I work as a Business English Coach in Lima, Peru. Working with my clients, I realized that communication is the key to success. It is especially true in those times when you must perform well. I am thinking of times like:
Making a pitch
Interviewing for a job
Making a presentation
Participating in a meeting.
Talking with an important client on the phone.
These days, if you work for an international company, these tasks must be performed in English.
These are stressful events and they are more so when the person is speaking in a second language. For example, if you are a native speaker of Spanish, it may well be that you have to perform these tasks in English. It can be done and done quite well, but a critical factor is the preparation and attitude of the person.
Of course preparation and practice are essential. They are important, but not enough. I ask my clients to think of the three C’s. in regard to performing this task:
Calm
Confidence
Clarity
Let’s look at each of these in turn.
The calm person is in control of his/her emotions. Nervousness doesn’t take over. You are under pressure, but control it. The focus is on the task. You are excited and feeling the energy, but you are in control. Some people find it helpful to think you are an actor. You have the feelings, but they are on the inside. On the outside you look calm. The outward appearance is what the audience sees. And they see you as calm.
We also want them to see you as confident. You are confident because you have prepared well. You practiced enough to know your lines. This is impressive to the audience. They see you as calm and totally in control. Even an unexpected question doesn’t bother you. You know your stuff and are ready.
Lastly, but more importantly, you have clarity. You have thought carefully about your message. It is logical and easily understandable. You have tested it out on different people, especially those that have no expertise in your field. The audience will understand you easily. That is the main goal of any communicator. Otherwise why bother?
With the three C’s you are powerful. You will perform at your best. That doesn’t mean that you will always be successful. This is a difficult and competitive world. But you can come away with the knowledge that you did your very best.
Need help? Feel free to contact me.
Managing in English 