Saying the Right Thing Doesn’t Matter If You Deliver It Wrong – with Communication Expert Michael Hoeppner
Mar 27, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, communication expert Michael Hoeppner shares insights honed from coaching high-profile figures like Andrew Yang. He emphasizes that how you convey a message can be more crucial than the content itself, especially in high-stakes situations. Michael introduces practical exercises to enhance physical presence and reduce self-consciousness in negotiations. Listeners discover transformative strategies, including the significance of authenticity and mindful communication, that can elevate their negotiation skills to new heights.
Effective communication in high-stakes situations relies more on delivery than content, emphasizing the need for physical presence and audience connection.
Practical exercises, such as silent storytelling and physical activities, can significantly enhance one's communication skills and confidence under pressure.
Deep dives
The Importance of Effective Communication in High-Stakes Situations
Effective communication is crucial in high-pressure scenarios, such as interviews or presentations, where individuals may struggle to perform at their best. Many people can communicate well in comfortable settings but falter when the stakes are high due to self-focused thoughts that lead to nervousness and self-consciousness. This self-focus often results in negative behaviors like speaking too quickly or avoiding eye contact, undermining the message they wish to convey. Therefore, developing skills to communicate effectively in these challenging situations is essential for success.
Shift from Self-Focus to Other Focus
To improve communication, individuals must transition their focus from themselves to their audience. This shift helps address issues related to self-consciousness that hinder effective delivery. For instance, a woman who clasped her hands nervously learned to open her hands during speaking, allowing her focus to shift toward engaging her audience. Such practices enable speakers to connect more meaningfully with their listeners, resulting in more impactful communication.
The Significance of Delivery Over Content
Research shows that delivery often plays a more critical role than content in shaping how speakers are perceived. People tend to form favorable impressions based on how something is said rather than solely on the message itself. Furthermore, when individuals improve their delivery skills, they often unlock better content, as a relaxed state allows for clearer thinking and articulation. Thus, honing communication delivery enhances the overall effectiveness of conveying ideas during negotiations or public speaking.
Practical Exercises for Enhancing Communication Skills
Several practical exercises can help individuals develop their communication skills, allowing them to navigate high-stakes situations more effectively. These may include using physical activities like placing Lego blocks to organize thoughts and practice silence after each idea. Silent storytelling, which requires expressive gestures without verbalizing, encourages speakers to slow down, enhancing their delivery. Such kinesthetic approaches train the body for communication, resulting in more confident and articulate speakers.
In this episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian welcomes expert communicators Michael Hoeppner and Simon Perez to discuss the intricacies of effective communication, especially under pressure. Michael shares his unique insights into enhancing delivery rather than just focusing on content, emphasizing the importance of being present and other-focused in high-stakes situations. They delve into practical exercises that can transform your approach to negotiation, with a focus on embodied cognition and physical presence. This enlightening conversation offers valuable strategies for unlocking authentic communication skills that resonate in any negotiation setting.
What will be covered:
The significance of focusing on delivery over content in high-stakes communication.
Practical exercises to improve physical presence and reduce self-consciousness.
Insights from Michael Hoeppner on helping public figures like Andrew Yang communicate effectively.