Communicating Confidently

Laura Field

Communications Coach

Struggling with public speaking? Have some practical tips to help you make your voice heard in meetings.

Effective Communication Strategies

Struggling with public speaking? Have some practical tips to help you make your voice heard in meetings.

Communicating Confidently

12 mins 34 secs

Key learning objectives:

Outline how to navigate informal interactions
Identify tips to command a meeting
Understand the art of written communication

Overview:

Public speaking fear is real, but in this step, Laura Field shares practical tips to build your confidence—from informal interactions to managing nerves in work meetings. She highlights the importance of making your voice heard, controlling anxiety through breathing, and clear communication. Remember, the more you practice speaking up, the easier it becomes.

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Summary

How can informal interactions help with public speaking?

Informal interactions, such as chatting with staff in cafes or asking for recommendations, help build confidence in spontaneous communication. These small, casual conversations allow you to practice speaking with a variety of people, easing the fear of unexpected interactions and reducing anxiety about public speaking. By keeping these exchanges short and light-hearted, you maintain a comfortable atmosphere for both yourself and others, gradually making it easier to handle more challenging speaking situations.

What are some tips for commanding a meeting?

To effectively contribute in meetings:

Speak up early: Challenge yourself to contribute at least once per meeting to avoid being perceived as disinterested or lacking confidence. Start with low-risk comments or questions to build your confidence
Manage nerves: Understand that physical signs of nervousness, such as sweating or a racing heart, are natural. Focus on deep breathing, releasing muscle tension, and maintaining eye contact to help manage these symptoms
Use a clear structure: When presenting information, use the sequence of ‘Purpose, What, How, Who, What’s Next’ to stay organised and keep your audience engaged

How can you improve your written communication?

To enhance written communication:

Be clear and concise: Always ensure your messages have a greeting, are polite, clear in purpose, and specify the required action and timeframe. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures your message is understood as intended
Consider follow-ups: If a phone call is more efficient than written communication, opt for that. For important matters, follow up with written confirmation to ensure clarity and avoid confusion

By practising these techniques, you'll find that both your public speaking and written communications become more effective and less intimidating.

The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the creator and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations.

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Laura Field

Laura Field has over 25 years of experience in voice coaching, helping people communicate effectively in a messy world. With a background in drama, she understands the challenge of expressing thoughts and feelings in any situation, coaching clients worldwide. Her relaxed and practical approach gets to the core of effective speaking, guiding individuals and organisations through the twists and turns of life with grounded optimism and a friendly touch.

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