Do you often apologize for no reason? Do you put forth an idea but then immediately follow it up with a self-deprecating comment? If you’re thinking this sounds like you… It’s time to wake up and become more aware of how these communication tactics are working against you (as opposed to FOR you). -- theaccentcoach.com

1. Self-Sabotaging Communication: Are You Doing Any of These?
Do youoftenapologize fornoreason?Doyou put forthan ideabutthenimmediatelyfollowitupwitha
self-deprecatingcomment?If you’re thinkingthissoundslike you…It’stime towake upand become
more aware of howthese communicationtacticsare workingagainstyou(asopposedtoFORyou).
As an executive speechcoach formany years,I’ve helpedmanybusinessmenandwomen,aswellas
actors and actresses,overcome commonhurdlesinterferingwiththeir communication.
Here are my top5 communicationmistakes:
1. Your voice risesinpitchtowardthe endof a statement.
Thisimmediatelygivesoff the impressionof uncertainty.Avoidthisandspeakconfidentlywithaneven
pitchso otherstake youseriouslyandyourideas.
2. You over-apologize.
A trickI love isreplacing“I’msorry” with“thankyou.”For instance,insteadof apologizingforbeinglate
(which,ideally,youshouldn’tbe),thankothersfortheirpatience.
3. You’re focusedmore onpeace-keepingthansolvingthe problem.
There isalwaysa time and place forkeepingharmony.Whenyou’vedone the workthough,take credit.
Insteadof using“we,”say“I.”
4. Using“just,”“actually,”or “kindof.”
Thisendsup beingwishy-washy,whichleadsothersto,again,avoidtakingyouseriously.

2. 5. Rushingthroughyourspeechorpresentation.
Thiscan actuallydothe opposite of whatyouwant.It can increase yournervesandalso
miscommunicate yourideasorpoints.Goslow.Articulate yourpoints!