33: How do I get my messages across to others?

Welcome to Woman Leadership show. I'm Janet and in this episode, I will be sharing with you how do I get my messages across to others. 

When I first conducted orientation and customer service training to new employees , I was in my early 20s and I wondered who would listen to me when I was much younger and less experience than the audience who were more senior and worked longer than me in the company. I would use the materials and based on my own experience to share with them. I asked them to share their knowledge and experience and did not position myself as teaching but rather facilitating the session so everyone could share with their personal examples. With that, it helped me whenever I first conducted a new topic or to a new group of audience including CEOs, Senior Directors and above. 

I first conducted a topic on communication workshop and it received very bad feedback. It was small group but I received below expectations. I was standing behind my table as it was my first time teaching the topics. The topic is on communication but worst thing is I did not demonstrate the topic well in my training. I almost wanted to give up and think training is not my forte and I could not teach that topic. After coaching from my superior, I tried again the following day with different group of participants and I received outstanding feedback. What I did was to hear what superior did in his workshop, use that as reference and improved on my delivery. 

I was in my early 30’s and first time conducting programs for leaders and more experienced colleagues than me, at the back of my time why should they listen to me. I focus on what I can deliver, learn from others experience and deliver to my best ability. Since then, I have received consistent positive and above average ratings for all of my programs. 

When I joined an US MNC, my job was to facilitate training for a group of average 40 – 60 regional hi potential leaders and senior leaders across APAC . My first thought was why would they listen to me as it was my first time and they have been in same company as long as 20 years. 

Takeaway
Confidence –Build confidence when engage the audience in your body language, voice tone and facial expression. When you are well prepared, you will feel more confident. Effective Communication is key to getting message across and if the person did not understand or lost in the conversation, your message would not be as

Clarity- Begin the end in mind what do I want to achieve at the end of the presentation, conversation and speech. What do I want them to take action at after hearing from me. Art of voice to train my presentation and have clarity of voice 

Start to build credibility so others will know you are the expert in your field and will trust what you have shared. 

Credibility – impactful. Albert Mehrabian’s 7-38—55 rule is that Spoken Words make up of 7% , 37% tone and body is 55%. If a speaker words and body language differ, listeners are more likely to believe the nonverbal communication of the speaker not his words. 

I hope that through my sharing, it draws inspiration and personal reflection for you. I believe every woman can be a leader in your own way. I look forward to seeing you in my next episode where I will be sharing with you tips and ways to realize your full potential as a leader on Woman Leadership.