June 2018

Sage advice takes center stage

This month I blog about the fact that useful advice can be found where you least expect it: a Broadway musical set in forgotten Israeli backwater, for example!In The Band's Visit the messages are powerful and the music sublime; listen to the cast recording—you wont regret it!

In other news...

This summer (mid-August, actually) I am moving with my family to New York. When my husband and I moved to Arlington, Virginia from Brooklyn 26 years ago, we hoped someday we might head back.  We were given an opportunity to return, and we're taking it!

I plan to come back to the DC area to run workshops, as well as half-day and whole-day coaching sessions. And in-person, individual client session whenever it's feasible. The bulk of individual sessions will shift to the video chat platform, which I am already successfully using. So local clients needn't worry: I'll be just a screen away!

I am so grateful to all who have recommended me to friends and colleagues over the years. And I hope you will introduce me to any contacts in the New York/New Jersey area who could benefit from my coaching or training.

...and be sure to join me for 

How's that Workin' out for Ya?
four subversive comedies by women
including my new one-act In the Ladies'

Presented by Pipeline Playwrights as part of the Capital Fringe Festival

Arena Stage

July 17th @ 6:00 p.m./July 18th @ 8:15 p.m.

July 22nd @ 3:45 p.m./July 26th @ 8:15 p.m./July 28th @t 4:00 p.m.

more info coming! Check out Pipeline's Facebook page or website

May 2018

Use the right tools

This month I was reminded of the neccesitity of having the correct tools to get the job done. Read my blog to find out why this isn't just for home improvement, but for speakers too.  

Tips you can use!

(Some favorites from my archives...)

  

Ditch the jargon

. . .always, especially when you network. If people can't understand what you do, no matter how impressive you think your title is, they probably won't remember you. Remember, the purpose of networking is not to impress, but to connect.

Make your point

Be sure to get your talking points and stories out there in interviews, even if they're not directly asked for. Find a way to artfully insert them, so you can ensure you are on message, in control, and saying what you need to say.

Notes to self 

Feel free to pepper your pages with emoticons or doodles that might help you to remember what you're actuallyfeelingabout your topic. If you want to connect with the audience you first have to connect with your ownemotions, so use notes to remind you to do that.  

April 2018

Carving out meaning

My blog this month compares the experience of writing a play (my latest, It's My Party! had a recent premiere) and writing a speech. 

Tips you can use!

This month I am redirecting your attention to Tips from the archives that are every bit as useful today as they were in May 2013.

Mark your calendar for the world premiere of  

How's that Workin' out for Ya?
four subversive comedies by women 

Presented by Pipeline Playwrights as part of the Capital Fringe Festival

Arena Stage

July 17th @ 6:00 p.m./July 18th @ 8:15 p.m.

July 22nd @ 3:45 p.m./July 26th @ 8:15 p.m./July 28th @t 4:00 p.m.

more info coming! Check out Pipeline's Facebook page or website

March 2018

Rethinking thinking

I travelled to London last month after I sent out my newsletter. I went to exhibits in museuem and other places here, here, and here, visited old churches, and of course, attended the theatre! My favorite was a production of Julius Caesar that led me to some pretty interesting observations about authenticity in communications, which I share in this month's blog. Have a look.

Tips you can use! 

This month I am redirecting your attention to Tips from the archives that are every bit as useful today as they were in March 2015.

...and don't forget!
You're invited to
a stage reading
of my newest play,
It's My Party!
March 26th
info here.

February 2018

It's not just the notes!

Read this month's blog to see what the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (pictured here rehearsing at Carnegie Hall) can teach us about communicating effectively without any words!

Join me for upcoming events in March:

Communications Skills One-Day Blitz! on March 5th, info here.

Staged Reading of my newest play, It's My Party!, on March 26th, info here.  

Tips you can use!

 

Yes, they are looking at you!

Maintain your centered and grounded "leadership persona" when you get offstage. Even if you return to the audience, active listening and attentiveness reinforce your credibility and authority.

Can the uptalk

It's time for this annoying habit to go away! Aside from being incredibly grating to the ear, it's hard to take someone seriously who can't even make a declarative statement.

Practice with a stopwatch 

Whether you're putting together a keynote, panel presentation, or status update, find out how much time you have. Plan accordingly, but don't rely on the old "words-per-minute" formula. Delivery speed varies greatly, even for the same speaker in different situations. The only way to avoid running over is to practice your speech and time it. Do that and everybody's happy