In my 5 Day Discovery Public Speaking courses, I invite my students to share any tricky communication issues experienced in their work.
The idea is to throw the problem over to the group's wisdom, where it's discussed and mostly resolved.
The group usually has an interesting discussion on the pros and cons of the situation, and we leave it to the individual to decide their next steps.
Responses are tools that must be used in the appropriate context.
One of the tough issues that some of my students face is selling - and I don't mean products or services.
My belief is that we are all salesmen and saleswomen, and that comment is usually followed by, 'Well actually Vince, I'm a lawyer, doctor, accountant (or whatever their profession).'
But then I remark that when you're sitting around the table with your colleagues or clients, or when you're talking about ideas, concepts, projects, or plans, you're selling. You're selling your insights into critical issues, and you want to be credible, so you need to speak with conviction.
We are all salesmen and saleswomen.
Last time, one of my students said he had experience with this and offered to deliver a short presentation on the subject raised, and I'd like to share it with you
It's used when somebody is stuck while making a decision.
It's called the feel, felt, found method, and is straightforward. Like all techniques, it must be used ethically to assist the stuck person.
First, listen to that person's problem and build trust and rapport with them. Then respond as below.
Hi Jim, I used to feel exactly the same way as you about x,y, and z. I felt that solution B would never manage x, y and z. But I found that it resolves x, y, and z brilliantly. Just look at the outcomes.
I have used this model a few times recently to trigger some great results for my students. Always be prepared to listen to the wisdom of the crowd; the stats strongly support this.
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Vince Stevenson - Founder of the College of Public Speaking 2006 Ltd.
If you have a great attitude and are looking to make a difference in your life, I hope you consider joining one of our train-the-trainer or public speaking courses soon. It's always possible to improve your skillset and take your work and achievements to a higher level. Three strong reasons to support training
