Are you better than most people at your job technically but are held back by communication skills?

[Anonymous]

I am excellent at my job technically but haven't been promoted in a very long time. I know that I don't have confidence when I speak even when I am the most knowledgeable in the room on a particular topic. I know this but my C level bosses have pointed out that when I present that my speech is choppy and I have enough self awareness to know that this is an honest criticism. I don't know how to develop this self confidence maybe some sort of public speaking seminats would help. I get so frustrated when I know the topic better than others but because of my communication skills I am held back. For what it is worth, I am a female in a male dominated workplace.

[Anonymous]

exactly the inverse. i don't have any actual skills but I communicate effectively and convince people I do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am excellent at my job technically but haven't been promoted in a very long time. I know that I don't have confidence when I speak even when I am the most knowledgeable in the room on a particular topic. I know this but my C level bosses have pointed out that when I present that my speech is choppy and I have enough self awareness to know that this is an honest criticism. I don't know how to develop this self confidence maybe some sort of public speaking seminats would help. I get so frustrated when I know the topic better than others but because of my communication skills I am held back. For what it is worth, I am a female in a male dominated workplace.

Maybe you should join Toastmasters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:exactly the inverse. i don't have any actual skills but I communicate effectively and convince people I do.

Me too. Well, I have the skills but there are others out there who are much more technically proficient than I am. They THINK that I'm just as good though because I've managed to sell myself as such. Consequently, I have a great position now. I don't want to go any higher though because I'll get caught.

[Anonymous]

OP, I could have written your post. My communication skills have been an impeded my career growth. I don't speak with confidence on topics I know really well, either.

I suspect my issues are deeper than yours (i.e., low self-esteem, depression, and other issues dating back to early childhood), but if you're just a bit shy and/or experience general public speaking anxiety (which is fairly common), there are a ton of resources you can leverage to push through some of that. As one PP mentioned, Toastmasters is a good start.

[Anonymous]

There was an article I saw today that said the main reason people stagnate in their jobs is poor interpersonal skills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I could have written your post. My communication skills have been an impeded my career growth. I don't speak with confidence on topics I know really well, either.

I suspect my issues are deeper than yours (i.e., low self-esteem, depression, and other issues dating back to early childhood), but if you're just a bit shy and/or experience general public speaking anxiety (which is fairly common), there are a ton of resources you can leverage to push through some of that. As one PP mentioned, Toastmasters is a good start.

I have low self esteem too stemming from childhood but I am 40 years old and I've got to figure this out. It is driving me nuts. I went to a toastmaster's meeting recently but I don't think it was the right group fit for me. Maybe I should try another toastmaster's club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I could have written your post. My communication skills have been an impeded my career growth. I don't speak with confidence on topics I know really well, either.

I suspect my issues are deeper than yours (i.e., low self-esteem, depression, and other issues dating back to early childhood), but if you're just a bit shy and/or experience general public speaking anxiety (which is fairly common), there are a ton of resources you can leverage to push through some of that. As one PP mentioned, Toastmasters is a good start.

I have low self esteem too stemming from childhood but I am 40 years old and I've got to figure this out. It is driving me nuts. I went to a toastmaster's meeting recently but I don't think it was the right group fit for me. Maybe I should try another toastmaster's club.

I just want to say, if the group makes you feel uncomfortable, it's probably still going to serve you well, because it seems some of the biggest issues with confidence in speaking is nervousness and anxiety and best overcome with practice. And practice is going to be uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I could have written your post. My communication skills have been an impeded my career growth. I don't speak with confidence on topics I know really well, either.

I suspect my issues are deeper than yours (i.e., low self-esteem, depression, and other issues dating back to early childhood), but if you're just a bit shy and/or experience general public speaking anxiety (which is fairly common), there are a ton of resources you can leverage to push through some of that. As one PP mentioned, Toastmasters is a good start.

Same here.

[Anonymous]

My technical skills *are* communicating and relating interpersonally (I'm a therapist).

[Anonymous]

Take some public speaking classes. If you work for the Feds, they usually offer them