Where on earth did I get the term Success Communicator from? Well, It actually has to do with the one thing that differentiates us humans from the animals; The Art of Communication (in detail). Yes, animals communicate too and yet we humans have the ability to articulate ourselves to the degree that we can make the smallest thing very detailed. At least that’s what we like to tell ourselves. Some people fail miserably when communicating with others.
Being a Success Communicator
When people look at you, do they see hesitation in your eyes or confidence? If you need to give a speech to your friends or colleagues, are you excited or nervous? Communication is something that’s a part of everyone’s lifestyle, so why is it more difficult for some than for others?
The good news is that there are ways to become a success communicator instead of someone who projects fear and nervousness. The better news is that you can still be nervous and scared, but no one will even know.
Find Another Focus
Instead of worrying about how you sound or what you look like, try to focus on what you’re saying. Whatever you need to communicate, make sure it’s something that gets you excited. When your motivation is a personal topic or reference, you can relax about the other things that worry you. Outward focus points are also good, like a friend in the crowd or a point on the back wall far away from everyone else. And if all else fails, simply think of something you are grateful for. That should put a smile on your face.
Practice Your Speech
To be a successful communicator, you need to be certain your speech not only makes sense, but that it also helps to inspire people in some way. You might want to start by practicing your speech with a trusted friend or partner. They can give you their honest opinion in plenty of time to help you make any changes that may be necessary. Remember, if your speach (communication) doesn’t benefit any of the listeners, then what is the point of delivering it?
Awareness
When you stop to consider what’s making you nervous, you can tackle these obstacles long before you say a word. Take thirty seconds to write down all the things that make you nervous about your speech or talk. Then write down ways to address those anxieties. If you can’t address them at all, stop worrying about them.
No matter how often or how little you need to speak to others, being prepared for any problems is the best advice. In time, you might even begin to like talking in front of others.
These are only some key points and recommendations. Simply being ‘aware’ of the way you communicate is always going to improve your skills in The Art of Communication and to reinforce your sence of identity.
Become a better communicator and all areas of your life is bound to improve.
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
SeanRasmussen.com © 2004 – 2007
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
The ability to communicate effectively is a great skill and one of the most important that humans, as social animals, can develop. But it doesn’t always come naturally, particularly when addressing large groups.
In terms of how to successfully communicate in pressure situations, I’ve found that the 6 Ps are a great place to start – Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Step one for me is to know the message I am trying to get across, understand where the audience is coming from. The next important thing I find is to keep it interesting and to spice things up. It is all too easy for a great message to get lost in a dull speech or one which is people find hard to identify with.
Another useful method I have found is to speak passionately about topics. Apparently less than 10% of communication comes through the words used, nearly 40% of communication comes through how a speech is delivered, and over 50% comes though body language. I find it much easier to deliver a message when I can talk about something I am excited about. Not only does this make it a lot easier to deliver a speech in an interesting way, but it is also easier to confidently project through body language.
One other big thing to remember is not to speak to quickly. People listening to a speech need time to a) hear the words and b) digest the words. While it can be tricky to get used to, building an appropriate amount of silence in to a speech is important. Otherwise the audience can get lost and the message suffers.
Tom McEwin´s last blog ..Getting Targeted Internet Traffic and a Hungry Crowd
Good point, communication is so much about what we don’t say – our body language accounts for a massive portion of what we are putting across.
Lisa´s last blog ..Sign Language for Babies
Tom has a good point – the more passionate I am about a topic the easier it is to talk about it in public (or private). I think that is due to several factors
- topics I am passionate about I know a lot about, so I feel safe with the facts
- it is all positive emotions around my passions
- I had a lot of practice talking about the subject, that make sit easier as well
And I love the 6P’s Tom, didn’t know that one before
Renee´s last blog ..Secrets Of The Millionaire Mind by T Harv Eker – Book review
That’s exactly right Renee. It’s so interesting how we suddenly feel confident to talk about a subject that we are passionate and comfortable with.
Cemil´s last blog ..Real Law of Attraction
The best way to overcome nerves and fear of public speaking is by actually doing it. Toastmasters is an international organisation that gives people the opportunity for personal development through public speaking. Another great organisation that promotes it are the many Apex clubs in Australia and a number of other countries. If you want to overcome your fear why not contact someone then go along and see what they offer. I have to also say that Apex is a fantastic community service organisation that does wonderful work. One of my early foray’s in public speaking was at an Apex club where we had a debate. Oh dear how bad was I? I was really really bad. But with time, practice and a positive attitude, I was in a team that won the state inter-club debating contest. Go me!!!!
If I know I am going to make a speech then I prepare for it, and I am used to getting positive feedback. What I am not so confident about is being unexpectedly called upon to address a group of people. I will have to think about that one.
Wal Heinrich´s last blog ..Internet Marketing Why? How?
Yes Wal I agree to prepare is the best way to to be called upon and say something off the cuff generally is harder. Although i have had to do it on occasion.
Richard Colum´s last blog ..Tips for First Time Home Buyers
Hi Sean,
I think being a great communicator is a talent. Some people are natural communicators and have that special ability to move people. When they talk people listen.
History tells us that Hitler was a great orator. I’ll never forget seeing a speech that he gave. My German is not very good and yet, the passion and the intent was unmistakable. He was forceful and compelling. If he had only used his power for good …
It’s the same with Martin Luther King. All through time there are great orators that can inspire and uplift entire nations. It’s a true talent.
Most of us won’t have this natural ability but I think if we work at it, we can all improve our communication skills and be better communicators.
You are so right Jazz
It is a real talent. Unfortunately some don’t use it for good.
I have had to make speeches from time to time. I am naturally an introvert and have had great trouble in making a speech. The best way around it I found is to have a coach and go over and over it with them until I feel comfortable at it.
Great tips Sean
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The ability to make people laugh is a great tool to use when making any speech. A quick joke at the beginning of a speech is a great ice-breaker and the odd bit of humour injected into the speech now and again not only keeps interest but makes for a memorable speech.
Colin´s last blog ..People Who Discourage Us
This is an interesting subject, Sean. I have often found it a challenge to add a comment to a conversation when all that was required was a blithe, pithy answer, and sometimes I just wanted to take a Taurean week to think it over. I had a beloved aunt who could ‘ooh’ and ‘ooh, I know…’ (like the Aussie advert.) which I admired, yet couldn’t seem to accomplish.
Communication is truly how we share ourselves with each other, and within this media, the written word is once again becoming important – in a new way.
Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Empowering Mindset – Mindfulness
Hello Sean,
The Art Of Communication is lacking in our society now days. Is it due to our technology based world? Is it because Children are not taught at school how to speak with one another effectively? There are many ways to get a point across. Communication comes in many forms, from expression of face, to tone of voice to even hand movements/eye movements.
There is also one other major point in Successful Communication; Its the art of Listening. If we all listened more to what others are saying the world benefit.
Thanks Sean
Lisa
Lisa Wood´s last blog ..Searching For Gratitude Rocks
I practised & practised my stand-up routine when I did a stand-up workshop a few years ago… and I still buggered it up! I stopped half way through & got a total mind blank!!! Uggghhhhhh! I got heaps of laughs – so don’t get me wrong but boy, I wish that never happened. I wanted to get through the whole thing without any hiccups.
It was my first time doing stand-up in a room packed with sooo many people.
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen and his crazy talk!
Speaking in front of people for some can be quite scary for others who prepare on the subject they are going to speak to can do a very good job. there is old saying as well if you a bit nervous you sometimes make mistakes.
Richard Colum´s last blog ..Tips for First Time Home Buyers
G’day Sean,
Guess I’m lucky in one way having been in the music business all these years ( 50 + ) and having to talk regularly to audiences has always been part of the gig, so I’m reasonably OK with public speaking. Not so good if I’m not sitting at a piano, but get by. The pointers you discuss are excellent to improve our skills.
It’s a well known fact that public speaking is one of the most feared tasks for many of us.
Cheers
Harry
Harry Lynn´s last blog ..How Proud Can One Be ?
Like many of the previous posters, I too am an introvert at heart. I can do a speech without problem and quite well, if I have time to prepare. However, like Wal, I tend to struggle a bit if I’m put on the spot. And that’s the difference. A good communicator will always be able to articulate their message at any time and to any person – whether their higher or lower in the food chain.
A good communicator will also make you think they are talking 100% to you. And that you’re the most important person in the room.
David Moloney´s last blog ..Successfully Choose a Great Business Name
Oh my !!!! This is one of the things that really terrify me the thought of getting up in front of people to speak ……… maybe one day I may be able to ..but not yet
I remember when Sean did one of his first presentations, he was nervous but he did a good job. One of the most important things in presenting is to have your subject well organized, this will give you a lot of confidence.
You will do it Rita and you will be good at it.
That must have been some time ago hey Richard
First time I attended one of Sean’s presentations he seemed very confident and the passion was very obvious in each sentence spoken.
Cemil´s last blog ..The 17 Universal Principles of Success and Achievement
I recently made a short film to say Happy Mother’s Day to my Mum. Difference is I made it as a silent movie. It’s all in the interpretation.
Chaplin, Keaton and the many stars of the silent era where the masters of the art of communication without uttering a single word. Pretty powerful!
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..How To Make Money Quickly
Hi Sam,
I saw the, Happy Mothers Day clip you did and it was excellent, so funny. I bet your mum loved it and that she had a good belly laugh.
By that film example I can almost understand your meaning of “in the interpretation” Your body language was spot on and you came across with sincerity. It appeared also that you enjoyed making the film – and why wouldn’t you it was Mothers Day? Talented lady our Witty Sam.
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Sean,
Im a worse speaker, thanks for helping me to be aware of what makes me nervous always. I don’t focus and always think of what other people might think of what I’m saying. Being confident and know exactly what Im going to say and being aware and focus is all I need to be a successful communicator.
Thank you Sean for sharing this!
Rose
Rose Kawe´s last blog ..Risk Free Internet Marketing
enjoyed the post, i do think good communication is so very important
Hi Sean
You are so right when you say that being a good communicator will improve all areas of your life.
We know that for many people, standing up in front of a group of people to give a speech is terrifying.
I have no problem standing up in front of people and talking, but to actually give a speech is another thing. I get nervous thinking I might forget what to say so your article is excellent advice for me.
You said that it is better to talk about that which excites you and I know that for me that is true. I will always strive to be a better communicator. Thankyou.
Hi Sean
Spelling mistake in paragraph ‘Practice your Speech’ line 4 reads “Remember, if your speach”