Have you ever left a meeting or conversation thinking, “I wish I’d said that differently”? It’s a common feeling, especially for people who find it challenging to express their thoughts on the spot. For those who prefer time to reflect, writing down what you want to say can be a game-changer. By organizing your ideas beforehand, you not only clarify your message but also build confidence in your ability to communicate effectively.
Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.
It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.
I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.
This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.
You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.
You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com
Visit the site and read through the program description.
If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance
Putting thoughts into words gives you a sense of control over what you want to convey. Writing allows you to explore and refine your ideas without the pressure of real-time reactions. For people who tend to freeze in the moment or struggle with nervousness, this approach transforms speaking into a manageable task rather than an overwhelming hurdle. A clear, written plan serves as a roadmap, guiding you toward a focused and impactful delivery.
One of the most significant advantages of writing down your thoughts is the opportunity to practice. Think of it as rehearsing for an important performance. Reading your words aloud helps you identify areas where your tone or phrasing might need adjustment. It also prepares you to handle interruptions or questions, as you’re already familiar with your key points. When it’s time to speak, the words feel natural because you’ve already practised them.
Writing can also help combat the fear of blanking out during a critical moment. Having a written outline or even a few key phrases on hand provides a safety net. Instead of worrying about forgetting your message, you can focus on delivering it with clarity and confidence. This sense of preparedness can be particularly helpful in high-stakes situations, such as job interviews, presentations or negotiations.
Actionable Step: Write and Review Your Key Points
Choose an upcoming situation where you know you’ll need to speak up. It could be a team meeting, a conversation with a mentor or even a casual discussion with friends. Take a few minutes to jot down the main ideas you want to express. Be concise but specific. If you’re preparing for a work meeting, structure your points around the topic being discussed. If it’s a personal conversation, focus on the emotions or outcomes you want to communicate.
Once you’ve written your thoughts, practice saying them out loud. Pay attention to your tone, pacing and emphasis. Adjust your phrasing if anything feels awkward or unclear. If possible, record yourself and listen to the playback. This process helps you refine your delivery and ensures that your message comes across as intended.
In addition to practising, bring your notes with you if the situation allows. While you don’t want to rely on them entirely, having a written reference can be reassuring. If you lose your train of thought, a quick glance at your notes can help you get back on track without missing a beat.
Writing down your thoughts also forces you to think critically about your message. Are your points relevant to the audience? Are they concise and easy to understand? By answering these questions during the writing process, you save time and prevent misunderstandings later. A well-prepared speaker is more likely to capture attention and inspire confidence.
Some people worry that relying on written preparation might make them sound rehearsed or inauthentic. However, the opposite is usually true. Preparation frees you to focus on connection rather than scrambling for the right words. It shows that you respect the time and attention of those you’re speaking to, which enhances your credibility and impact.
Over time, the habit of writing down your thoughts can improve your overall communication skills. The process trains you to think clearly and articulate your ideas with precision. Even in situations where you don’t have time to write, you’ll find that your practice has sharpened your ability to organize and express your thoughts quickly.
Every conversation or presentation is an opportunity to build trust and understanding. By taking the time to prepare through writing, you increase the likelihood that your voice will be heard and your message remembered. Whether you’re advocating for an idea, resolving a conflict or simply sharing your perspective, preparation turns potential hesitation into confident expression.
To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.
Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.
Nothing happens until action is taken.
To your success.
Michael
P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance
P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching
P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.
If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)
Photo by Terren Hurst on Unsplash
