Leading Aircraftman Henry Lam is a chef at RAAF Base Amberley. At the Clear to Launch Symposium last month, he delivered a talk in which he proposed that effective communication training should be made available to all aviators. He explains why to Air Force News Editor Evana Ho.
Confidence was a big thing that I never really got over until my late 30s. It was actually kind of recent that I made the link between spoken communication and confidence.
I was frustrated because I couldn't communicate properly. Growing up, the story I told myself was that I'm a below-average performer. I see as a mature person, it was a limiting belief.
I grew up in Perth. I'm a first generation Australian-born Chinese. My parents speak Cantonese as their primary language. Out of my brothers and sisters, I was the first one born in Australia. We all learned English together, at the same time, essentially.
Very early on, I realised I was different. And I remember feeling lonely, outcast. I was always in the lower end of my classes, had learning difficulties. And with teachers, I found it difficult to understand what they were saying, but I could never speak up.
It was a catalyst for a lot of insecurity in my life.
'If you work on your ability to speak, you can create the world that you want.'
In my mid-20s, I went through a traumatic relationship break-up. I thought, I've got to change. I can't keep living like this. That led me to start working on myself.
I worked on my fitness and on trying to get into universities, to build a bit of credibility to myself.
I became a gym trainer for a while. Then in my late 20s, I ended up being the kid who struggled at school and managed to graduate university.
Major turning point
I'm a chef now, and have been for the past nine years.
In 2020 I applied for the Officers' selection board. I failed miserably. It was an absolute humiliation. This is how I felt.
My written communication was bad. There was a part where I had to do a speech in front of the panel. I was nervous as hell. I couldn't articulate my words. My fingers were clammy.
I just remember going back to my room back at Harman base and I cried. I just couldn't communicate my value.
I tried so hard. I was so ambitious. But when it came to speaking in front of those panel members, I was so bad.
'I realised, when you start talking to people and you can't talk your walk or articulate your thoughts properly, people won't take you seriously.'
We can get certificates, we can get university diplomas. But that will only give you your visual credentials.
I realised, when you start talking to people and you can't talk your walk or articulate your thoughts properly, people won't take you seriously. People forget what you say.
That's when I realised - there's a second piece to this. It's not just about visuals. It's not just about rank. Because as soon as you start talking to someone, all your insecurities are going to come out.
That's when I decided, about 18 months ago, I need to work on this spoken communication part.
Talking the talk
I've attended workshops, including one by a former TEDx speaker. I'm enrolled in a speakers training course. I also joined Toastmasters here in Brisbane. I've performed four speeches through that and won speech of the night two out of those four times.
One of my ambitions is to present my own TED Talk. Giving the pitch at the Clear to Launch Symposium was an amazing step towards that goal.
What's happened since the symposium has been absolutely phenomenal. I've had people contact me. Opportunities have opened up. I credit it all to speaking. Your spoken communication is your confidence.
'If I can communicate my ideas better, I'm going to have a better chance than I did last time.'
Now I'm on a mission. I think everyone should be able to find this treasure I've found.
I have a vision that every military member, when called to deliver a message onstage, will speak in a way that inspires, motivates and influences others.
If you work on your ability to speak, you can create the world that you want. And it affects all aspects of your life - health, relationships, career.
Being able to speak in public is a high leverage skill.
I've observed that out of 100 people, 90 won't speak. Eight will, but only because they were told to. That leaves two people. Out of those, one will be working on their communication skills. These people are masters of communication.
So if you want a sure way to stand out among your peers, choose to speak up. You are in the top 2 per cent.
I'm aiming to commission again in the future. I'm going to give it another crack. Who's to say I'm going to pass or fail this time.
If I can communicate my ideas better, I'm going to have a better chance than I did last time.
