Many of us have a difficult time sharing our thoughts and ideas in an impactful way. We look around and marvel at how other people can just present their opinions in a free-flowing way and everyone seems to pay attention to them and listen. Being able to express ourselves so we can be both understood and believed is a critical part of leadership. But it isn’t as hard as it may seem if we are willing to identify our authentic voice. And that’s key. We need to represent our true selves and not try to copy someone else’s style. We are credible speakers when we open up in our authentic voice, not merely mirroring the presentation of a team member, colleague, boss or friend.
Ready to find your authentic voice?
Create A Clear And Meaningful Message
Knowing what we want to say and the important points we need to make is the beginning step in finding our authentic voice. What happens to many leaders is that they are all over the place with what they want to say. We all have numerous thoughts running throughout our brains. We need to harness all those ideas and pull them together into one cohesive unit in order to speak coherently. Try asking yourself:
- What is the most important idea I need to convey?
- How is my opinion helpful to others?
- What points do I need to make to clearly support my opinion?
- Do I make complete sense?
[Tweet “When finding their authentic voice, leaders need to create a clear and meaningful message.”]
Use Words And Language That Reflect Your Style
Choosing the best words to express ourselves is just as essential as the message itself. The language coming out of our mouths needs to be consistent with who we are and what we stand for to be authentic. Select words that we use in everyday speech that are respectful and exciting. Remember that to be impactful we need to energize others about our ideas. But be you!
Be Aware Of Your Non-Verbal Cues
Just as the words hold certain meaning, so do our non-verbal cues. To identify our authentic voice leaders must pay attention to their entire presentation. Some non-verbal signals can include:
- Matching our body language to our words
- Showing confidence with our uplifting posture
- Displaying good eye contact without staring
- Using hand gestures that support our message
- Speaking in a varied tone that captivates the audience we are addressing
- Making sure we smile to show caring and warmth
[Tweet “To display an authentic voice leaders must have matching body language and words.”]
Test Out Your Delivery
It’s never a bad idea to try out your presentation or share your ideas with people you trust. Reach out to a colleague who may be attending a meeting that you want to speak at and ask them to listen to how you hope to present your suggestions. Or simply speak out loud your ideas and see how they sound. I have found that my written thoughts sound differently when I say them out loud. Become comfortable with your message and your voice.
Be Willing To Adjust
Finally leaders need to be flexible enough to make tweaks to their presentations to be authentic. Sticking with our planned presentation may not be as effective as we had hoped. When we speak in an authentic voice we know we may need to amend our initial message.
- Be willing to hear feedback to make your message clearer
- Be open to adding new facts that just came through
- Modify your body language or hand gestures that really heighten your message
- Listen to the comments of others and incorporate them into your strategy
How have you identified your authentic voice?
Love your questions Terri for zeroing in on your authentic voice, especially when it doesn’t come easy. Trying to be like someone else robs you of your power.
When we mirror the style of others because we think it is the best way to present ourselves we can’t show our best side or true talents. I have worked with so many leaders that have a difficult time carving out their brand and voice because they are aren’t honoring who they really are. And as you beautifully stated when we copy others we actually give up our power to be our unique self.
Thanks Susan for stopping by and sharing your insightful comments!
I love this: “We need to represent our true selves and not try to copy someone else’s style.” As an undercover agent, I found the only time I really got into trouble is when I tried to be someone I wasn’t. We can slap on any title or name, but if we’re not able to convey our true self, people pick up on it and it can lead to undesired consequences…
It may seem obvious that being our true self is best yet many leaders don’t have the confidence to let their unique brand shine through. When we play to our strengths and gifts and stop looking over our shoulders to see what others are doing we will always be authentic and impactful.
Thanks so much LaRae for adding your empowering insights!
Years ago I was leading a training team and one of the women who worked for me was going to facilitate her first workshop. For days on end she practiced her presentations and early on, she was a little robotic. She knew the material but her sparkling personality was not coming through. The more she practiced, the more she was able to have the material become second nature. In the actual workshop, she was fantastic because her mind wasn’t on the material but instead making a connection with the participants. Her authenticity was felt by everyone in the room and it made a big difference to the way she engaged with them and fielded their questions.
Great ideas here, Terri! Will share!
Alli
Thank you for sharing that wonderful story with us! I too have found that it is essential to practice a presentation to the point that I just share it without worrying if I miss a point. When we own our words, our messages, our body language we will be authentic communicators and leaders.
Thanks Alli for all your support!