Can everyone sing?

Who told Ronnie Drew, Shane McGowan, Tom Waits or Lisa O’Neill they could sing? 

They are not singers in the classical sense, but they can hold a tune and, more importantly, tell a story that engages an audience. 

Good communicators have all types of voices, accents and varying levels of education, yet you want to hear from them and engage with them.

“Use the talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best” Henry Van Dyke

Think about your favourite singers; they are probably not your partner’s favourites.

I know that over the dinner table in our house, we have frequent discussions about the music playing in the background of our conversations.

I persist with my choices, and thankfully, if people do not like the singer or the song, it will not be long before another track rolls in, thanks to streaming services.

In the same way, I have potential clients who do not want to hear the message I want to deliver to their audience. So, I must choose my audience, knowing that my message and style will not resonate with everyone.

Thankfully, enough people like my coaching and training style, which is about building confidence by pointing out what they do well when speaking to an audience. 

When I do this, people will try a little harder and be prepared to take risks and grow in the process. 

P.S. Everyone can be a good communicator in the same way that everyone can sing or hold a tune, given support and encouragement.

By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie