Guest post by Karen Cortell Reisman, MS
To build your confidence as a communicator, use a method I’ve dubbed “C – O – D”. Usually, those letters stand for “Cash on Delivery.” That is exactly what happens when you communicate clearly because you will sell yourself.
The “C” stands for Content — substantive information; “O” means Organization — speaking by design; and, “D” is for Delivery — pizzazz without angst.
Content – Say Something Worth Saying
Having evaluated over 6,000 presentations, the best communicators are those that contain the K, A, and C Factors.
- “K” stands for Knowledge. You speak more comfortably, with greater vocal variety, and with heightened enthusiasm when you talk about what you know. In other words, stick to your area of expertise.
- “A” means Attitude. Your listener doesn’t care how much you know till they know how much you care. You don’t have to be a cheerleader to convey your passion. You need to be you. However, in your own style, your listener must grasp that you are pleased to be there. When your “Knowledge” and “Attitude” show up, you will begin to create the C Factor.
- “C” means Credibility. Everyone has a BS light bulb in his or her head. (You already know what BS means!) Your BS light bulb turns ON, and you stop listening when you sense the speaker does not know and/or does not care about what they are saying.
- Make your listeners care about your topic by caring about it first.
- Think “less is more” when speaking.
- Use stories and examples to get your message across.
- Practice, prepare, and have a positive attitude.
What are you doing and saying, early on when you communicate with others, to create a high credibility factor and extinguish that BS light bulb?
Organization – Say It with Clarity
Ears have lousy memories.We are all sieve-heads! You should visualize that everyone you talk to (in person, electronically, or in a meeting…) is wearing an imaginary sieve. We may hear 100% of what you’re saying, but we’ll only retain 25% even if you’re dynamic and cogent. Seventy-five percent goes right through those sieve holes.
Less is More. Therefore, you need to be organized. This means using an outline approach to organize your information, thinking “Less is More” as you put your thoughts together. Use three main points that you can support with stories, humor, and examples. Your listeners value clear, concise, organized, and anecdotal information.
Delivery– Say it With Pizzazz and Without Angst
Sometimes it can be nerve wracking to quote a high fee, give that speech, face an angry client, or provide constructive criticism to a valued member of your team. In all of these situations, it’s ok to have a degree of nervousness. In fact, nervousness begets adrenaline, which begets energy, which begets enthusiasm, and without it, you would be “blah.”The trick is to embrace your nervousness through practice, preparation, and a positive mental attitude. At the very least, think about your message, your agenda, and your hidden agenda before you begin.
How to communicate with “C-O-D”:
• Make your listeners care about your topic by caring about it first.
• Think “less is more” when speaking.
• Use stories and examples to get your message across.
• Practice, prepare, and have a positive attitude.
Karen Cortell Reisman, author of 2 books, speaks about Einstein, her cousin, in a one-woman show about turning tough times into good times. It’s a message about hope, resilience, and brassieres. She also speaks about how to Speak For Yourself® so others listen and trust you. Find more learning tools at KarenCortellReisman.com.
