Communication Skills Tip: Transforming our Private Confidence into Public Speaking

How many of you are fed up with listening to everybody else's business while they converse with family, friends and colleagues on their mobile phones in public (cell phone etiquette)? I know that it drives me bananas. And like many of you out there, I aim to be considerate and limit the number of calls I'll take and the length of them while I'm not in a private place. But one thing I find fascinating is how animated, both vocally and physically, most people are when they are publicly speaking on their cell phones. It makes me ask why that animation often times doesn't translate into true public speaking. Why are we able to block out the hundreds of people witnessing our private conversations yet remain frozen by the same number of audience members when they are invitees? Doesn't it seem a bit odd? The good news for any of you out there who see yourself in this syndrome is that you can do it. You are capable of making appropriate hand gestures and dynamic facial expressions. And, yes, you can use volume and intonation well, too. Next time you find yourself on a cell phone call, take notice of how focused you are. Take note of how confident you sound and see if you can translate that into your business communication. Just a thought. To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com.