“Out with the Old, In with the New”: Habits To Keep In Mind For the New Year
As we turn the corner and head into the new year, it’s almost an annual rite of passage to set resolutions. But instead of adding on to our “to do” lists, can you consider what you could abandon in a week or a month. What habits are not serving you well? What positive practices can you replace them with that will serve you well? Instead of overnight reform, what can you modify about your current practices that will make you a happier, more authentic being? Based on my work with clients, here are some of the old habits that I recommend evaluating and what positive changes you can make instead:
Old habit: Memorizing your presentations. In my philosophy, a presentation, or any remarks for that matter, do not need to be memorized verbatim. Do you need to know them well? Absolutely! Memorizing content doesn’t make you sound authentic and can sometimes result in a hyperfixation on details and the delivery is lost or your mind goes blank searching for an exact word or phrase.You may even freeze and then all the nerves kick in.
New habit: Learn your content well by using my “Brunner Methodology for Practicing.” Here’s how you can try it for yourself: Divide your remarks into reasonable length sections, (for example, maybe four sections). Practice section four first, out loud, record yourself, and only focus on that section, making adjustments, adding pauses for breath, a smile, etc.. Then do the same thing with #3, then #2, then #1. There are several reasons to practice this way; First, there's a muscle memory that is ignited between your brain and your mouth when you practice out loud. By practicing it backwards, and in sections, you know your content inside and out, and which sections need to be clarified to be more conversational. Also, your energy level stays high throughout your remarks because every time you get to a new section, your brain thinks you are back at the beginning because you practiced that section as its own entity. I promise you, this works.
Old habit: Being too serious, even with a serious topic. I work with a lot of people who have to deliver financial reports, earnings calls, or reports to a Board of Directors. While this is serious business, sometimes with grim or negative results, it doesn’t have to be boring and in fact, the more personable you can be, the more others will let their guard down, create connection and buy into whatever is being said.
New habit: Remember that everything is a story. Your presentations, meetings and financial reports all convey some kind of sequence of events that require undivided attention, so make sure you are using storytelling techniques. I love working with clients to help them learn how to craft their message so that they connect with their audience in a stronger way. For example, don’t just give the numbers, find a way to share what the story is behind those numbers, and why the audience should care about them. Delivering context with authenticity, warmth—and if it feels comfortable, injecting some humor—can make you memorable and your story more impactful.
Old habit: Not preparing! 80% of your success comes from preparation. Saying you’re too busy or don’t have time to prepare is an excuse, not a reason. If you are unprepared, think about how stressful it will be to look back and realize how much easier, and better, things could have gone, if you had taken the time to prepare. As I always like to say, “Preparation is more powerful than perfection.” If you don’t have a preparation strategy that works for you, it's simply because you haven’t found the right one.
New habit: Carve out time in your calendar—and not the day before—for whatever it is you need and want to do well. Create what I call “sacred time” on your calendar that no one can have access to but you, and use that time for whatever you need to work on; crafting the right message, fine tuning your presentations or reports and considerwhat questions you may be asked. Whatever it is, you will be more successful with planning and preparation and the experience will be more fulfilling.
What habits are you leaving behind in 2023? What updates will you be making in 2024? And remember, it’s never too late to start. Use these tips throughout the year to restart, audit your progress or revisit where you might need support.
Have you tried any of these tips? Need help in building these into your routine. I’m here to help.
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Brunner Communications assists high-profile individuals and organizations in sharpening and developing top level business communication, executive presence, and public speaking skills. Our passionate team provides one-on-one executive business coaching, and runs specialized business workshops. Through customized training, clients learn the necessary skills to become great communicators and build a marketable reputation.