It’s time to create a communication style that represents your uniqueness. Allow your special talents and gifts to shine through. Even a simple “hello” can speak volumes about your personality and communication style. Look, sound and be proud of who you are and the message you’re delivering.
Here are some important statistics you may want to keep in mind:
55 percent of communication is visual
38 percent of communication is vocal
Only 7 percent of communication involves actual words.
How do you develop your own communication style? Be real, heartfelt and genuine. Be proud of who you are and allow that pride to shine through. Ask yourself this question, “Is my listener experiencing the real and heartfelt sides of my personality?”
Before you get up to speak, present or go into a networking situation ask yourself, “Am I exuding self-confidence?” Here are a few tips to increase communication self-confidence:
1. Dress with confidence. How would you expect a skillful and self-confident speaker/presenter to look? Would you say they should be well groomed and professional? When you go into a networking function to “meet and greet” or a gathering where you are speaking, people will be more attentive and receptive when you display a professional self-confident look and demeanor.
2. Great communicators use body language to their advantage. Your body language can reflect confidence, competence and charisma. How you carry yourself will say a lot about your communication style, personality and self-confidence level.
Here are two examples:
* You’re at a professional networking event. You’re talking with a small group of people you’ve just met when a business associate decides to join you. He begins to share how you’ve just earned a major promotion. You’re feeling uncomfortable with the praise and attention and it is beginning to show in your body language. You look down at the floor and just nod your head at the congratulations you’re receiving.
* Here’s another view of the same situation – This time you’re proud and comfortable with the acknowledgments and positive attention. With a warm bright smile on your face, you make direct eye contact and confidently say, “Thank you, it’s a great opportunity.”
Wouldn’t you agree that body language speaks volumes? What does your body language say about your confidence level?
Here’s a suggestion: Have someone photograph you at a networking event or during one of your presentations. Study your body language – a picture can truly be worth a thousand words.
3. Eye contact conveys interest and trustworthiness. Look the listener in the eye while you are speaking to them. When you look someone in the eye you’re building trust and rapport. Non-verbally you are conveying that you can be trusted. If you’re speaking to a larger group, choose a few people in different sections of the audience and frequently engage them with direct eye contact. This will help you focus on the audience and not your notes.
4. Facial expressions reflect your confidence level. Be sure your face mirrors what your words are saying. Smile with your eyes. Sometimes, when we’re nervous we can plaster an artificial smile on our face. Be careful that your facial expressions match your emotions and body language. Be natural and be yourself.
The key to communicating with ease and comfort is to appreciate your many unique qualities and develop your own communication style. Be heartfelt and honest. Becoming comfortable with your communication style is embracing who you are on inside and allowing it to shine on the outside.
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