In this episode of the Leadership Habit Podcast, host Jenn DeWall sat down with Tricia Brouk to explore how to communicate for impact. Tricia Brouk, a seasoned director, producer, and mentor, helps high-performing professionals become industry thought leaders through authentic storytelling. 

Tricia founded the Big Talk Academy to certify public speakers. She was also the executive producer of Speakers Who Dare and TEDxLincolnSquare and hosts The Big Talk Podcast and YouTube channel. Her book, The Influential Voice, was a number-one new release on Amazon, and Tricia also founded The Big Talk Press, her new publishing house. If you have an idea, want to connect with your audience, influence others, or be a better speaker, this episode is for you!

The Importance of Believing in Your Message

Jenn DeWall kicked off the episode by emphasizing the broad application of impactful communication. Whether at the grocery store, the dinner table, or in front of stakeholders at work, believing in your message is the starting point. “How you communicate is going to determine whether it lands or it doesn’t,” Jenn highlighted.

Tricia Brouk’s Journey

Tricia shared her inspiring journey from a small town in Missouri to becoming a professional dancer in New York City and eventually transitioning into directing, writing, and producing. Her background in performing arts influenced her unique approach to communication, which she now applies to help thought leaders communicate their messages effectively.

What It Means to Be an Influential Voice

When asked what it means to be an influential voice, Tricia explained, “You have an opportunity to be an influential voice from across the table with your family, at the boardroom table with your team, and on a stadium stage.” She shared a poignant story about Pamela, a checkout woman during the stressful times of March 2020 in New York City, who made her feel seen and loved with a simple act of kindness. This, Tricia said, is the essence of being an influential voice.

Strategies to Communicate for Impact

Tricia provided five simple strategies for effective communication:

1. 
   
2. Coexist with Fear: Recognize that fear indicates you care about your message. “Speaking, leading, and being in front of your colleagues is stress-inducing. If you learn how to coexist with that fear and make it about the audience, then you understand I can do this.”
   
3. Context Matters: Always ask yourself three questions: Why is this big idea important? Why is it important to me personally? Why is it important to the world? These questions help frame your message in a way that connects deeply with your audience.
   
4. Credibility, Relatability, and Vulnerability: “Credibility is really what you can bring to the table because of the life you have lived,” Tricia stated. Relating to your audience and showing vulnerability—while ensuring you’re not sharing from a wound but a scar—are crucial for connection.
   
5. Performance and Choreography: Being mindful of your body language and movements can significantly enhance your message’s impact. “If you’re comfortable in your body and you understand the impact of movement or stillness, you can really have an impact.”
   
6. Motivation vs. Manipulation: Understand your objective and action in communication. “Know what you want from your audience… and how you’re going to get it without manipulating them.”
   

The Power of Storytelling

Stories are powerful tools for connection and emotion. Tricia illustrated this with an example of a leader turning a stressful morning commute into a positive reflection on team appreciation. “If you are leaning over the table and you are aggressively leaning over the table, they will feel that energy from you,” Tricia explained, highlighting the importance of intentionality in physical presence.

Final Thoughts

Tricia concluded with an empowering message: “Give yourself permission to trust that you have an influential voice. What you have to say matters.” Tricia offers a powerful visualization tool for those seeking to enhance their communication skills to help them see themselves as influential voices.

Where to Find More From Tricia Brouk

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• Visit Tricia Brouk’s website at triciabrouk.com 
  
• You can also download her free powerful visualization tool at triciabrouk.com/power.
  
• Buy her book: The Influential Voice: Saying What You Mean for Lasting Legacy
  

Enhance Your Leadership Skills

If you’re looking to improve your leadership skills, Crestcom offers a complimentary Leadership Skills Workshop. Gain actionable tactics to improve decision-making, build trust, and increase accountability. Visit crestcom.com/freeworkshop to secure your spot and start building genuine connections within your team today.

Please share this podcast episode with anyone who could benefit from learning how to communicate for impact, and don’t forget to leave us a review on your favorite podcast streaming service!

 

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