The word credibility comes from the Latin root word credere, which means to believe or to entrust. We give credence (belief) to ideas when we accept them to be true. When you have credibility, people believe in you and they trust you. Your credibility is decided upon by other peoples’ perceptions of you and what they observe about you. The interesting thing is, if other people don’t perceive credibility in you - you will not be credible in their eyes. However, you can influence another persons’ belief in you.
When you convey the qualities of integrity, expertise, dynamism and open-mindedness, they will see you as credible. People with this kind of personal power have an inner intensity and passion that is not pushy or brash. Rather there is a quiet authority about them that others perceive and appreciate. Perhaps their most important quality is the ability to appreciate the feelings and ideas of other people, while maintaining the integrity of their own.
It is essential to convey to others the qualities that will make you credible in their eyes. To do that, consider the following tips that have provided highly effective results for our clients.
When you learn to relax under pressure, breathe from the diaphragm, stay open as you look at and listen to people, and be genuine with verbal and non-verbal expression, you will find your whole life will change. You will not only be professional, you will convey credibility under any circumstances.
Anne Stevens, ©2014 The Presentation Pros
Read more of The Presentation Pros blog HERE.
It is essential to convey to others the qualities that will make you credible in their eyes. To do that, consider the following tips that have provided highly effective results for our clients.
- Listen with genuine interest to the people around you. Look at them. Keeping an open posture, relaxed manner and direct gaze will communicate your honesty and integrity. Keeping an open posture will indicate to people you have nothing to hide, that you are comfortable with them and confident in yourself.
- Breathe deeply and learn to speak with diaphragmatic support. Proper breathing builds vocal projection, clarity, and so much more. You will not only project a stronger voice, you will project a more powerful persona. When breathing properly, you will connect with the inner source of your personal power, the results of which are magnetism and credibility.
- Believe in yourself and the value you bring to others. Be yourself, be natural, and bring that genuine quality into your presentations and your interpersonal communications. You will find people will connect with you on a much deeper level.
- Express yourself and your enthusiasm. Becoming more physically expressive will engage others and create a stronger connection with them. Even if you are not talking, you’re communicating credibility with non-verbal expression. When you lighten up, your professionalism is enhanced, not diminished.
When you learn to relax under pressure, breathe from the diaphragm, stay open as you look at and listen to people, and be genuine with verbal and non-verbal expression, you will find your whole life will change. You will not only be professional, you will convey credibility under any circumstances.
Anne Stevens, ©2014 The Presentation Pros
Read more of The Presentation Pros blog HERE.
Anne Stevens is a Professional Development Coach at The Presentation Pros, a soft skills training company empowering people with the skill sets to deliver their message with power and persuasion. She is a speaker, trainer, and designer. To book a training or keynote go to HERE.
