With a tilt down of her head, an eyebrow lifted and a glare out of her right eye, my grandmother admonished me with, “Don’t mumble.” Back then, I mumbled to annoy her. I didn’t understand the ramifications. Now, I do.
Mumble and…
- No one can understand what you are saying.
- The sounds that are heard are annoying.
- If someone wants to hear you, they have to work hard to do so and…
- Eventually, no one will listen to you.
Toby mumbled.
Yes, when I first started working with Toby, he not only mumbled, he rocked back and forth from his heels to his toes and tucked his hands into his pants pockets.
What image does that bring to mind?
Go ahead – try on Toby!
Stand
Rock
Mumble
…..and be sure your hands are tucked into your pockets.
This is a playful and youthful stance and one that conveys uncertainty and insecurity in an adult body. What might you decide about Toby if you were meeting him for the first time to discuss an architectural plan or a legal argument?
I suspect you might seek an alternative professional because Toby didn’t project an image of confidence or credibility – hence, he lost your trust and your business.
I’m proud to report, after 5 more sessions with Toby, his posture is:
- Proud
- His hands no longer need the security of being tucked in.
- He articulates his words because he learned to properly breathe and speak slower.
When he presented to the group, he obviously felt the difference. The participants watching saw the difference.
Thumbs up Toby!