In our current world full of fast-paced communication and superficial interactions, one thing has become clear: authentic communication is rare but hugely valued. We long for authenticity, for people who speak from the heart and really touch us. This lack of authenticity often causes a sense of dissatisfaction and misunderstanding in both personal and professional relationships. 

Therefore, we briefly go over the essential principles of authentic communication, as taught in our Skill Sprint.

4 Cs:

We start by developing four aspects:

• Confidence: Authentic communication starts with self-confidence. This means believing in yourself and your message. Self-confidence is contagious and builds trust with others.
• Congruence: What you say should match what you do. Congruence builds credibility and trust, essential for authentic communication.
• Consistency: Be consistent in your communication. This means that your message, attitude and actions remain the same over time, contributing to a strong and trustworthy image.
• Connection: Genuine connection with others is crucial. This means showing empathy, actively listening and opening yourself up to the thoughts and feelings of others.

These four Cs are at the identity level; "I am confident, I am congruent, I am consistent, ..." We complement these with another four focal points, this time at the behavioural level.

PACE:

In addition to the aforementioned four Cs, we also apply 4 principles that we translate into concrete attitudes and actions:

• Presence: Be fully present in every interaction. This means full focus and attention on the moment and the person you are communicating with.
• Association: Make sure your message is clear and personal. Speak from your own experiences and beliefs.
• Clarity: Your message should be clear and understandable. Avoid jargon and complex language that can cloud your message.
• Empathy (Empathy): Show empathy and understanding for the feelings and views of others. This helps build deeper and more meaningful relationships.

To effectively put the principles of authentic communication into practice, here are some concrete tips.

Get started with these 4 tips:

1. Be Present and Connect: Make sure you are fully present in the conversation. This means not only being present physically, but also mentally. Make sure your thoughts do not wander and that you are fully focused on the here and now. Connect your thoughts and feelings well with what you are communicating, and be clear and thoughtful in your communication.
2. Use body language: Body language, especially hand gestures, is a powerful part of communication. Be aware of what you are doing with your hands while speaking. Use symmetrical gestures and show your palms to reinforce your message and be more expressive.
3. Communicate in the present: Bring your communication to the present. This will make your message more direct, clear and concrete. By speaking in the present, you move the conversation more easily and create connections with others more easily. Use 'I' messages to make clear what you are thinking and feeling.
4. Move: Your physical posture and energy level have a big impact on how you come across in a conversation. For example, if you have a phone conversation while lying down or sitting relaxed, you may come across as uninterested or tired. Stand up and step around a bit during the conversation; this helps bring more energy and dynamism to your voice and organise your thoughts.

Authenticity in communication is a balance between honesty and sensitivity, between expression and empathy. It is the art of genuinely sharing yourself, while also providing space and respect for others to be themselves. By finding and maintaining this balance, we create interactions that are not only valuable for ourselves, but also enriching and meaningful for the people we interact with. Being authentic is thus a continuous focus on both the content and the impact of our communication, striving for deeper connection and understanding.

By training yourself in these essential skills, you can take both your personal and professional relationships to the next level.

So sign up for our 'Skill Sprints'. Check the calendar on our website for more information and take your first step towards authentic and dynamic leadership.