How do you establish credibility and influence?

1 Know your audience

The first step to establish credibility and influence is to know your audience. Who are they, what are their needs, goals, challenges, and preferences? How do they communicate, what language do they use, what tone do they expect? By researching and understanding your audience, you can tailor your message, style, and delivery to suit their context and expectations. You can also anticipate their questions, objections, and concerns, and prepare your responses accordingly. Knowing your audience shows that you care about them, respect them, and value their perspective.

2 Show your expertise

The second step to establish credibility and influence is to show your expertise. You need to demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to back up your claims, recommendations, and opinions. You can do this by providing relevant facts, examples, data, and sources that support your arguments and show your credibility. You can also highlight your credentials, qualifications, achievements, and testimonials that showcase your authority and reputation. Showing your expertise builds your confidence, competence, and trustworthiness.

3 Be honest and transparent

The third step to establish credibility and influence is to be honest and transparent. You need to be clear, accurate, and consistent in your communication, and avoid exaggeration, distortion, or deception. You need to admit your mistakes, limitations, and biases, and correct any errors or misunderstandings. You need to disclose any conflicts of interest, agendas, or motives that may affect your communication. You need to respect the confidentiality, privacy, and sensitivity of your audience and their information. Being honest and transparent shows your integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

4 Communicate with clarity and confidence

The fourth step to establish credibility and influence is to communicate with clarity and confidence. You need to use simple, precise, and concise language that conveys your message effectively and avoids confusion or ambiguity. You need to use appropriate verbal and non-verbal cues that express your emotions, attitudes, and intentions. You need to use positive, assertive, and respectful communication that invites feedback, collaboration, and dialogue. You need to use persuasive techniques such as storytelling, framing, and call to action that motivate and inspire your audience. Communicating with clarity and confidence shows your leadership, charisma, and influence.

5 Listen and empathize

The fifth step to establish credibility and influence is to listen and empathize. You need to pay attention, ask questions, and show interest in your audience and their communication. You need to acknowledge, validate, and understand their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. You need to show compassion, sympathy, and support for their needs, goals, and challenges. You need to avoid interrupting, judging, or criticizing their communication. You need to seek common ground, mutual benefit, and win-win solutions. Listening and empathizing shows your humility, empathy, and rapport.

6 Follow up and follow through

The sixth and final step to establish credibility and influence is to follow up and follow through. You need to confirm, summarize, and clarify your communication and its outcomes. You need to provide any additional information, resources, or assistance that your audience may need or request. You need to keep your promises, commitments, and expectations, and deliver on your results and actions. You need to thank, appreciate, and recognize your audience and their communication. You need to solicit, accept, and act on feedback, suggestions, and improvements. Following up and following through shows your reliability, responsiveness, and excellence.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?