Relaxation: the silver bullet in communication

Leslie DicksonPosted by Leslie Dickson on March 18th, 2010 | 0 Comments

Remember the showdown scenes in the old Westerns? Two gunslingers facing off at high noon? You knew the good guy was going to win by the squinting eye, the clinched jaw, the taut muscles.

Ever feel like you’re starring in that scene – except that it’s set in an office or conference room instead of a dusty street? Take your communication tips from John Wayne and you’re going to end up the loser. It’s a fact. Studies show that when two strangers meet, the one who is most physically relaxed is perceived by both as having the higher status. In a group setting, the most relaxed person is most likely to ultimately become the group leader. 

So, you see, personal power doesn’t come from being so intense you seem wound tight. And it certainly isn’t conveyed when you’re being nervous and fidgety. Power comes from being able to relax. When you’re comfortable with yourself, you telegraph confidence and self-esteem. Stay calm physically, mentally and emotionally and you’re in control.

Relaxation is one of the Five Great Skills® at the core of VoicePro’s approach to effective communication. They’re skills anyone can learn, practice and use to present themselves and their ideas. What are the other four skills? Let’s take a quick look.

  • Energy. When you communicate with authentic conviction, people see confidence.
  • Expression. It’s in your face, your voice and your body language, and it’s crucial to the understanding of your message.
  • Organization. When you put together your message in a powerful way, you create strong personal influence.
  • Focus. It shouldn’t be on your message or your own concerns. Your focus needs to be on others. That’s how connection is made. 

Want to know more? Visit us at www.voiceproinc.com and even watch a video on the topic with our own Luanne Paynick. Just register to for a free membership – it only takes a minute.

And the next time you find yourself striding into your own OK Corral , take a moment to settle yourself. Take a deep breath and loosen up. Relaxation may be just the silver bullet you’re looking for.


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