What to do if you can't cope with a situation?
In my seminars and coaching sessions, there is often a discussion about how to interpret being real and authentic in public life. Most of the time, we are confident in our topics and messages, which we know well. But what happens when we are suddenly exposed to a situation that inhibits us, makes us insecure or even speechless? Is it then right to show these emotions clearly or is it better to cover them up as much as possible?
It comes naturally always depends on the specific context. In the last few days, for example, there have been some negative comments in the press after the "election trip" of the Austrian presidential candidate Dr. Irmgard Griss. She clearly did not feel well, had been silent for too long in between, it was said. It was also chalked up that Dr. Griss had clearly told the presenter and driver of the car, Hanno Settele, that she would not feel quite comfortable in the format. It is certainly also a strange feeling to sit in a Mercedes classic car, to have a red-white-red belt strapped on and to answer questions of the rather lighter genre.
I can understand very well that the former – very fact-oriented – judge of the Supreme Court did not quite come to terms with this. So what is to be done in such a situation, put a good face on the bad game and "muddle through" as optimally as possible or say clearly: "This is not for me?"
I advise my coachees and participants, in such moments Rhetorical or other instruments that emphasize their strengths. In the case of Dr. Griess, her extremely high cognitive abilities come to mind. So it would have been an approach to answer unpleasant questions quickly and as casually as possible, but then redirect them to another topic in which you are confident. This requires a little practice at the beginning, but it works excellently and, above all, replaces the silence that was so unpleasant.
This is also true for managers, who sometimes have to prove themselves on a terrain that does not correspond to their direct expertise. Then it is always a good idea to cleverly specify a new topic in which you can Persuasiveness . In any case, silence caused by insecurity does not radiate personal strength. And who wants someone as a presidential candidate or manager who seems insecure?
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Arno Fischbacher
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The author:
Arno Fischbacher is a business voice coach and rhetoric expert, speaker and author. He prepares executives and employees of the top companies in Germany and Austria for negotiations, presentations and media appearances. Fischbacher is the author of several books, past president of the German Speakers Association (GSA) Austria, chairman of the European Network of Voice Experts, stimme.at.
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