Vanessa Van Edwards challenges you to record a 60-second explanation of something you know well in a single take and post it. The point is to feel nervous anyway and speak with authority, because confidence isn't the absence of discomfort, it's managing it.
I want to do a YAP challenge. A YAP challenge is where you speak with authority on something you know for 60 seconds. This YAP challenge is such a great way to get uncomfortably comfortable or comfortable with discomfort. When we share our opinion, when we speak up in a meeting, when we set a boundary, it takes some practice to deliver that with competence, with confidence, and with warmth. So here's my challenge to you. I've been thinking a lot about the YAP challenge, speaking with authority, for my new book, Conversation. And so In this challenge, here's what I want you to do. I want you to prepare a topic that you know something about. It could be a piece of advice, maybe pretend you're giving me a piece of advice, or a topic that you really feel strongly about. Prepare for about 60 seconds of explaining this idea. Press record on your camera, record it, one take, and then post it and tag me. The whole point of this is to be a little uncomfortable. What happens when we practice by ourselves without a camera is we think about our idea, we deliver it in front of the mirror, we usually deliver it kind of like low volume, you know, we're practicing internally, and then we get in the room and all of a sudden we have to speak with volume, we have to speak with a camera on, or even look someone in the eye. The camera is the point. The camera is supposed to make you just a little bit nervous so you can feel the nerves in your body and do it anyway. Remember, confidence is not the absence of awkwardness. It's not the absence of discomfort. It's feeling uncomfortable, knowing how to manage it, and then doing it anyway and still speaking with your best self. So I cannot wait to hear your Speak with Authority topic, your influence topic. Be sure to tag me, and if you want help on speaking with confidence, speaking with smarts, be sure to check out my new book, Conversation. It's available wherever books are sold. I can't wait to hear ya.
