, who prefer starting with the conclusion. Enter the HEC strategy: Headline-Example-Comment. This simple framework helps you speak clearly and efficiently in 20 seconds or less. 1. Headline Start with
The Magic of the Metaphor to Simplify Complex Information
When explaining complicated, technical concepts during a presentation, metaphors can be a powerful way to ensure your audience understands the material. By comparing a complex idea to something familiar, you make the information more relatable and easier to grasp. Take the concept of cloud computing, for example. Instead of delving into the technical intricacies, you could compare it to a bustling airport terminal. Just as passengers board different flights to reach various destinations, data in
From Jargon to Clarity
In technical fields, your expertise is invaluable—but when sharing complex information with non-technical listeners, the goal isn’t to showcase your depth of knowledge. Instead, focus on helping them understand and trust what you’re saying. As a communication coach with 30 years of experience, my advice is simple: “It’s not about you.” Your listeners need clarity, not complexity. Tailoring your message to how they want to receive it fosters understanding and builds trust. Here are three
Speak with Confidence Tips
Tip #1: Consider your use of contractions If you want to polish and add gravitas to your speaking style, it’s time to reconsider your use of contractions. The words below can be a good start to set a formal tone and an excellent approach to elevate your messaging. aren’t → are not; there’s → there is; can’t → cannot; they’d → they had; couldn’t → could not; they’ll → they will; didn’t → did not;
Are you always in the weeds? Understanding your mindset is the key to stopping!
When communicating up the corporate ladder, the ability to curate information effectively is crucial. However, many people fall into the trap of oversharing details, driven by underlying psychological factors that can undermine their communication effectiveness. One of the primary reasons people feel compelled to overshare is the desire to validate their worth. The mindset of proving you’ve done a lot of work often stems from a need for recognition and approval. By sharing every detail,
Understanding your mindset to avoid getting stuck in the details
Preventing interruptions begins by taking a closer look at the way you communicate your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Beginning with the main point ensures that your listeners hear your most important insights before interruptions occur. Learn how in this one-minute video. Author Melody Elkin View all posts
Executive Communication Coaching ~ An expanding and specialized field
Executive Communication Coaching (ECC) is a specialty within the leadership coaching field which focuses on imparting communication skill expertise to achieve individual, team and organizational success. ECC focuses on assessment and targeted goals, mindset change, skill presentation and practice; and is measured by observable results. Client self-discovery and insight are integral to the coaching process, as they greatly impact ability to integrate and apply new and effective strategies. ECC is distinguished from other Executive Coach
How To Communicate Price Increases
Many items and services have become more expensive in the last few years. Auto insurance, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance, and restaurant food have all seen turbulence and rate changes. As a coach, we often run 1:1 and group training sessions where we role-play (“real play”) to practice difficult conversations, such as raising a fee or price increase for your services and products. From medical devices to business insurance, we know firsthand how your wording and
Think Mind Over Mouth
The ability to convey ideas with a significant impact is highly associated with career and organizational success. Yet, technology leaders and professionals face a major challenge; simplifying complex and technical information so that others “get it”, buy-in, and take action for the best results. Here are some truths about transmitting knowledge and influencing others outside your field: Knowing your topic does not equal speaking clearly about your topic. Your listeners likely don’t care about your