Being heard
Some people just won't give up the floor to anyone else.
Susan Cain’s book, 'Quiet', recommends levelling up your speaking volume by a power of one. Speaking at a higher decibel level than the people around you. It's not yelling because you will need to listen to the volume to speak one level louder. Speaking up in this way unconsciously signals you're entering the conversation; you have something to say and it's time to listen.
Accepting a compliment
Don't brush it aside. Be real and say thank you and why! Thanks, you have made my day. Thanks, I'm happy you like the project. Thanks, I'm happy with how it turned out, too.
Struggling with imposter syndrome
Simple but powerful declarations can change your mindset.
Repeat, rinse and repeat out loud like you mean it and feel the power: I'm meant to be here. Everybody else is winging it too. If I make a mistake, I can right it myself.
Stop over thinking
Your expectations of how you should perform are often unrealistic. Mentally close the door if you keep revisiting the same decision.
Trust your decision. You can make it right if it goes wrong. Finally, bring it back to what's in your control: focus on amplifying your power.
How to pitch ideas
Don't undermine yourself. Be succinct and use: I advise, I recommend, I propose, I expect, I urge.
Leaders are linked to strong actions, so talking assertively can tilt people in your direction:
- Move from if to when. Don't say, "If we can get the green light ", say,
"When we get the green light". - Move from could to should. Don't say, "We could do a marketing campaign," say,
"We should act now on a marketing campaign." - Shift from can to let's. Don't say, "We can shorten the timeline, say,
"Let's shorten our timeline".
Secrets from media training
- Never repeat a negative premise or question.
- Repeating a negative question, means your whole response will be heard negatively.
- Instead say: "I don't agree with that. Here's what I think." Always have on hand two to three recent statistics to support your perspective. People love statistics.
Communicating with executives
Their time is a precious commodity. Don't ramble. Imagine you are delivering the news:
- Give them the headline
- Wrap up the whole project in one paragraph
- Use additional paragraphs for project phases.
If they want to know more, they’ll ask.
