Episode 23: From Brilliant Minds to Influential Voices with Dr. Laura Sicola

In this episode of the Stand Out podcast, host Stuart Paap is joined by cognitive linguist and executive coach, Dr. Laura Sicola. Together, they explore the concept of the "Prismatic Voice" and its impact on executive presence and effective leadership. Dr. Sicola breaks down the science of communication, the neuro-linguistic programming behind it, and how small shifts in our delivery can significantly enhance our ability to connect and influence others.

What You’ll Learn:

The Power of Cognition: Understand the gap between what you think you say and what others hear, and how to close that gap.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): Discover how your brain processes sensory information and how to use this knowledge to improve your communication.

Mastering the 3 C's: Learn the essentials of executive presence: Commandeering the room, Connecting with the audience, and Closing the deal.

The Prismatic Voice: Explore the concept of having multiple "voices" or personas that you can adapt based on the context and audience.

Breaking the Expert's Curse: Tips for technically brilliant individuals to communicate their ideas effectively to a broader audience.

Timestamps
[0:00] Introduction and the importance of measurable results in coaching.
[2:30] Dr. Sicola's personal story: How her grandmother's "secret code" sparked her fascination with communication.
[5:06] The science behind the communication gap: Neuro, Linguistic, and Programming explained.
[6:48] Closing the gap: Making the unconscious conscious through video feedback.
[10:59] Executive presence and navigating career capital in corporate settings.
[12:22] Adapting your feedback style: The "baseball bat to the head" vs. the "even better" approach.
[17:12] Using checklists and clear rubrics for objective evaluation and feedback.
[21:14] Mastering the 3 "C's"
[24:15] The neurochemistry of communication: Shifting from resistance (cortisol/adrenaline) to receptivity (dopamine/oxytocin).
[31:20] Daniel Coyle's book, The Culture Code
[42:47] The Word "Charisma" and why it scares people.
[48:18] The Prismatic Voice
[57:43] How to make something think that you are smart
[1:01.45] Closing Remarks

Notable Quotes:

"My job is looking at why [communication gaps happen] and how do we fix that so that we close that gap and actually get the responses that we're looking for."

"Executive presence is the ability to command the room, connect with the audience, and close the deal."

"The best way to make someone else think that you're smart is to make them feel smart by explaining things in a way that is so crystal clear."

Resources Mentioned:
- The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
- The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
- The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane
- Mr. Rogers' 1968 Senate Hearing (for a masterclass in rhetorical communication)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7ljRr0AA

Connect with Dr. Laura Sicola:

Website: LauraSicola.com
Special Offer: Download two free chapters of Dr. Sicola's book via the link in the show notes.
https://speakingtoinfluence.com/2free-chapters/