Fearlessly Communicating In The Workplace
Jessica Chen
Author "Smart, Not Loud" | 2 Million Learners | CEO @ Soulcast Media | Emmy-Winner | Global Speaker on Communication & Executive Presence
FEARLESSLY COMMUNICATING IN THE WORKPLACE
Do you ever feel like you want to say something at work, but just don’t know how to say it??Or perhaps you’ve said yes to too many projects and need to learn how to say no.?The good news is -fearless communication is a skill you can learn.
Our CEO and Founder, Jessica Chen, recently hosted a Soulcast Media | LIVE event on LinkedIn where she interviewed author, keynote speaker, leadership expert, and fellow LinkedIn Learning instructor,?Dr. Todd Dewett .
FEARLESS COMMUNICATION
Fearless communication isn’t about saying whatever you want with zero disregard for consequences and outcomes. Instead, fearless communication is understanding how and when to communicate that’s both serving you and others fairly.
?
1. SAYING WHAT NEEDS TO BE SAID
There are always things that need to be said at work.?Some of these things are easy – like when it’s time to give compliments or when you’re asking a question about an upcoming project.?But more often than not, something uncomfortable will arise and conversations will need to be had. So how do you go about ‘saying what needs to be said’?
During the Live, Dr. Dewett and Jessica talked about how to go about saying what needs to be said in a tactful way. They share strategies to consider before speaking.
Context?– As much as you may want to shout that something isn’t working – shouting is probably not recommended. Instead, you have to pause and think about the context.?In other words, what are the circumstances surrounding what you are talking about and the people involved??This means asking yourself questions like:
Once you understand the context, you can better determine how you can approach the issue and with whom to approach it.
Be A Good Performer?– Being a good performer means understanding the expectations in front of you. In other words, you still have to do good work.?And you still have to respect the people you work for and work with.?If you want to be able to say what needs to be said, you have to gain?credibility ?in your workplace.?
Share The Workspace?– Part of gaining credibility is understanding that you have colleagues who all have to work with you and around you.?Using?emotional intelligence ?to be self-aware will help you share the workspace. Fearlessly communicating is not talking down to or about other people you work with.?It doesn’t give you a license to say whatever is on your mind.?
Once you understand the context and have proven yourself to be a good performer, you now are on a smart productive path to fearlessly communicate what needs to be said.?
?
2. HOW TO SAY NO
Saying no can be one of the hardest things to do – and not just at work! There are several reasons why saying no is difficult:
During the Soulcast Media | Live, Jessica asked Dr. Dewett how someone can say no with tact.?Dr. Dewett shared his strategies for understanding?why?you are saying no and?how?to implement your why.
Learning your motivations behind your yes or no will make your communications less scary.??
??We recommend the e-course?“Learning To Say No” ?to help you learn how to say no effectively.
?
领英推荐
3. PRESENTATION FEARS
Now that many companies are embracing a hybrid work model, it is inevitable that you will have to make a presentation via video or in person.?
During the interview, Jessica asked Dr. Dewett his thoughts on how to communicate fearlessly while giving presentations or public speeches.?He had several strategies to help you overcome your fears.
Know your audience?– You have to know who you are speaking to.?If you are speaking to a group of executives, your presentation (or message) will be different than to a generalized group.
Be prepared?– Do your research, do your homework, practice your speech – make sure you are prepared!?
Knowing your audience and being prepared are the two biggest things you can do to ease any fears when it comes to public speaking.?The top public speakers are always thinking about this. However, if you want to create a presentation that “sticks” you’ll want to make sure it includes this one thing.
Emotions.
Emotions are as or more important than the knowledge you are trying to impart.
That’s because if your content is good, but your delivery is poor, none of the information will stick!?
This is a skill that takes hard work and practice. In order to create emotions in your presentation consider the following:
The more emotions you can evoke, the more your presentation will be remembered.?In our LinkedIn Learning e-course,?Powerful Presentation Strategies , we talk about how to use emotion via your voice to make a powerful presentation.?
Remember, the key to fearless communication is knowing how and when to communicate in an authentic way.?As you navigate your career, having strong communication skills will lead to career success.
?__
If you would like to see the full LIVE version of Jessica and Dr. Todd Dewett’s conversation, check out?Jessica’s Youtube Channel.
Do you want to learn how to speak up at work and fearlessly say no? Join our private communications group where you can work with our Soulcast Media team on your communications every month!
Sign up for the?Soulcast Media Membership ?today!?
—
Join us on February 23rd for an exciting Soulcast Media | LIVE event! Our CEO, Jessica Chen, will be interviewing Stephanie Lovell from Hirect. This event is free to attend! Reserve your spot here!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This article is part of the?Soulcast Media Newsletter, which has over 8,000+ subscribers. If you like this article, feel free to?subscribe .
Be sure to follow Jessica Chen on?LinkedIn ?and?Instagram ?for regular communications tips you can use at work immediately!?Her videos can also be seen on?YouTube .
If you'd like to learn more about our communications services and how we work with individuals and companies, check out our website:?www.soulcastmedia.com .?