Confidence in Communication: Building Self-Assurance and Assertiveness.

Communication is an important personal and professional skill, moreso, confidence is essential for effective communication. Confidence in communication is more than just speaking loudly or forcefully; it is about expressing oneself clearly and assertively while effectively delivering your thoughts and ideas. Confident communicators would articulate themselves effectively, maintain eye contact, and answer queries assertively while maintaining a lasting impression.

Strategies for Building Confidence in Communication

1. Preparation and knowledge: Imagine you are scheduled for a job interview, you will agree that conducting thorough research about the company and the role can significantly boost your confidence. In addition, practicing a power pose for a few minutes before commencing the interview increases your ability to speak confidently.

2. Body language and vocal tone: A confident communicator should either stand or sit upright, maintain open body language, and use a steady, clear voice to convey their points, this can significantly influence the outcome positively. Achieving this strategy requires that you record and monitor your presentations for self-improvement.

3. Active listening and empathy: Confident communicators present their ideas effectively and actively, they listen to others, acknowledge their viewpoints, and respond thoughtfully, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.

How do I Build Self-Assurance and Assertiveness?

• Practice positive self-talk and visualization: Affirming your abilities and envisioning successful communication scenarios can bolster self-assurance.
• Gradual exposure: Gradually putting oneself in communication-challenging situations, such as public speaking or leading a discussion, can help build assertiveness over time.
• Seek constructive feedback: Actively seeking feedback from peers or mentors and using it to improve communication skills can enhance self-assurance and assertiveness.

Incorporating these strategies and actionable steps into your daily communication practices will gradually enhance your confidence, self-assurance, and assertiveness in various settings. Remember, confidence in communication is not about being flawless, but about being authentic and effective in expressing yourself.

Join us on Thursday, May 30, at noon WAT for a free virtual training session. It's the third session in the #PMwithAda series: Risk Awareness and Management! Click here to register and enhance your project management skills.