Hey there, friends! 😊 Welcome back to the Business Story of the Week! 🎤 I’m your host, Joshua Lori, and today’s episode is a game-changer. We’re diving deep into a topic that’s both personal and transformative: internal dialogue. Why does the voice inside your head matter so much? 🤔

In this post, we explore how mastering your inner voice can impact not only your personal confidence but also the quality of your external life. Joining us is the brilliant Lenora Edwards, a Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer at Better Speech. With over 15 years of experience and certifications in neurolinguistic programming and holographic memory resolution, Lenora is an expert in workplace communication and, more importantly, how to transform your inner dialogue.

Why Is Internal Dialogue Important?

Let’s kick things off with the big question: Why is internal dialogue so important? Lenora explains that our internal thoughts shape our external realities. Think about it—ever caught yourself spiraling into negative thoughts before a big presentation? That internal chatter can either sabotage you or propel you forward. 🌟

Lenora’s key insight? It’s not enough to “fake it till you make it”; you have to believe it. You can’t just plaster on a smile and hope for the best if your internal voice is whispering, “You’re not good enough.” 😣 This shift starts from within, where changing your thoughts leads to changing your actions—and ultimately your outcomes.

How Lenora’s Journey Shaped Her Approach

Curious about how Lenora got into this field? It’s a fun story! 🧒 Growing up, Lenora was chatty, but like many of us, her speech was full of filler words. Her dad often corrected her overuse of “like” and “um,” and that attention to speech patterns led her down the path to becoming a speech pathologist. But it wasn’t until she took a class in sign language that her passion for communication really blossomed. ✨

“I just thought it was so beautiful,” she says, recalling how sign language helped her appreciate the power of non-verbal cues. From there, her fascination grew, leading her to become a certified speech pathologist and, eventually, a communication coach for adults.

Practical Strategies to Shift Negative Self-Talk

Now, let’s talk solutions! 🛠 Lenora emphasizes that changing your internal dialogue isn’t about “thinking positive” in a superficial way. It’s about becoming a detective of your thoughts. Here are some practical strategies to turn negative self-talk into empowering dialogue:

1. Power Poses: Inspired by Amy Cuddy’s famous TEDx talk, Lenora suggests standing like a superhero—hands on hips, chest out, chin up—for just two minutes. This simple pose boosts your confidence by triggering a hormonal response in your body. 💪
2. Mindful Breathing and Posture: Your posture influences your mood. Try to sit or stand upright, and notice how your body language shifts your internal state. You’ll feel more confident, and your brain will follow suit. 🧠
3. Music Therapy: Put on a song that lifts your spirits and gets you moving. The combination of music and movement has a profound effect on your mood and mental state. 🎶

These are just a few small changes that can make a big difference in your life. By shifting how you think about yourself, you’re also shifting how you show up in the world.

Communicating with Confidence

Another crucial aspect Lenora covers is modulating your tone—not just in conversations with others but in your internal dialogue as well. 🗣️ Often, when we’re critical of ourselves, the tone we use in our minds is harsh. Recognize this, and then soften it. Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a loved one.

As Lenora says, “What you say to yourself matters.” So, start today—shift the tone of your inner voice, and watch how it transforms your external communication.

Wrapping It Up: A Better You Starts from Within

Lenora’s insights are a powerful reminder that mastering communication isn’t just about speaking clearly to others; it’s about speaking kindly to ourselves. 🙏 Your internal dialogue is the foundation for everything—whether you’re giving a presentation, asking for a raise, or simply navigating everyday life. And the best part? It’s never too late to start working on it.

Want to learn more about Lenora and her work at Better Speech? Check out BetterSpeech.com and follow her on social media! 🌐