We see it every day - in the news, in meetings, in conversations we have. How often have you witnessed a speech or presentation and become absolutely convinced that the real experts are in the audience - not at the front of the room?
Have you ever noticed how the person with the most conviction tends to be believed - even if they are not the most well informed? People value conviction in communication - they will follow conviction. Meanwhile, buried in the conversation is someone who has so much more of value to say - and yet they don't. How can we get that skill and ability to speak with conviction?
So what do we do about it?
First, we encourage ourselves, and the people we know, to become effective communicators. We encourage ourselves and others we know to gain the skills and ability to communicate effectively. For most people, the fear of public speaking is one of the top three fears in their lives - right up there with death and taxes. By public speaking I am including any conversation where three or more people are gathered to discuss, defend, learn, debate , brainstorm, propose - i.e. communicate.
Second,adopt the belief that it is our obligation, our duty to share our knowledge with others, and in doing so to help others make their own decisions based on accurate, timely, complete - as - it - can - be information.
Third, let me share a personal experience. My wife and I joined Toastmasters a few years ago. I didn't think it would be of that much value to me - I'd been doing presentations for years. I joined as a way to encourage my wife to gain skills. My wife gained skills and confidence, and so did I - in spades. Today my wife gives presentations as part of her work - the largest group she has talked to was composed of 300 complete strangers. My largest group of complete strangers was about the same size. We still get butterflies before speaking- sometimes worse than others, but we have overcome our fears and used our skills to listen, educate, inform, influence and sell. Incidentally, we have no stake in Toastmasters - we receive no benefit in any way from this writing. We just know that it is one very effective tool to open your own doors to greater skills - skills and abilities that can be life changing. Perhaps Dale Carnegie or the National Speakers Association or a local group are more suited to your time, temperment and goals.
Do it - find a way today. Start now. Start by believing in your opportunity to help others through sharing your unique blend of knowledge, experience and insights. Then reach out for tools that will turn your belief into action.
Written by Andy Cox, President
Cox Consulting Group LLC 4049 E Vista Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85032 Ph: 602-795-4100; Fax: 602-795-4800; EMail: Acox@coxconsultgroup.com; Website: www.coxconsultgroup.com
All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2007
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