Convincing someone that you can do something by telling them about it isn't the same as showing them. People believe what they see more than what they hear, so if you're going to convince someone that your company is the right one for a project, don't just tell them how much work experience and expertise you have—show it!
People believe what they see more than what they hear
Let's talk about the importance of showing, rather than telling.
Traditionally, we've been taught that telling is a great way to get your point across. We're told to tell people what you want them to know and think—and then they'll believe it.
But there's a big difference between describing something and actually doing it: When you show someone how something works or why it works or even just how things are done, they can see for themselves what works best for them. They don't have to take anyone else's word for it anymore; they can just look for themselves!
And this is important because when people see something firsthand—rather than hearing about it from another person—they tend to believe in whatever they see more strongly than if someone else had simply told them about it beforehand (or had even created those very same results without their help).
So if you want people around you (your employees) who work hard but aren't necessarily sure how exactly some tasks should be completed... well... then here are some tips on how exactly those tasks could get done better through showing rather than telling!
Telling someone doesn't give them any confidence in your abilities
Telling someone doesn't give them any confidence in your abilities.
Showing people how you work is different from telling them about it, because we can connect with a story that has been experienced first-hand.
People are more likely to believe you if they see you do it than if they just hear about it from someone else.
Tell me, show me—don't tell me!
Talking about it isn't going to inspire you to actually do it
You need to actually do it if you want to be good at it. You need practice, and if all you’re doing is talking about something, then you won’t get better at whatever the thing is that you want to do so much better in life or work or both.
People don't care about your potential, they care about what you have done
If you want people to believe that you can do something, show them that you can do it before they will believe it. Convincing someone that you can do something by telling them about it isn't the same as showing them.
The only way for someone to be convinced of your ability is for them to see you do it
If they can’t see it, they have no reason to believe in the ability that you claim exists.
Let me emphasize this point again: Showing how you work is more powerful than telling how you work.
Show, don't tell!
You might have heard the phrase show don't tell. It's a great tool to use when convincing others of something, especially if you are trying to sell your skills. It's all about showing them that you have done it before and that they can trust you.
Show them what you can do: The best way to convince someone is by showing the results of your work. For example, if you are applying for a job or proposing a solution to your prospect client, show to them some examples of what kind of work you've done in the past or even better, give them access to your portfolio so they can see exactly what kind of applicant you are (if you are looking for a job) or business partner you are (if you’re an entrepreneur).
Show that YOU are capable!
The best way to convince someone of your ability is by showing them that it exists. They can then decide on their own whether or not they want to invest in your potential. If you're looking for funding, a new job or just trying to make an impression on someone, the only way for them to be convinced of your ability is by seeing it in action.