How to Become a More Confident Communicator

 According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. 

Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy. 

 — Jerry Seinfeld

By John Millen

Over the past 16 years, I’ve worked with more than 7,000 leaders, from frontline to CEO’s, and I’ve found that confidence in their communication is critical to their success.  

With the pandemic-forced online communication, I’ve found that my clients are experiencing new waves of unease as they adapt their communication to a virtual world. 

With this in mind, I’ve created a Leader Action Guide: The 7 Habits of Highly Confident Communicators.   

I’ve documented the most important habits of confident communicators, along with actionable tips that will instantly improve your communications. All of these tips apply to virtual as well as in-person communication.

As a Reinventd reader, you can download the Leader Action Guide for free. Here are three of the seven habits:

1. Confident Communicators Put Their Listeners First

Many speakers talk without thinking about the people listening. Confident speakers give deep thought to understanding their listeners. On virtual platforms like Zoom, this is more important than ever. 

What are their problems? What do they need? 

How can you help to influence their thinking, actions or behavior?

Take Action: 

Before your next talk, write down how you can help your listeners. 

Ask yourself, “What do I want them to think, feel or do after our communication?”

2.Confident Communicators are Authentic

These communicators are open and risk vulnerability to share themselves with their listeners. They say what they believe.

They tell personal stories. As leaders, they learn to engage and connect with people. They find their own voice.

Take Action:

Think of the most important stories of your life and business.

Choose one and start telling it in conversations and presentations.

See how much more connected people will be.

3. Confident Communicators Connect with Purpose

Confident communicators focus on purpose: theirs and their listeners’.

Most of us talk about what we do or how we do it, but humans are motivated by meaning, by “why” we do our work.

Being connected to your purpose and leading others through the purpose of your work is a powerful motivator.

Take Action:

Work to understand your purpose and why you are making a difference. 

When speaking with others, start with “why” before explaining what and how.

For all of the habits and action tips, download your free 7 Habits of Highly Confident Communicators.

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