You’d Be Better Off Reading the Book

Hold on. I think I’ve done it. I think I’ve actually found a textbook with insightful tips on gaining confidence for communication. I’ve yet to test them out so I can’t relay whether or not they work, but they sound pretty legitimate. So, grab a chair, take a seat, pretend you care, and let’s indulge…

“A person must have the self-confidence to accept the risk involved in an open relationship.” Sounds easy enough, right? Probably not. That’s why throughout this subsection of their text, Woffard, Gerloff, and Cummins (1977) address the proper techniques to develop said self-confidence. For starters, acknowledge your anxiety. Simply being aware of the discomfort or feelings of inadequacy you encounter can help you better prepare for whatever situation is to be faced. Secondly, accepting your own proneness to a certain defense mechanism can help you master your presentation skills, and grapple with casual conversation more fluently.

Another way in which the reading promotes conquering proper communication, is by suggesting finding an appropriate and professional coping mechanism. For some — certainly me — this could be as miniscule as chewing gum, or elaborate as ingesting alcohol. Now obviously and unfortunately, consuming alcohol in the workplace is likely frowned upon; however, chewing gum may not be. For me, being able to relieve that minor amount of tension through chewing gum actually drastically helps in my communication skills. It keeps me preoccupied and my mind a little more absent and relaxed. Maybe I’m reading into it a little far, but hey, I can’t exactly take a shot during work so it helps. Let me live.

Although the reading centers around professional communication, particularly managerial effectiveness, many of these suggestions can be found applicable to casual socializing as well, both within the workplace and out. Self-confidence doesn’t come naturally to many of us — obviously — but that’s honestly something we just need to remember. There’s a large percentage of the population scared to introduce themselves to others, so take advantage of that. Take the time to introduce yourself to these people, because the possibilities that could arise are near endless.

Wofford, J. C., Gerloff, E. A., & Cummins, R. C. (1977). Organizational communication: the keystone to managerial effectiveness. New York: McGraw-Hill.