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2 Jun Speak with Confidence Tips
Tip #1: Make them care
Whether it’s an internal presentation, a meeting with potential buyers, a sales pitch, a job interview, a fireside chat, a PR segment, or a media interview, always ask yourself, “WHY SHOULD ANYONE CARE?” or “HOW CAN THIS STORY HELP OTHERS?” Remember, people will tune out if the content is solely about you.
Tip #2: Get back to the media within one hour of a TV interview request
First, get excited! Second, reply to the reporter immediately. Third, consider it a fire drill; drop everything to be there, the interview might be only a few hours from the first call you get. This is a wonderful opportunity. Go get ’em!
Tip #3: Don’t pretend you are perfect
Early in the pandemic, I led a big group workshop on Strengthening Virtual Presentation Skills. After dividing the group into breakouts on Zoom, it was time to bring the group back together. However, the button “End Breakout” was right beside the button “End Meeting”, and since they had the same color, I accidentally hit End Meeting, kicking everyone off the Zoom workshop!
I dramatically screamed “Nooooooooo!” to myself, and luckily, participants slowly started logging back on. Once everyone had returned, I said, “Well, I DID tell you this morning that it’s important to end virtual meetings a few minutes early, but that was a bit TOO early! Sorry about that!”
After my self-deprecating joke, everyone laughed, and we moved on. Charisma often starts with confidence. Everyone stumbles. Being perfectly polished is exhausting and not even possible. Just embrace it, call it out, and move on with a smile.
Tip #4: When you are in the office, avoid the temptation to look at your phone
On average, people spend 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phones each day. Individuals check their phones an average of 58 times each day. If you travel to your office, make it worth your time. Look up, make some small talk, use eye contact, and meet someone new. The email and apps will be there when you get home!
Tip #5: In media interviews, remember they can’t print what you don’t say
There might be moments that feel “off the record,” like the casual chit-chat while you are getting mic’d up, but keep in mind that there is no such thing as “off the record.” Stay attentive and maintain professionalism throughout. The interviewer is not your friend no matter how friendly they come across. Nothing personal, simply a reminder that you are always ON.
Tip #6: Walk around the office with a secret purpose
Looking to rebuild relationships post-Covid? Try taking a secret purposeful walk around the office once a day. Take out your AirPods, slow down, leave the cell phone, and engage in trivial or meaningful conversations with colleagues. Compliment their work, inquire about their interests, or acknowledge their contributions. Walking with intent and the willingness to listen fosters connection and builds trust.
19 May New eBook: Communication Skills for Managers: Speak Clearly, Persuasively, and Confidently Vol. 1
Now, as managers, they’re expected to communicate in ways that inspire teams, persuade stakeholders, delegate effectively, and motivate performance. They must deliver presentations that secure funding, provide clear guidance in high-pressure situations, and handle sensitive conversations with diplomacy and tact. In short, they need to influence and lead—not just inform. Poor communication doesn’t just lead to missed deadlines or small budget overruns—it can impact profitability, increase legal or financial risks, jeopardize safety, derail regulatory approvals, and erode organizational trust.
This eBook bridges that gap. It equips executives and managers at all levels with proven strategies, tools, and techniques to master the art of management communication. Drawing on over 60 years of experience coaching leaders from companies such as Merck, Bank of America, KPMG, Apple, and Amazon, the insights here will help you communicate with authority, empathy, clarity, and confidence—skills essential for leadership in today’s complex business landscape.
Access it on our secure server:
https://speechimprovement.com/communication-skills-for-managers-vol-1.pdf/
Communication Skills for Managers: Speak Clearly, Persuasively, and Confidently Vol. 1
Effective communication isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s a critical success factor. Often, when the stakes are high and the margins for error are slim, important communication skills can’t be left to chance—clarity, precision, and impact are non-negotiable. Yet, many managers did not initially aim to become leaders. Earlier in their careers, as individual contributors, they had excelled. However, the skills that earned them recognition and rewards often don’t translate seamlessly to leadership demands. (more…)
Communication Skills for Managers: Speak Clearly, Persuasively, and Confidently Vol. 2
This second volume offers 12 more lessons for improving your management communication. From “Preventing Interruptions” to “Tips for Leading Effective Meetings,” our coaches offer practical, real-world advice that you can put to use immediately. (more…)
Conquer the Conference: Strategies for Networking, Building Connections, and Maximizing Opportunities
Attending conferences can be both an opportunity and a challenge. Whether you’re an executive, an entrepreneur, or a professional looking to learn and grow your network, these events are designed to expand industry knowledge, foster connections, spark ideas, and open doors. But let’s be honest—many people find conferences overwhelming, awkward, or just plain exhausting. (more…)
Hate Speech in the Workplace: A Manager’s Guide
It’s out there, it’s ugly, and business leaders should be prepared before it shows up in your company. This complimentary guide will help you recognize and address troublesome situations. (more…)
How to Choose a Speech Coach
When you are charged with finding and selecting a vendor to help you or your employees strengthen their communication skills, you are taking on a crucial task. Whether it’s helping a colleague prepare for a major presentation, learning to navigate difficult conversations yourself, or developing an organization’s leadership team, you need to closely match the learning needs to
the training skills. (more…)
6 May Bridging the Gap: Three Tips for Explaining Technical Jargon to Engaged Listeners
‘Technical’ can have different meanings depending on the context. Every organization develops its own specialized jargon, which becomes “technical” when it falls outside another company’s norms. While it may be second nature to you, it can create barriers when communicating with non-technical listeners. However, with the right approach, these challenges become opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Here are three tips to help you translate complex information into something everyone can understand:
- Simplify Your Language: Avoid jargon and break down complex concepts into simple, everyday language. Use analogies and relatable examples to clarify your points, prioritizing accessibility over expertise. Example:When explaining an IPO, say, “Imagine your favorite local bakery wants to expand and needs more money to do it. They decide to sell pieces of ownership in the bakery to the public. That’s what happens when a company goes public – it’s like selling slices of a cake to anyone who wants a taste.”
- Know Your Listeners: Tailor your communication to the listener’s level of understanding. Research their motivations, background, and interests. Understanding your listeners allows you to craft a message that resonates, builds trust, and ensures clarity. Connecting on this level fosters understanding and strengthens relationships.
- Consider a Communication Coach:A communication coach is an objective resource who can help translate concepts into clear, understandable language. They can create visuals that enhance your message, ensuring smooth communication. With their strategies, you’ll be better equipped to connect with non-technical listeners and ensure your message is not just understood but remembered.
Impact:By using relatable analogies and visuals, such as comparing an IPO to slicing a cake, you make complex concepts more accessible. This approach fosters better communication and alignment across teams, creating a shared understanding that makes collaboration smoother and more effective.
Focusing on clarity, understanding your audience, and honing your communication skills allow you to convey technical information effectively while fostering stronger, more collaborative relationships.
29 Apr Speaking Faster or Slower: Is One Better Than the Other?
The short answer? Yes—one is better than the other. But the key lies in knowing when and why.
In most business settings, presentations are typically delivered at a pace of 185 to 200 words per minute. Meanwhile, the average human brain can process information at a much faster rate—about 400 to 600 words per minute.
Now, we’re not suggesting you try to speak at 500 words per minute just to keep your listeners’ brains busy. But as a speaker, it’s essential to understand how adjusting your speaking rate can significantly impact your effectiveness.
A skilled communicator varies their pace based on the importance and emotional weight of what they’re saying. Slowing down can add emphasis, while speeding up can build energy or signal transitions.
So, is one speed better than the other? Absolutely—but it depends on context. The most effective speakers know how to use pace as a strategic tool. And that’s exactly where a great coach can make a difference.