Reflecting on Your Communication (3-Perspective Exercise)
When it helps
When you sense that your messages aren't landing the way you'd wish – whether in conversations or presentations – this exercise helps you gently bridge the gap between your intention and your actual impact. It's not about criticizing yourself, but lovingly making your unconscious habits in posture, voice, and language visible, so you can consciously shape them.
How to practice
- Create a recording: Record yourself for about five minutes with your smartphone while speaking freely about a topic that matters to you. Don't watch the video right away.
- Gain distance: Let the recording sit for at least a day. This helps quiet the inner critic and lets you look at the footage later with more objectivity and calm.
- The body level (silent film): Watch the video first without sound. Pay attention only to your gestures, facial expressions, and posture. What does your body radiate? Does it appear open, tense, lively? Simply notice it, without judging.
- The voice level (audio): Now listen to the recording without looking at the image. Pay attention to your pace, your pauses, and the sound. Where does your voice seem confident? Where might it become quieter?
- The content level (script): Read through your words (using a transcript if possible). Are there filler words or repetitions you use often? Are your thoughts clearly structured?
- Gentle focus: After this observation, choose only one or two small points you want to do differently next time – for example, setting a conscious pause or keeping your hands calmer.
- Your impulse for today: When is your next important conversation? Use the time beforehand for a short 'test recording.' You'll be surprised how much confidence you gain from experiencing yourself without judgment, even just once.
Note: We are usually our own harshest critics. Try to view yourself the way you'd look at a good friend: with goodwill and genuine interest in their growth.