Improve these 4 Forms of Communication for a Boost in Success and Happiness

Have you ever watched a woman with background and talents similar to your own find greater success? If so, you’ve probably wondered what made the difference. What caused her to meet her goals while you struggle in frustration, perhaps even feeling that the odds are stacked against you?

Successful women do at least two things differently from the average woman. First, they think differently in the face of both challenges and opportunities. Their thought patterns allow them to bounce back and show up in powerful ways in their lives. Second, they speak differently—both in everyday exchanges with the people they care about and in crucial conversations in the workplace. The confidence with which they communicate—their presence, credibility, and voice—can be far more influential than their talents or efforts.

It may not seem obvious at first, but the nuances of successful women’s thoughts and speech lead to different ways of presenting themselves and their ideas to the world. As a result, they build trust, communicate confidently, and have a great deal of influence in their social and professional circles even when they are not in an official position of leadership. The goal of my work is to share many of the habits these women possess and guide you to incorporate these habits into your own life.

We speak through more than just what we say. There are four primary forms of personal communication that can empower a boost in success and happiness:

1. Voice — How your voice sounds impacts others’ reactions to you—whether they follow you, believe you, interrupt you, or allow themselves to be influenced by you. It isn’t always about what you say, but how you say it and how it is received.

2. Words — The words you speak and don’t speak matter. Being intentional about your word choice and conquering your fears to speak up when needed and remain silent when it is wise can mean the difference between success and failure.

3. Body — Your body speaks even before you do. Understanding how your body projects confidence or lack thereof, warmth or coldness, anxiety or calm, is critical to your success and happiness.

4. Actions — What you do or don’t do speaks volumes about who you are. If your actions don’t line up with your words, you’ll undermine your own communication and send mixed messages that sabotage your best efforts.

King Solomon makes a bold statement in the book of Proverbs, saying simply, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV). We can speak life into situations purely by what we say and how we say it. Successful women know this and are intentional about how they show up and speak up—in relationships, at work, and in their everyday lives. It isn’t always the big, bold statements. It is often the nuances of their approach that shift opportunities their way.