Think for a moment of the people you believe to have been, or to be, confident communicators. These may be people you know either in your personal life or at work. They may be individuals you have heard speaking at a seminar or conference that you foundinspirational. They may be people you have heard and seen on television, for example celebrities, personalities, and political leaders. Think about Winston Churchill and Martin Luther King both very powerful and confident communicators. What was it about these men that made them powerful communicators?
Draw up a list of all the ingredients of a confident communicator. How many did you come up with?
Now look at my list below.
A confident communicator is someone who:
- knows his strengths and weaknesses
- has high self-esteem
- knows his subject matter
- has lots of energy, passion and enthusiasm (this doesn’t mean to say he is hyperactive but communicates enthusiasm for his subject)
- has a clear voice
- is firm and persuasive
- uses words that his listener can relate to
- tailors his message to his audience
- has good body language
- has good listening skills
- has good questioning and summarizing skills
- makes you feel valued, appreciated and comfortable
- has a sense of empathy with his listener
- has an open mind and is able to encourage a free flow of ideas
- gives a considered response when needed
- is able to build rapport and adapt his approach depending on who he is talking to.
You can already see from the above that it takes quite a lot to make a confident communicator. But practice is the ultimate key which makes thing perfect.
