Honesty: Putting You into Your Story

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How do you communicate with authenticity? You must touch on the following:

What you do best, and what you enjoy the most – Not good, not better, but BEST is where you want to go for your most authentic conversation (or elevator pitch, for that matter). Choose what matters most, if you want to make it matter to others!

What’s best for your listeners – challenging the status quo means moving towards a better future – why not choose the one that goes beyond better…all the way to BEST? Your listener is interested in a world where people operate at their best, the best ideas and suggestions are shared, and the best products are compared to the competition. If your pitch covers a product, organization or service, focus on what’s best for the customer. Your listener wants to know how you can make a difference; commit to deliver that message! Distinguish yourself by demonstrating a commitment to excellence.

Conviction – Do you believe that you are the best fit for the position, and that your products are the best fit for the customer? Believe me, you need something to believe in. You know how I know? Because it’s human nature. We are all looking for something to believe in. Find the statements that convey your belief, and put that passion into your conversation.

Reputation and Referrals – it’s one thing to hear what you have to say about you, but what about what others say? Sharing perspectives of those that know you best will help to strengthen your story’s authenticity. Similarly, referring to satisfied customers, or to those you have helped, can build a rock-solid and authentic elevator pitch.

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There’s never a good time to give a bad presentation. Be honest with yourself: isn’t it time you delivered a powerful message for a change?

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profkrg

Chris, I think it's difficult for people to recognize what they do best. It seems that the things we do best really are intrinsic to us. Therefore, we incorrectly assume that they come naturally to others as well. This first step seems pretty difficult. Then, once you've identified what your expertise, the ability to discover why it's important to others also seems challenging. I'm certainly not arguing that we shouldn't do these things. Instead, I'm asking if you have advice for individuals attempting to identify their strengths and then step outside of their own context to understand why they're important to others. As always, you've given me much to consider. Kenna

westfallonline

@profkrg There are things we are good at, and things we enjoy. The most satisfying choices seem to arrive at the intersection of both skills and enjoyment, playing to our strengths in a way that's rewarding, both emotionally and financially. There's one key question that I use with my coaching clients, and I think it may help. The question is, "What is it that you would love to create?" It's important to consider the question seriously, and creatively, to arrive at a point of internal knowing, and I help my clients to see where that "aha!" moment lives. Then, a follow up: "What is is that you would like to create - with, through and for others - that people would pay you to do?" I tackle each one of those prepositions in detail, to arrive at a focus that isn't just navel-gazing, but allows for a new picture (a new thought) about how others can be engaged in your vision. After all, there's not much in the world worth doing unless it involves other people - and the only way to create a great vision is to share it, and then act on it. Does that make sense? This visioning exercise is one that has always had major revelations for me, as well as my clients - it's not so much about a technique or strategy as it is just looking in the right place, and letting your intuition help you along the way.

profkrg

@westfallonline Excellent advice, Chris. As always, you've given me much to consider. Kenna

Honesty: Putting You into Your Story

Honesty is all about being true to yourself. Honesty starts with a clear understanding of who you are. Whether an extrovert or introvert, you must inspire trust if you want others to believe in your ideas.

How do you communicate with authenticity? You must touch on the following:

There’s never a good time to give a bad presentation. Be honest with yourself: isn’t it time you delivered a powerful message for a change?

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