While confidence is not a prerequisite for having conversations, it is essential for continually creating better conversations.
One of the most common barriers to effective real-time conversations isn’t a lack of knowledge; it’s a lack of confidence.
For over a decade now, we’ve spent the majority of our time composing our conversations on screens. When we converse on a screen, we can take the time to think, edit, even pause and review past conversations.
Real-Time Conversations Need a Different Set of Skills
Real-time conversations are vastly different. They happen in the moment and involve the skills of improvising, adapting, and thinking on our feet. It’s no surprise to me that many people in today’s workplace delay speaking up in meetings, making sales calls, or sharing new ideas. They don’t feel ready.
In our 2026 Real-Time Business Conversation Index, we identified a significant gap in workplace conversations. While 97.75% of respondents told us real-time conversations are critical to achieving business goals, only 11.36% believe their organizations conduct those conversations extremely effectively.
This gap isn’t created by a lack of intelligence or expertise. It exists due to a lack of confidence, the “how” of having real-time conversations.
The awkward truth is that confidence is achieved through action. The ability to participate, inspire and enjoy real-time business conversations is dependent on doing them!
Everyone who’s developed a skill they can rely on has practiced. From reading to riding a bike to playing the piano, we’ve all practiced in order to do something with confidence. Having real-time conversations is no different. The skills involved need to be practiced.
How can someone practice having conversations? By intentionally having more imperfect conversations more often.
The Mindset Shift
Waiting for confidence does not create confidence. Doing ‘the thing’ is what builds confidence. The goals are participation and repetition, not perfection.
Try This This Week
Approach your conversations as practice, not performance. Start with someone you know really well. Perhaps it is a family member, a friend or a colleague. Booking a time for these conversations creates a commitment that helps get this practice done each day. The conversation does not have to be lengthy, but do aim for at least three minutes.
After a week of these conversations, set up the same approach with someone at work you’d like to know better. Perhaps it is a team member, your manager, or someone you frequently meet at the coffee machine.
Don’t overthink this activity. Start with common conversation openers such as “How’s your day going?” or “What are you working on today?” or “How was your weekend?” You can also be more creative with questions like “What kind of music do you most enjoy?” or “What movies have you seen lately?”
The objective is to gain experience, not create a “perfect” conversation.
The more you practice, the sooner you’ll be speaking up at meetings, making a quick phone call instead of sending a lengthy email, and confidently contributing both ideas and solutions.
