Welcome to this unit designed to help you develop persuasive public speaking skills by building credibility and trust. You will learn how to establish your authority, connect with your audience, and maintain consistency in your messages. These skills are vital for influencing and engaging your audience, simplifying complex information, and connecting emotionally with your listeners. Let's dive in!

As an engineering manager, establishing your authority is essential. Demonstrate your expertise by sharing relevant facts and insights. For example, you might say, "In the past quarter, our team reduced downtime by 25% through the new monitoring system we implemented."

Use your credentials and experience to build trust without sounding boastful. Simply state, "As someone who has led three major product launches, I can assure you..." or "With over a decade of experience in project management, I have overseen numerous successful initiatives."

Showcase achievements that highlight your expertise: "Our new algorithm reduced processing time by 40%, which significantly improved our system's overall performance." or "The recent software upgrade increased user satisfaction by 15%, reflecting our commitment to quality improvement."

Remember to balance confidence with humility, as saying, "Our team's success comes from a collaborative effort," is more effective than, "I'm the best at managing projects."

Establishing a connection with your audience builds rapport and opens the door for influence. Mention common challenges or goals: "We've all faced tight deadlines, and I understand how stressful it can be." Another example is, "Many of us have experienced the frustration of unexpected technical issues during crucial moments."

Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and viewpoints: "I know many of you are concerned about the new system changes, and I want to address these concerns."

Additionally, use inclusive language such as "we," "our team," and "together," to make everyone feel involved. For instance, "We can achieve our project goals by working collaboratively," and "Our team's effort will drive us toward shared success."

Avoid statements like, "those of you who don't understand technology," which can alienate some listeners. Instead, use inclusive alternatives: "For those who are newer to this technology, I'll ensure we cover the basics."

Consistency in your message reinforces trust. Align your words with your actions by following through on your promises. For example, if you say, "We'll address this issue immediately," make sure you act on it.

Stay truthful and transparent, admitting mistakes and providing clear explanations: "We faced unexpected challenges, but here’s how we’re resolving them." Similarly, "There was an oversight in the initial plan, and I take full responsibility. Here are the steps we're taking to correct it."

Lastly, avoid contradictions in your message to prevent confusion and distrust. Saying one week that "the project is a priority" and the next that "we're shifting focus away from it" can undermine your credibility. Instead, maintain clarity: "Although we currently prioritize this project, we may need to re-evaluate our focus based on upcoming developments."

By mastering these elements of building credibility and trust, you'll set a solid foundation for persuasive and influential public speaking. Up next, you'll engage in role-play sessions designed to practice these essential skills.