[Mae]

I am bad at explaining things. Really bad. I blame this on my introvertness and my problem of just overthinking too much.

I’ve learned to skate by my teaching impediment over the years. I’m better at writing so I use e-mails when I can and I have been trying to be more mindful of when my brain starts to rev up. I recently joined Toastmasters (which I love!) so I am making the effort to improve on my verbal communication skills.

I guess my question is: What do I do on the days when nothing seems to work? I had a ‘one step forward, two steps back’ day today and I am frustrated right now. I will be soon going into a role at work that requires more talking to people who have English as a second language and/or non-accounting people and I have doubts on communicating more than doing the job itself.

AUD - PASSED MAR '15
REG - STUDYING SEP '16
FAR - PASSED MAY '16
BEC - PENDING JUL '16

[Jdn9201]

I assume you will be in a finance/accounting role? One good thing about working with more non-accounting people is the discussions may not be as technical as they would be if they were all in your same field. I felt similar to you when I first started out my career too. It's easier said than done, but I'd first try not to be nervous about it, nor beat yourself up when you think you messed up, because that will not help you get better. It's also good that you joined Toastmasters – I love Toastmasters.
I first majored in education, and one thing I learned is when you're explaining something new to someone, try to relate it to something they already know. This will help you to gauge what they understand and what they don't. Stop and ask questions to make sure what you are saying makes sense or is what they are looking for, and let their answers guide you. When you make it more of a conversation instead of you doing all the talking, that helps. Also, make sure you prepare in advance for meetings. Try to look at what you are doing through the eyes of someone who is picking it up brand new. This will help you to anticipate what questions they may ask.

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[Author]

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