How to communicate with authenticity

Showing up as your authentic self is often bandied around in business but what does it mean? Your authentic self is who you are when you have no fear of judgment from others. You remove the social mask that you might wear to please other people.

Being authentic is when our actions and words are aligned with our beliefs and values. We are not being what we think we should be, or what we have been told to be – we are being ourselves. I used to advocate ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ but the world has moved on somewhat, and I think there is immense power in showing up in your career or business as yourself.

Here are my top 10 tips for finding your authentic voice:

1. Connect with yourself and really get to know what you believe in and stand for. Know what you are passionate about, what makes you tick and talk about it.

2. Accept yourself for who you are and don’t try to be someone or something that you aren’t to fit in with anyone else. It can be tempting to try and sound smart in certain situations, or to go along with the views of a crowd even if you disagree. These eat away at your authenticity

3. Be vulnerable and real. The human experience is one of contrast – we all have ups and downs; we all face adversity and things that have shaped who we are. Don’t be afraid to talk about these to people, it might surprise you how other people share similar stories.

4. Value what you have to say – your voice matters as much as anyone else’s. Perhaps you grew up in a household where children were seen and not heard, or you were drowned out by overpowering siblings who stole the limelight, and this has made you less inclined to speak up in situations. Practise some self-love and recognise the value of your contribution.

5. Stop people pleasing. Perhaps you are a natural people pleaser and worry about sharing your views in-case they aren’t shared by others or may be judged in some way. Unless you are likely to cause a major offence, it is ok to have a different opinion and you shouldn’t be afraid to share it to keep others happy.

6. Be interested, not interesting. This is a great saying that reminds us the power of listening in our communication. If you are focusing on being interesting and having something ‘valuable’ to say, chances are that you aren’t focused on really listening to what is being said. Rather than listening to respond, listen to understand and you will find that people warm to you.

7. Fear less. If you are worried about being authentic in case you don’t get the job or people won’t like you then please stop. Don’t let your inner mean girl take over and prevent you from being you.

8. Stick to the facts. Don’t generalise or make sweeping statements such as ‘everyone thinks this’ because it can undermine your personal power.

9. Do what you say you will do. There is nothing worse than committing yourself to something you know you won’t, can’t, or don’t want to do. Be kind to yourself and only commit to, and say what you know you will do, because you want to.

10. Tell the truth – if you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to say so. We have all been there when you know someone isn’t telling the truth and there’s nothing more inauthentic so give it up.

If you've enjoyed this blog and would like to read more from me, grab a copy of my book Don't Dim to Fit In and come and join me over on one of my social channels! I look forward to meeting you there.

Love,

Kate x