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Speaking Point: As the holiday season kicks into gear, people are packing up for the commute to visit family. In fact, you might already be thinking about what you’ll say! From saying why you’re thankful or setting a New Year’s resolution, to more casually updating your family and friends on a year’s worth of change, it’s worth taking a moment to find your Authentic Voice and giving it a stretch.

Speaking Point: By “Authentic Voice”, I mean our voice when we are self-aware, knowledgeable, and confident in ourselves and our motives. It’s when you’re at your best.

Speaking Point: It can be a challenge to find your Authentic Voice especially during the holidays. With everyone in one room, it can be a challenge to have a conversation with the person next to you over the crying of children, the television going, food being prepared, and that’s just to start. Take a moment before you arrive to get grounded and prepared for the typical questions. Set an intention of who you want to be at the event. It’s a good idea to reflect on the following points, and warm up your Authentic Voice.

Speaking Point: What has this year honestly been like for you? Allow yourself to remember the good, the bad, and the mundane. So when your family members ask that dreaded question, “How have you been?” you can respond genuinely instead of using a canned response or boring everyone with an unending tale.

Speaking Point: Know your audience. Avoid being that person during the holidays that everyone’s trying to escape from being caught in a conversation with. And if you’re dreading seeing Uncle Bob because he’s always inebriated and making inappropriate jokes, or Cousin Sally because she’s always dragging you into her pity party, give yourself some time to prepare for that! Allow Uncle Bob’s drunken comments to roll off you, and don’t take on Cousin Sally’s sad outlook as your own.

Speaking Point: Notice when your own Impostors are speaking, and not you! This is where your intention setting will come in handy. At the Soul Blazing Sanctuary, I teach about the Impostors and how they block us from speaking with our Authentic Voice out of fear of not being liked or accepted.

Speaking Point: Some tips for two of the common Impostors… Keep your Inner Counselor in check! Your Inner Counselor wants to help everyone out with their personal pitfalls by offering advice, but sometimes all they want is to let loose and not dwell on their issues during the holidays.

Speaking Point: It’s inevitable that your Wounded Inner Child resurfaces when discussing old wounds. If you hear that whine begin to tinge your voice, or you feel like stomping, rolling your eyes and throwing your hands up into the air – STOP! Take a deep breath and remind yourself of a time in the recent past where you were a responsible adult – like giving a donation or remembering to pick up your pet’s medication. Then continue to speak from your Authentic Voice.

Speaking Point: The good thing is that when you speak from your Authentic Soul, people will naturally be more interested in hearing what you have to say and like you more. So make your communication shine this holiday with a little TLC for your Authentic Voice!