TIPS to help if you stumble over your words, over-explain, use too many fillers.
Hello to you listening in Yamaguchi City, Japan!
Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.
I’ve produced over 1,000 daily podcast episodes on the global airwaves. Each episode is typically between 60 and 180 seconds. In mere minutes I share a story, a message, and a call to action.
Why does brevity matter? Attention spans are dangerously short. More importantly communicating information in a clear, concise and cogent manner gets you seen, heard, understood and listened to. At the same time you develop your communication confidence.
3 Tips to Improve Your Communication Confidence:
1. Do you stumble over your words in a meeting or presentation? Before you speak think about the key points you want to make. Jot down a roadmap with bullet points. Once you start speaking you’ll be anchored and directed. Make your points and end with a strong conclusion.
2. Do you over-explain because you’re unsure whether your audience is with you? If you feel you’re not getting your point across take the pulse of the room every now and again by asking a short question: Are you with me? What are you hearing? Does this make sense? Gauge the reaction before you continue speaking. You may need to backtrack or take a question.
3. Do you feel like you use too many filler words? The meaningless ums, uhs, likes, and ya knows that suck the oxygen out of the room. Filler words can detract from our assertiveness. But at times we can use the word ‘like’ to create connection with our audience. People communicate in metaphors: this is like that is. Know your words. Choose your words. When in doubt, take a breath.
Bonus tip: Every day for 3 minutes practice speaking out loud. Record and listen to yourself. Pay attention to what sounds good and what could sound better. Once you raise awareness about what you do well and what to do better you will do it.
CTA: I’m ready to help you grow into a confident communicator who can clarify ideas and amplify messages. No obligation Discovery Chat is available.
Email me at info@quartermoonstoryarts.net OR click the LINK in the Episode Notes. Let’s get going!
You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!
Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:
✓ Check out Services I Offer,
✓ Arrange your free no-obligation Discovery Call to learn more,
✓ Opt In to my NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and
✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.
Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team
Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts
Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music
All content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.