Speaking Tips

In this archive of past tips-of-the-month, you'll find answers to client questions, unique practice ideas, book recommendations, and links to some of our favorite outside resources. Feel free to browse!

Category: Confidence and Credibility

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We love this Harvard Business Review article on Leadership Development in the Hybrid Era because this new research aligns perfectly with our philosophy for sustained skill development. The bottom line is to provide nutrient rich concepts (Sensemaking), tangible skill building (Experimenting), and explicit feedback (Self-discovery). And all of this content should be delivered in a variety of live, in person, virtual, and asynchronous vehicles, just like the current hybrid workplace.

Sensemaking - In our large-group seminars (usually 1-2 hours, in person or virtual), we discuss the power of specific nonverbal behaviors and how they can positively or negatively influence an image of credibility.

Experimenting - In our small-group skill building sessions (usually 2-3 hours, in person or virtual), we distill our concepts down to tangible actions so that our clients can try them on for themselves and begin to build new habits.

Self-discovery - In our small-group or one-on-one sessions (in person or virtual), we offer explicit feedback and on camera coaching to elevate our clients’ self-awareness regarding their own habits and mannerisms while offering a unique plan of action for their personal growth.

Additionally, we provide access to a self-directed, asynchronous practice program for supplemental support following our live sessions. Our practice suggestions focus on building mini practice moments into the daily work routine so that new habits will take hold organically and feel second nature.

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Through her podcast series, "Advice to My Younger Me," host Sara Holtz’s goal is to help younger women think about and mindfully craft successful careers. In each episode, she and an expert guest share advice they wish they’d been given earlier in their careers.

In episode 41, Cara Hale Alter discusses some of the tenets of her life's work, The Credibility Code, and the advice she'd give her younger self. You’ll hear about

  • specific behaviors that will increase your confidence and credibility
  • how you can tame the adrenaline you feel in challenging situations
  • why it's important to convey authority and approachability simultaneously
  • how you can practice your skills on a daily basis without devoting too much of your day
  • why it's worth "flexing your courage muscle" early.

Check out the full episode here.

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Workshop participants are sometimes reluctant to demonstrate more authority in their style because they fear they might be viewed as too aggressive. However, the non-verbal signals that lead to an assessment of aggression are very different from those of authority. Leaning forward when speaking, punctuating words with emphatic gestures, strong eye contact while maintaining a poker face or plastering on a phony smile are all examples of aggressive behaviors.

True authoritative signals look very different: a level head, relaxed gestures, and a direct gaze. It's helpful not to confuse authority and aggression because the two qualities often get the exact opposite result. The general population tends to respect people who are authoritative and resist people who are aggressive.

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