Authenticity: Putting You Into Your Story

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Authenticity is all about being true to yourself. Authenticity starts with a clear understanding of who you are. Whether an extrovert or introvert, you must inspire trust if you want others to believe in your ideas.

How do you communicate with authenticity? You must touch on the following:

    • What you do best, and what you enjoy the most – Not good, not better, but BEST is where you want to go for your most authentic conversation (or elevator pitch, for that matter). Choose what matters most, if you want to make it matter to others!
    • What’s best for your listeners – challenging the status quo means moving towards a better future – why not choose the one that goes beyond better…all the way to BEST? Your listener is interested in a world where people operate at their best, the best ideas and suggestions are shared, and the best products are compared to the competition. If your pitch covers a product, organization or service, focus on what’s best for the customer. Your listener wants to know how you can make a difference; commit to deliver that message! Distinguish yourself by demonstrating a commitment to excellence.
    • Conviction – Do you believe that you are the best fit for the position, and that your products are the best fit for the customer? Believe me, you need something to believe in. You know how I know? Because it’s human nature. We are all looking for something to believe in. Find the statements that convey your belief, and put that passion into your conversation.

    Balanced Stack

    • Reputation and Referrals – it’s one thing to hear what you have to say about you, but what about what others say? Sharing perspectives of those that know you best will help to strengthen your story’s authenticity. Similarly, referring to satisfied customers, or to those you have helped, can build a rock-solid and authentic elevator pitch.


    There’s never a good time to give a bad presentation. Improve your authenticity, and create the results you need.

    Webinar with Chris Westfall

    Find out how to communicate with authenticity, in this free 30-minute webinar with Chris Westfall. 10am CST December 14, 2011

    Register by Clicking Here
    On December 14, take 30 minutes to eliminate the “Um’s” the “Uh’s” and the “Likes” from your next presentation, conversation or elevator pitch.


    Chris Westfall is the national elevator pitch champion, and regularly consults with organizations like Hewlett Packard, Southern Methodist University, and Every Orphan’s Hope. Find out how to eliminate the conversation stoppers (“um”, “like”, “uh” and others) and create a powerful and persuasive style. Develop your authenticity and improve your communication style. In this webinar you will learn:

    • The reason behind “Um” and “Uh” in your presentation or pitch
    • Exercises to eliminate the words and phrases you don’t, uh , need
    • Practical advice to accelerate your communication skills

    Let’s connect, and let me know how I can help bring more authenticity to your next presentation.

    Photo courtesy of an untrained eye, used under creative commons license. Some rights reserved. Balanced Stack image courtesy of eschipul. Used under creative commons, some rights reserved.
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BruceSallan 227 pts

I believe that authenticity as you're describing it is essential to all forms of communication - business and personal. Yes, you don't need to reveal details of your sex life in business blogs, but revealing your weaknesses in a constructive way only makes people trust you more. The businesses that have handled problems transparently end up winning more loyalty than those that try and cover 'em up. In personal blogging, revealing yourself just makes you easier to like.

westfallonline 114 pts moderator

BruceSallan Great comment, Bruce! Authenticity is about transparency, letting people know who you are and what you can do in a way that's real. Love it!