‘Does this make sense?’ - a simple 4 word sentence that some of my peers would suggest you should NEVER ask?

Why?

It’s suggested that asking this question can be either

1. Condescending - suggesting your listener is too stupid to understand whatever it is you’re explaining; or

2. Damaging your credibility - suggesting you’re questioning your communication effectiveness

I disagree, HARD, on both accounts.

I have been asking this question my entire facilitation and coaching career.

Listen in to hear:

• Why I don’t think asking ‘does this make sense’ is either condescending or credibility damaging

• Why I think it’s actually a useful question to ask to check for understanding before adding more info

• How tonality, body language and even intention of the question has more to do with whether the query is condescending or

After listening, I’m genuinely curious … is this a blind spot of mine and do I sound condescending, or like I don’t know what I’m talking about?

Let me know in the comments or find me on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catmatson/

Join the 7 day Speaking with Impact Practice Series here - https://www.impactfulpresenters.com/live-webinar/speaking-with-impact-7-day-practice-series-april/register

Ever feel tired, no, EXHAUSTED? Saying the same thing over and over and over and over again, and being dismissed, not heard, not understood or just getting polite nods?

If you’re striving to influence change, or make an impact, it can often feel like you’re bashing your head against a brick wall, or yelling into the void.

If that’s true, this episode is for you. Having been there (many times), today I’m sharing both communication tips as well as energy and wellbeing tips to keep you showing up, speaking up and making your voice heard.

Listen in to hear:

• How to stop blaming ‘them’ and change your approach for better outcomes

• Why ‘seeking first to understood, then to be understood’ is a POWERFUL way to connect with your audience

• A not-so-gentle reminder that influence takes time … and you’re unlikely to make a dent in the universe with just one conversation

• How to use stories rather than data to help move your audience

• How surrounding yourself with other like-minded people can be a powerful way to top up your mental wellbeing cup when it feels like you’re not making progress

• My personal daily ritual for noticing the ‘wins’ and progress … so I can keep going

Join me for my upcoming Speaking with Impact 7 Day Practice Series. It starts 20 April and is completely FREE! Details here

Have a question you’d like to ask me? DM me on instagram

If you’re prone to over-explaining yourself, you’re going to love this episode.

Using stories to illustrate your point is a powerful way to land your message. The trick though is to not make your story too long, or a shaggy dog story, either.

Listen in to hear:

• Why you might over explain yourself

• How I changed from over explaining to using stories

• How to tell stories that are based on your lived experience

• How to ensure your stories don’t become too long, too detailed, or too irrelevant

• My story of why I think we need more diverse voices contributing to the conversations that matter

Join me for my Storytelling SpeakEASY on Friday 27 March

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