Week 9: What I Learned This Week — Codie Sanchez: Speak 10x's Better

The most valuable lesson I learned this week is that one of the keys to being a better communicator is to speak slower, less, and with more confidence.

In the video above, Codie Sanchez talks about how we can be a better speaker or communicator. She says there are 7 speaking patterns that quietly sabotage us.

Trap 1: Excessive Hedging

You are graded on your competency and confidence. Excessive qualifiers — too much talk and qualifiers — limits your credibility. Say less and say it more confidently.

If you’re going to hedge, be smart and strategic about it.

Trap 2: Over Explaining

Smart people love clarity, and they hate being misunderstood, so they talk too much trying to avoid both. Keep it short and simple.

Easy. Meaningful. Compelling. Deliver the correct idea precisely and pause and let the silence do the work. Shorter sentences. Concrete nouns. No jargon. White space. Speak slower. Remove filler words.

Trap 3: Talking Too Fast

When we get anxious, our heart rate rises and our breath gets shorter and quicker. Slower, lower paced speech communicates higher status.

Don’t rush — slow down and stay in control by pausing, breathing and delivering.

Shorter. Slower. Stronger.

Trap 4: Too Many Specifics — Not Enough Stories

Tell the story: Status quo, to problem, to promise, to proof, to the future. People remember the story, not the details. Make them feel something they can remember.

Trap 5: Being Afraid to Show Off

The people who win demonstrate and talk about why they do. Strategically communicate how and why you are a winner.

Don’t be afraid to flex what you know and do. Earn your recognition simply, securely, and confidently.

Trap 6: Not Enough Practice

The best practice is to rehearse more than is reasonable. The difference between the good and elite is time and practice — deliberate practice.

Practice more.

Trap 7: Constant Self-Depreciation

Strategic modesty works when balanced with confidence, so don’t sabotage yourself — build yourself up by using modesty and confidence strategically.

Self-promotion increases ratings in competence, intelligence, and recommendations for hire while barely decreasing likability. Being humble and modesty increases likability but doesn’t decrease perceived capability and likelihood of getting hired. 

You being modest only helps your competition.