Podcast Summary: “Communication Expert Vinh Giang: Why You Keep Getting Interrupted (How to Use Your Voice So People ACTUALLY Listen)”

Introduction

In this episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty, hosted by iHeartPodcasts, Jay Shetty welcomes Vinh Giang, a renowned communication expert, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and podcast host. Vinh specializes in helping individuals master the art of confident speaking, transforming shy and insecure communicators into prolific speakers through practical behavioral techniques. Released on May 19, 2025, this episode delves deep into the mechanics of effective communication and offers actionable insights for listeners aiming to enhance their vocal and physical presence.

The Journey to Confident Communication

Vinh Giang opens up about his personal journey from being a poor communicator to becoming a sought-after communication coach. He shares that his struggle stemmed from learning English as his third language, after a Chinese dialect and Vietnamese. This language barrier left him feeling isolated and ineffective in interactions, ultimately driving him to focus on honing his communication skills.

“I was so bad at interactions with human beings and the reason for that is because English is my third language... I didn’t realize that I was doing it in my career.” [05:05]

Behavioral Changes and Self-Awareness

A central theme of the discussion is the transformation from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence in communication. Vinh emphasizes that communication skills comprise a series of behaviors that can be learned and refined over time. He asserts that shyness and lack of confidence are products of long-practiced behaviors rather than innate traits.

“Being a confident communicator, that's just another series of behaviors that you can practice.” [03:26]

Vinh introduces the concept of self-awareness as the first step toward improvement. He recommends the “record and review” method, where individuals record themselves speaking, critique their performance objectively, and identify areas for enhancement.

“The only way to become more aware is if you see yourself... Record a video of you speaking for five minutes, right? And then when you review and reflect on that video...” [13:27]

Techniques to Improve Vocal and Physical Presence

When discussing interruptions in meetings, Vinh explains that low vocal and physical presence often invite others to interrupt. He provides practical strategies to assert authority and command attention, such as standing during presentations and increasing vocal volume.

“If you stand now, all of a sudden you're in a position of more authority... If you use larger body language, stronger volume, the version of me is infinitely more difficult for you to interrupt.” [18:44]

For introverts, Vinh shares methods to conserve and rejuvenate energy, highlighting techniques like the Wim Hof breathing method and strategic energy management to maintain effectiveness in communication-heavy environments.

“First thing is you have to learn how to protect your energy... The second thing is have go to, I call them menu items...” [28:23]

Dealing with Interruptions and Building Authority

Vinh discusses how enhancing vocal and physical presence can reduce the likelihood of being interrupted. By consciously adjusting factors like volume, pace, and body language, individuals can project greater authority and ensure their ideas are heard and respected.

“The next thing is adrenaline also causes you to speed and speak really quickly... These things help slow you down.” [72:17]

Managing Energy for Introverts

Understanding that introverts expend energy in social interactions, Vinh advises on strategies to manage and replenish energy reserves. Techniques include conserving energy by limiting unnecessary interactions and having quick “menu items” like healthy snacks or energizing beverages to sustain performance.

“I'm a fairly high energy person, so I have to conserve my energy... my go to is coffee.” [28:41]

Handling Accents and Articulation

Addressing concerns about accents, Vinh reassures listeners that accents themselves are not the problem; rather, it is the articulation and pronunciation that can hinder clear communication. He suggests exercises such as over-articulating while reading or using a pen in the mouth to improve pronunciation.

“Accents are beautiful... The problem lies in your ability to articulate and your pronunciation.” [59:25]

Vinh shares his personal experience of adjusting his Australian accent for better articulation in the U.S., illustrating how focused practice can enhance clarity without sacrificing one's cultural identity.

“I didn't realize I had so much Australian slang... I would say things like, I can't... and I would say free...” [61:11]

Balancing Content and Delivery

The conversation highlights the importance of both what you say (content) and how you say it (delivery). Vinh uses Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement speech as an example where profound content paired with minimalist delivery creates a powerful impact, demonstrating that the essence of communication lies in balancing substance with style.

“There is some content that is just so powerful that regardless of delivery, it hits because of the profound nature that exists within the lyrics.” [96:22]

The Role of Authenticity and Empathy

Vinh emphasizes the need for authenticity in communication. He warns against the tendency to label adaptive behaviors as inauthentic during the learning phase. Instead, he advocates for empathy and understanding, recognizing that misaligned communication often stems from someone experimenting with new behaviors.

“When somebody first plays the saxophone... it's the same thing with communication.” [99:16]

He encourages listeners to approach others with compassion, understanding that many are navigating their own communication challenges.

Practical Steps for Listeners

To wrap up the episode, Vinh provides actionable steps for listeners to improve their communication skills:

1. Record and Review: Regularly record your speaking sessions and critically analyze them to identify areas for improvement.
2. Practice Self-Awareness: Focus on behaviors such as hand gestures, facial expressions, and vocal qualities.
3. Adopt Breathing Techniques: Implement methods like the Wim Hof breathing technique to manage anxiety and control speech pace.
4. Manage Your Energy: For introverts, prioritize energy conservation and rejuvenation through healthy snacks and strategic breaks.
5. Enhance Articulation: Use exercises to improve pronunciation and clarity, reducing reliance on habitual speech patterns.
6. Build Authentic Connections: Practice empathy and authenticity, ensuring that adjustments in communication serve to enhance connections rather than detract from them.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with Jay Shetty expressing gratitude towards Vinh Giang for his insightful contributions. Jay urges listeners to apply the discussed techniques and share their progress on social media, fostering a community of continuous improvement in communication skills.

“I really hope that this episode makes you a better communicator to your partner, your parents in your profession, in all areas of your life. It's such a key skill that's needed...” [112:15]

Notable Quotes

• “Your voice is an instrument. Play all of the songs that are trapped within you. Don't die with all your music trapped inside.” [105:06]
• “The pause allows people to process what you're saying.” [02:50]
• “If you are technically 10 out of 10 but your communication skills are a 3 out of 10, do you think your organization perceives you to be a 10 out of 10 or 3 out of 10?” [16:42]
• “Your voice is your personality. Play all of the songs that are trapped within you.” [102:33]

Key Takeaways

• Communication is Learnable: Confidence and proficiency in communication are developed through conscious practice of specific behaviors.
• Self-Awareness is Crucial: Recording and reviewing your communication helps in identifying and rectifying ineffective habits.
• Vocal and Physical Presence Matters: Enhancing volume, pace, and body language can significantly reduce interruptions and increase authority.
• Manage Energy for Optimal Performance: Especially for introverts, conserving and replenishing energy is essential for sustained effective communication.
• Articulate Clearly to Overcome Accent Barriers: Focus on improving articulation and pronunciation to ensure clarity, regardless of your natural accent.
• Balance Content and Delivery: Both what you say and how you say it contribute to the effectiveness of your communication.
• Authenticity and Empathy Enhance Connections: Being genuine and empathetic fosters stronger, more meaningful interactions.

This comprehensive discussion between Jay Shetty and Vinh Giang offers valuable insights and practical strategies for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills, ensuring their voice is heard and respected in both personal and professional settings.