Souplesse is a term used to describe the crème de la crème of cycling.
Specifically, it is bowing before bike royalty in recognition that, even in moments of intense competition or cycling up a mountain on a baking July afternoon 2000 metres above sea level, they still look ice cool and jet fast.
Souplesse has been defined as “a smoothness, a fluidity, a level of effortless” and others have described Souplesse as “the immeasurable measure of class”.
But, what on earth does this have to do with communication?
I’ve seen people over the years exude souplesse in how they communicate whether in the eye of a storm of a crisis, when presenting to large audiences or navigating tough questions from an experienced media pack.
Sometimes I’ve asked them how they have remained so cool. “Experience” is often their response. Being in similar situations before will certainly help but it is more than that.
It is a perfect moment which sees a high skill level being applied to a situation of high challenge.
It is deliberate practice and carefully constructed systems. And repetition. And evaluation. And knowing that a fail is your first attempt at trying. All coming together in this perfect moment.
In psychology there is a term ‘Flow’, used to describe the performance sweet spot where the challenge is on the outer edge of, or even just beyond, your current skills.
When under intense pressure it is your routines, your systems, your muscle memory that has been built up over years that will help you to stay smooth, calm and perform at your highest level.
Souplesse or Flow is something intangible. Almost unworldly or esoteric.
But in pursuing Souplesse we will build and then follow a repeatable process that helps us to improve our skills in a sustainable way.
Because of this I see it as the antidote to hack culture. Quick fixes cover over cracks while the pursuit of souplesse will build you a resilient superstructure to support you for as long as you need it.
For every ‘natural’ you see flying up an Alpine pass there are thousands of hours of training and deliberate practice.
If you want to be a great communicator who is smooth, unflustered and effective even under the greatest pressure, what systems and processes do you need to help you?