Have you ever walked into a meeting, full of great ideas, only to have them brushed aside or misinterpreted? You’re left wondering: What went wrong? Was it what I said—or the way I said it?
The truth is, it’s both. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it that determines whether your message is heard and received with respect or not heard and dismissed. Every word, every gesture, and your tone send signals about who you are and how you expect to be treated.
Why Perception Matters
How others perceive us drives how they interact with us. If you communicate clearly and confidently, people are more likely to listen, engage, and respect your contributions. If your communication is muddled or tentative, it is more likely to lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.
This isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about enhancing how you express yourself so your message gets through and gets noticed.
5 Ways to Refine Your Communication Style to Shape Perception
Know Your Audience: Before you speak, consider who you’re talking to. How well do they know you? What do they value? What is their preferred style of communication? Tailoring your approach to match their expectations builds connection and trust.
Align Your Body Language: Your words only deliver part of the message. Your body language delivers the rest. Are your posture, gestures, and eye contact reinforcing what you are saying? Or are you creating dissonance for your audience? Body language that supports your verbal message helps your message land solidly with your audience.
Speak with Intention: Think of your words as beacons for your audience. Using vocabulary that is accurate and specific creates a clear, focused and meaningful message. And less is almost always more.
Cultivate Your Tone: The tone of your voice sets the emotional stage. A warm, steady tone conveys confidence and approachability, while an unintentional edge or a distracted tone can create distance.
Practice, Practice, Practice: If you want to make a polished impression and come across as an expert, practice delivering your message many times before delivering it to your audience. Crafting a powerful message isn’t a “one and done” exercise. The more you practice refining your message, the better your results will be.
Your Next Step to Speak with Purpose
If you want to be seen as a confident and effective communicator, start by taking control of your communication style. After working on the points above, you’ll start to notice a shift in how your ideas are viewed and how others treat you. And you’ll notice a difference in how you feel about yourself too.
Barbara Boldt is a transformative communication coach who empowers introverted leaders and executives to become confident, authentic speakers. Combining anxiety-reduction techniques, like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), with strategic communication skills training, she helps clients move from feeling unseen to effectively representing themselves and their organizations. With over 20 years of international experience coaching professionals from 35+ countries, Barbara has a unique ability to identify and address communication barriers, from unclear language to delivery flaws. Her tailored approach builds confidence, channels natural strengths, and reshapes communication styles to elevate leadership presence and help clients achieve their business goals.
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