The results are in…
YOUR PRIMARY AUTHENTIC COMMUNICATION STYLE IS…
The No Bullsh*tter
You’re the one who tells it like it is, No Bullsh*tter! You’re specific, to-the-point, and you know what you’re talking about. You’re a truth seeker and a truth speaker. And just about everything you say is grounded in the facts and figures.
As a No Bullsh*tter, you’re great at…
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Getting your point across
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Using data to back up what you say
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Preparing thoroughly and thoughtfully
You're in great company,
No Bullsh*tter!
You like to...
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Guide people to make the best decisions, by providing all the information they need, or by laying out the argument for them. You like to be prepared for every possible question, issue, or counterpoint.
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Feel heard, because you know how much value you bring to the table.
On your journey to becoming the sort of communicator that impresses the pants off of others—while staying true to who you are—you’d likely benefit from practicing how to...
Zoom out and paint the big picture.
Sometimes you get lost in the weeds. The details do matter, but often, many No Bullsh*tters (understandably!) feel the need to over-explain or speak in overly technical terms.
You do this from a generous place, my friend. You want your audience to have all the information. But sometimes, if you give them too much, or get lost in particulars without providing the greater context, you push them away.
Help them understand your point and the value you bring to the table by zooming out, painting the big picture, and putting it in terms they can understand.
How to do it
Be as illustrative as possible. Pull your listener into the experience instead of having them sit on the sidelines, watching you explain something.
Ask yourself:
- What’s their frame of reference?
- What concrete examples can I use so they understand my message from their current vantage point?
- Think…
- Case studies that highlight how your product or service solves a problem
- A story with characters and a plot that brings the concept or idea to life
Next time you need to convey a complex idea, bring it to life. Use characters, a plot, and even a timeline to illustrate what you mean. Then watch as your audience lights up and starts nodding along...
Be intentional with your language.
Relying on the facts makes for a sound argument, but sometimes this might make you come across as a little dry or aloof. Your high IQ is undeniable, No Bullsh*tter, so let’s make sure your EQ’s just as strong.
How to do it
The more intentional you are about noticing the language your audience uses to describe their issues, and the more consistent you are about reflecting their words back to them, the more they’ll feel seen, understood, and like YOU’RE uniquely suited to help them.
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Be curious. Start by asking questions that get to the root of what your audience is up against and listen for the common threads in their language.
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Reflect those common threads back to them and highlight what you’re hearing in their language before you make any suggestions.
EXAMPLE:
It sounds like one of your primary challenges is… OR: Since you mentioned [insert direct quote], you might be wondering how to [inferred desire].
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Build your follow-up conversation around their specific thoughts, questions and challenges—not just your suggestions. The key is specificity. Lead with what they’re up against, in their language, THEN follow with what you can do to help them.
EXAMPLE:
If you want to tackle [insert concern or challenge verbatim], I’d suggest setting up [insert specific solution].
Pay attention to how you deliver your message non-verbally.
You may focus more on projecting expertise than building connection, which can cause missed opportunities for fostering trust and genuine engagement. Before people process the exact language you’re using, they process the signals you’re sending, like your…
👉 eye contact
👉 level of expressiveness
👉 gestures and mannerisms
How to do it
I know, cringe, but watching yourself on video is the quickest, most illuminating way to evaluate your communication skills and enhance your presence in a room.
You can read the full blog post above for how to evaluate yourself on video, but here’s a quick tip to get you started:
Whether on Zoom or in-person, pick ONE focal point at a time. If you’re on a video call, pick someone’s face near the camera lens that you can direct your energy toward.
If you get bored or distracted by that person, pick someone else and give them all your focus. This will make everyone on the call feel like you’re talking directly to them, which will entice them to stay engaged.
Not only will open body language and direct eye contact make you look more confident and capable under pressure… it’ll actually make you FEEL that way on the inside, too!
Looking for more practical support in becoming the communicator you most wanna be?
I’ve got ya covered!
Check out the Confident Communicator—my holistic, step-by-step course, designed to teach you practical tools and frameworks for:
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dialing down nerves when the pressure’s on
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exuding authentic confidence when you speak
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sharing your knowledge with more authority (and a truly empowered mindset!)
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and articulating your ideas more clearly and succinctly than ever before.
