#123 The 7 Communication Traps That Quietly Kill Your Authority

In this episode of The Big Deal Podcast, Codie Sanchez tackles common speaking pitfalls that prevent high achievers from being heard effectively. She opens by highlighting the first trap: excessive hedging, which reduces perceived competence and authority. Codie explains that words like 'but' or phrases such as 'I could be wrong' dilute the strength of one's message, making listeners ignore the point being made. She emphasizes the importance of confidence in communication, backed by studies that show confident speakers are seen as more credible, even when incorrect.

Codie moves on to over-explaining, pointing out how it signals either a lack of trust in the audience's comprehension or implies that the idea isn’t strong enough to stand on its own. Her recommendation is to present ideas succinctly and allow silence to enhance the message, fostering trust in the listeners. She uses statistics on processing fluency to illustrate that clearly articulated ideas are deemed more truthful and intelligent.

Next, Codie discusses the trap of speaking too quickly, particularly in high-pressure situations. She advises slowing down to convey confidence and authority, especially during important points. The importance of pacing is reinforced by referencing effective advertising techniques, showing how a calmer delivery can enhance listener engagement.

Continuing, she explores the need for simplicity in messaging, emphasizing that great communicators reduce complexity rather than amplify it. Codie uses Steve Jobs as an example, noting that his presentations effectively told a story instead of listing features, thereby engaging the audience's interest.

Moreover, Codie warns against self-deprecation, which can undermine perceived competence. Rather than downplaying successes, she encourages listeners to accept praise gracefully. Throughout the episode, she underscores that the issue often lies not in one’s knowledge but in their ability to communicate it effectively.

Ultimately, Codie provides a checklist for listeners to self-assess their speaking habits, which includes evaluating if they are hedging, over-explaining, rushing their speech, or complicating ideas unnecessarily. She concludes by encouraging listeners to rehearse with intent, stating that practice will lead to improved delivery and perception. The episode leaves listeners with actionable advice to enhance their communication skills and be heard more effectively.