How to Speak with Confidence (Even Under Pressure) With Jenny Wood

Summary

Jenny Wood identifies verbal communication as a key skill for workplace success. She shares a method called “Tame the Octopus” to help people give clearer, more confident answers under pressure:

1. Pause before answering. A short pause can make you seem thoughtful, composed, and prepared rather than unsure.
2. Jot down possible points. Identify the main ideas you could mention, then choose the three most relevant instead of trying to say everything.
3. Organize your answer into three points. Signal the structure with “first, second, third,” then briefly explain each point.
4. Summarize at the end. Restating the three main points helps your audience retain them.
5. Use gestures to mark the structure. Counting points on your fingers can help listeners follow along and remember the message. The presenters say gestures can improve comprehension.

The method can be used in meetings, interviews, one-on-ones, and client pitches.

The video ends with a promotion for Vanessa Van Edwards’s People School communication program.

Presenters and sources: Jenny Wood (guest), Vanessa Van Edwards (host), and People School (program referenced).