Saturday, June 4, 2011

Credibility Statement

A credibility statement is an essential component of any successful communication. It is a statement that establishes the speaker's credibility or authority on a particular subject or topic. The credibility statement is crucial because it helps to build trust and respect with the audience and enables them to better engage with the speaker and the message being conveyed.

Dale Carnegie, an American writer, and lecturer on self-improvement, recognized the importance of credibility statements and included them in his famous course on public speaking. According to Carnegie, a credibility statement should be clear, concise, and relevant to the topic being discussed. It should also be delivered with confidence and conviction, as this will help to establish the speaker's authority and expertise.

A credibility statement can take many forms, depending on the context and the audience. For example, a speaker giving a business presentation may begin with a brief overview of their professional background and experience, while a medical expert speaking at a conference may provide details of their academic qualifications and research experience.

The purpose of a credibility statement is to give the audience confidence in the speaker's knowledge and expertise on a particular subject or topic. By establishing the speaker's credibility, the audience is more likely to trust and engage with the message being conveyed.
In addition to establishing credibility, a credibility statement can also help to create a connection with the audience. By sharing personal or relevant experiences, the speaker can demonstrate their understanding of the audience's needs and concerns, which can help to build rapport and increase engagement.

However, it is essential to note that a credibility statement alone is not enough to establish credibility. The speaker must also demonstrate their expertise and authority throughout the presentation or communication. This can be achieved through the use of data, statistics, and examples, as well as a clear and concise delivery.

In conclusion, a credibility statement is a vital component of any successful communication. It establishes the speaker's authority and expertise on a particular subject or topic, helps to build trust and respect with the audience, and creates a connection that can increase engagement. By following the guidelines set out by Dale Carnegie, speakers can effectively establish credibility and deliver powerful messages that resonate with their audience.

How to Build Credibility?

Credibility Statement
Set the tone for a professional, friendly discussion with a plan for your communication. This is true whether you are communicating through marketing material, by phone, fax, email, or in person. Say something that will enhance your image as a problem solver and business consultant. This should be brief, not more than one minute. Whenever possible, these should be tailored to each buyer, based on your pre-approach.

Elements of Credibility Statement

1. Mission

State your company's mission as briefly as possible, less than ten words is ideal. If your company does not have one, create your own. Some aspects of good mission statements or this might be:

- Brief and memorable

- Creative language

- Affirm what you do for your clients

- Capture imagination

Examples: "We bring good things to life" (General Electric) "We preserve memories" (photo processing) "We create wealth" (financial planning) "We build and retain business relationships" (training)

2. Results

This is the heart of the credibility statement. Cite specific results you have helped your clients achieve. The more specific you are, the more convincing you will be. To do this, you have to know your customers well, and how they are benefiting from doing business with you. Some guidelines for citing results:

- Be accurate. This is not the time to overstate capabilities.

- Be specific. Use dollars, percentages, cost savings, time saved.

- Be precise. 23.2% is more credible than 25%.

- Use your clients name if you have permission and they are respected.

3. Understate

Don't promise miraculous results. The buyer may be thinking their company is different, their situation unique, or that you are exaggerating. The best way to overcome their initial doubt is to understate.

Examples: " I can't promise you these results until I know more about your needs." "You may find your results would be higher, lower, or none at all" "You may be able to see a similar return on your investment."

4. Advance

Now you should have earned the attention of the buyer. They rarely hear salespeople say we can't promise them the world. The last step is to advance to the next level of the sale. We need to ask questions to see if we have a solution for them. This is a good time to start moving the buyer to "yes." Ask permission to advance the sale.

Examples: "To see whether we might have a solution for you, may I ask a few questions? "
"Can I get some details from you to see if we have a fit? " "Would you tell me some of your needs that I have not seen from your web site?"

Dale Carnegie's Best Selling Books:

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