Simple Tricks to Make Everyone Listen: 5-Step Communication Guide
In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is a superpower. Whether you're a coach, consultant, CEO, or student, the ability to connect with your audience can open doors to new opportunities, build relationships, and establish authority. Lisa Hugo, a seasoned communication coach with over 20 years of experience, shares a transformative five-step process to help you become a confident and engaging speaker. Let’s dive into her actionable tips and start your journey toward mastering the art of communication.
Step 1: Record Yourself Speaking
The first step to improving your communication skills is self-awareness. Lisa suggests recording yourself speaking on a familiar topic for about four minutes. Avoid scripting or rehearsing; the goal is to capture your natural speaking style. Answer questions like:
What areas of communication do you want to improve?
Share details about your family, hobbies, and dreams.
This exercise serves as a benchmark to identify your current strengths and areas for improvement. Resist the urge to re-record for perfection—embrace your imperfections as a starting point.
Step 2: Watch and Analyze Your Recording
After recording, wait 24 hours before watching it back. This delay allows you to view yourself with a kinder, more objective perspective. As you watch, ask yourself:
Do I appear confident, friendly, and engaging?
Are my gestures natural, or do they distract from my message?
Am I maintaining eye contact with the camera?
Take notes on your observations, focusing on both strengths and areas that need work. This step helps you understand how others perceive you.
Step 3: Listen Without Watching
Turn off the video and focus solely on the audio. Pay attention to the tone, clarity, and energy of your voice. Ask yourself:
Does my voice sound warm, friendly, and confident?
Am I using filler words like “um,” “like,” or “you know”?
Are my pauses effective, or do I fill them with unnecessary sounds?
Use a workbook or journal to document your findings. This auditory review will reveal patterns in your speech that may undermine your credibility.
Step 4: Watch Without Sound
Next, watch your video with the sound off. This step helps you evaluate your body language and physical presence. Consider:
Do I look enthusiastic and passionate about my topic?
Are my gestures purposeful, or do they seem random?
Am I fidgeting or displaying distracting mannerisms?
By isolating visual elements, you can identify nonverbal cues that enhance or detract from your message.
Step 5: Analyze Your Transcript
Finally, create a transcript of your recording using tools like YouTube’s auto-captioning or transcription software. Read it aloud, including every filler word and pause. Highlight:
Non-words (e.g., “um,” “ah”)
Repeated phrases
Sentences that lack clarity or structure
This exercise provides a deeper understanding of your speech patterns and helps you pinpoint areas for improvement. Use different colored highlighters to categorize issues and set goals for change.
Why This Process Works
Lisa emphasizes that communication habits are learned behaviors shaped by our environment. The good news? They can be changed. By following this five-step process, you’ll gain self-awareness, identify areas for growth, and develop a plan to enhance your communication skills.
Practical Tips for Daily Improvement
Start Small: Focus on two or three areas at a time, such as eliminating filler words or improving your pauses.
Practice Daily: Use everyday conversations as opportunities to refine your skills.
Smile More: Smiling while speaking can make your voice sound brighter and more energetic.
The Impact of Better Communication
Improving your communication skills can be life-changing. It can help you:
Build stronger relationships
Gain respect as an authority in your field
Increase sales and client engagement
Advance your career
As Lisa says,
“The whole world is your stage. Every moment is an opportunity.”
Take Action Today
Ready to transform your communication skills? Download Lisa’s free workbook to guide you through this process. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your confidence and impact grow.
If you found these tips helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Lisa Hugo Academy’s YouTube channel for more insightful tools. Remember, your voice is your power—use it wisely!
