How to talk about being good at something without sounding like you are bragging?

<p>The two panelists started this conversation on opposite sides of the spectrum.</p> <p> </p> <p>Kevin Wash gave the example of a heart surgeon – you want them to be really good at what they do and be super confident in their skills. He further pointed out that with his work, his clients should know within seven working days if he can back up his swagger with action.</p> <p> </p> <p>Coach M J Tolan took the other side with the example of a Grammy winner saying, “Other people seem to think this song is good.”</p> <p> </p> <p>I followed up with two examples – One: It was easy for me to downplay my volleyball skills right before a match because I knew I was going to walk on the court in a matter of moments and demonstrate my ability quite clearly.</p> <p> </p> <p>Conversely in my professional life, I don’t have the luxury of downplaying because I would never get the opportunity to show I am world-class at what I do.</p> <p> </p> <p>Is it bragging if it’s true? Maybe not. But it is certainly better for someone to hear how good you are from someone else rather than from you.</p> <p> </p> <p>That isn’t always an option. You have to toot your own horn to get a seat in the band.</p> <p> </p> <p>So how do you do that without sounding like a braggart?</p> <p> </p> <p>Connect with the panelists: Coach M J Tolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/motivationalspeakertolan/</p> <p>Speaker, author and entrepreneur with 35 years experience. He has lived in 12 countries and is the host of the podcast Mission I’m Possible.</p> <p> </p> <p>Kevin Wash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wash-23b90915/</p> <p>Coach, mentor, author, trainer, and speaker running a consultancy business specializing in sales for international property development. Based in Spain</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr Robyn Odegaard: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/</a></p> <p>Known as The Mental MacGyver and providing luxury level support and coaching to executives, founders, celebrities and athletes.</p> <p> </p> <p>