Speaking with Certainty: Eliminate Doubt in Your Voice
Jay Dhahan
Business Consultant | Neuro-Performance Coach | Entrepreneur Helping business leaders communicate effectively, maintain authentic relationships and build generational wealth. Founder & CEO NextGen Group of Companies
Have you ever been in a meeting with someone who speaks with such certainty that you couldn't help but trust every word they said? These individuals exude confidence, and they leave an impression that lasts. As a business leader or entrepreneur, it's important to be able to speak with assuredness and certainty. It's the key to building trust with those around you. Fortunately, this is a skill that can be learned. In this blog post, we'll explore some techniques for speaking with certainty, and how it can enhance your credibility in the business world.
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Know Your Subject Matter:
The first step in speaking with certainty is to ensure that you know what you're talking about. If you're not confident in your understanding of a particular topic, it will be difficult to project authority to others. To eliminate doubt, study your subject matter extensively to be an expert in your field. Gather information from multiple sources, consult with subject matter experts, and spend the time to truly understand the subject. When it comes time to explain it to others to keep your language simple and straightforward.
Speak Slowly and Deliberately:
When you're speaking with certainty, you want to make sure that your words come out smoothly and deliberately. Take deep breaths, and try to speak more slowly than usual, to give enough time for ideas to sink in to your listener. This will help you to avoid flubbing your words or rushing through explanations, giving an impression of uncertainty. You'll convey that you know what you're talking about very effectively when you sound convincing.
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Avoid Filler Words:
Filler words like "um," "uh," and "like" can be a major distraction, and make you seem less confident. These words make your flow of speaking to stutter and potentially confuse your listeners, especially dealing with technical information, thus, it is important to avoid these expressions to sound more confident. Instead, take brief pauses instead to give your thoughts a chance to catch up and consider your next words more carefully. Practice this technique in your everyday conversations to avoid slipping back into old habits when it really matters.
Use Assertive Language:
Often what separates assertive from uncertain language is the tone of voice and choice of words. Using assertive language when you speak, will make it clear that you have the authority to lead it. Practice using phrases like “I am convinced…†or “I recommend…†to present your ideas more persuasively, with authority, and confidence. If you have a question, avoid making a statement, instead take the time to clarify your doubts before making your final recommendation.
Visualize Success:
Finally, before an important meeting or presentation, take a moment to visualize a successful outcome. Envision yourself speaking confidently and engaging the audience, and if possible during a practice session or rehearsal in advance. This visualization technique can help you build a sense of confidence as you prepare. Looking confident will make you feel confident therefore, it is essential that you visualize yourself looking and sounding confident.
Conclusion:
Speaking with certainty is a valuable skill that can enhance your credibility and leadership abilities. To master this, focus on knowing your subject matter thoroughly, speaking slowly but deliberately, avoiding filler words, using assertive language, and visualizing a successful outcome. It may take time and practice for you to become more confident in your delivery, but the results will be worth it. When you speak with certainty, you demonstrate your expertise, and your audience will be more likely to trust what you have to say. By implementing these practices and making them a part of your regular routine, you'll become more effective in your communication and grow your business to greater heights.