How do I get better at group call communication? I’m a 4th year and I want to sound more confident on calls and in negotiations. I am prepared going in but I always feel like I don’t sound confident.

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This is going to sound annoying, but if you constantly think you are confident and you prepare before the call you will sound confident on the call. Others probably think you sound confident and it's just in your head.

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Before the call, think of one or two points you will raise. Also make sure you’re not speaking in a question tone when making statements and make an effort to lower your voice, not to the Elizabeth Holmes extreme but slightly.

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It is a personality style, I think. I’m more of an extroverted person, so public speaking and talking is rather easy for me. (I sound confident even when I know I’m wrong or full of BS.) But I know lawyers who are very effective even if soft spoken. They listen and chime in with relevant points at the right time. Sometimes these individuals are the most important people in the room, actually. I obviously don’t know you, but if you’re prepared and know what you want or need to say, it is a matter of timing.

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The partner I work with most closely seems to follow the chime in with good timing method. But I wouldn’t say he’s soft spoken. I’m definitely introverted by nature so group speak is something I need to work hard at. Sometime I think it maybe just takes practice

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I’m working on the same thing. I’m trying to speak slower. Enunciate more. And allow silences in between. And have the backup of “let me check with client or internally and get back to you on it” just for reducing anxiety.

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Thank you! I’m jealous of people who have this natural confidence in their speech

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The keys to sounding confident are:
1. Speak slowly
2. Drop your voice half an octave
3. Embrace periodic silence

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Read “never split the difference” by Chris Voss and then practice. You will be uncomfortable, that’s how you learn.

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Slowing down my talk rate and embracing moments of silence have been key for me.

Also acknowledging that I won’t always immediately have an answer. Quite frankly, that’s not what I’m paid for. I’m paid to be able to find the answer/a workable solution to whatever issue I’m presented.

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I am a 4th year too. I agree with what has been said above, but would also add that based on what I’ve seen, understanding the economics/big picture of what’s discussed helps very much on calls. When you don’t have a specific response, you can go back to them. It also helps to reframe the discussion when it’s taking an unproductive tangent, which will help asserting your credibility. I also think small talk before the call starts helps gain credibility and lower anxiety— it reminds you that people you speak to are just like you. Ideally, you make people talk about what they like (sports, family, business, etc.).

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Prepare for the call
Have a pre call routine (I like to listen to a certain song before a big calls/speech etc.)
Learn to be OK with silence - don’t feel obligated to fill the void.

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Yes, this is important -- the mute button is your friend!

It helps me to have an agenda prepared for the call. At the end, summarize the action items for each person to take away from the call. Starting and ending on a strong, organized note will help with confidence and make it look like you are leading.

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If there’s a checklist, review it and flag it prior to the meeting. Own what your tasks are and being willing to provide updates. Also keeping water nearby allows for a brief moment to gather your thoughts.

Stand up.

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