September 2017

 Unjumble your language

 In my September blog I offer one big tip for making communincation clearere: cut out the jargon!

I had a lovely August vacation, and am back at work at client stes and in my home studio. You can come work with me at my fall Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz! More info here.

Tips you can use!

  

Don't hold your breath!

Breath-holding is a natural impulse while listening in situations like high-stakes meetings where you may be stressed or nervous. But it takes you out of the moment so you can't be an active listener. Breathe and connect.

Be picture perfect

Most postures that are good for photographs are inimical to good speaking. Any number of artful poses that work for still shots won't project ease, much less authority, when you speak. Stand tall, with a properly aligned spine and weight on both feet, and you'll convey the energy of your message. Then if a candid is taken while you're speaking, it will show you at your best: animated and engaged.

Use colorful words

After you've tapped your vibrant vocabulary to craft your speech or talking points, use color in a more practical way: to help with your organizational flow. Print your notes using different colored fonts for each main point. You'll stay focused as you visually track your text.

July/August 2017

 The expressive self

My July/August blog describes an important lesson we can learn about speaking from watching great acting.

Soon I will be enjoying my August vacation, so my next Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz! will be in September. More info here.

Tips you can use!

Getting to know you...

Do you dread the networking portion of an event when you have to introduce yourself to—gasp!—strangers? It will be less dreadful if you think of it as a real opportunity to connect. Don't lead with your title and business; use your precious seconds to give a glimpse of what makes you special (in a work-safe way, of course!). People do business with other people, not workplaces.

A.B.B

Always be breathing! No matter how relaxed you are at the beginning, or even mid-way through your speech, the possibility of speaker's nerves overtaking you looms large until you have left the building. Keep breathing—deeply—throughout, and you'll keep those nerves at bay. Write a reminder on your notes if you have to; no one else will ever know!

Dress codes: "Not dead yet!"

Strange as we may find it, some workplaces still have dress codes. Bosses want to maintain a professional atmosphere. I get it. But I also know it is tempting to wear less as the weather gets steamy. So remember to check those codes and be mindful of the prevailing norms at your office. Layering is always a good strategy, so keep a nice but neutral sweater or blazer on hand, as well as shoes that cover more than they reveal.

June 2017

 The power of stillness

My June blog is an update of a blog from 2013. It's about leveraging leadership presence by being the calm center.

I start teaching later this month at American University, so I am taking a break from offering my Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz! The next one will be in September. More info here.

Tips you can use!

Take a quick look at your slides

See if you understand them at first glance. If you don't, edit them so that words and graphics clearly convey what you want to share. Cluttered slides, those that are too busy and/or complicated, result in failure to deliver a coherent message.

If you can't be loud be bold

Every time you speak, you need to be heard. But if you're a naturally shy person, you may connect advice to "be louder" with rude and rowdy behavior. So think of it as projecting a bolder physical presence, and your vocal strength will follow.

Less is always more

When you are putting together your presentation, aim to fill 80% of the allotted time. Trim the boring bits and allow plenty of time for follow-up Q & A—which usually gets shortened, much to the dismay of the audience. No one is ever criticized for running short, especially when summer fun beckons! 

Tips you can use!

Take a quick look at your slides

See if you understand them at first glance. If you don't, edit them so that words and graphics clearly convey what you want to share. Cluttered slides, those that are too busy and/or complicated, result in failure to deliver a coherent message.

If you can't be loud be bold

Every time you speak, you need to be heard. But if you're a naturally shy person, you may connect advice to "be louder" with rude and rowdy behavior. So think of it as projecting a bolder physical presence, and your vocal strength will follow.

Less is always more

When you are putting together your presentation, aim to fill 80% of the allotted time. Trim the boring bits and allow plenty of time for follow-up Q & A—which usually gets shortened, much to the dismay of the audience. No one is ever criticized for running short, especially when summer fun beckons! 

May 2017

Respect the ice

I blog this month about an annoying trend I have encountered lately, the misuse of the "ice-breaker." I am always amazed when people employ communications tools without really understanding why and how they work!

I am offering one more Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz! this summer. More info here.

Tips you can use!

Use real words...

...instead of industry jargon, 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

In interviews be sure you get your talking points and stories out there, even if they are 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/planned to say. 

Sit like a lady

If you're wearing a skirt, that is. Legs crossed at ankles, knees together (great for inner thigh muscles!) or knees crossed. You'd be amazed how many skirt-wearers seem not to know this. Remember, we can't unsee what you show us on a dais or stage! So if your skirt is too short to accommodate proper sitting, rethink your professional wardrobe. 

April 2017

It starts with structure

Yes! I did see Hamilton! And in this month's blog post I relect on challenges facing playwrights and speech crafters compelled to cover the essential facts and also tell their story.

If you'd like to sharpen your leadership speech and presence, join me for upcoming Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz! More info here.

Tips you can use!

Use margin-al notes

Feel free to put notes ("smile," "with energy!") in margins of your text, along with any emoticon or doodle that might cue you to show what you are actually feeling about your speech topic. If you want to connect with the audience you have to first connect with your own emotions, so use notes to remind you to do that.

Partner up 

When you feel stonewalled or ignored in meetings, one effective strategy is to enlist an ally to help you make your case. Do it ahead of time and ask for backup at a crucial point. Or you can act "in the moment" by positively referencing someone else's point, then loop back to what you want to say. It's a bit of a tricky dance, but once you master the steps you will find it can be quite useful as an engagement tool.

Empty your pockets

Seriously. If you are standing up to do a speech, even if you are at a podium, take everything out of your pockets. That will make it easier to resist the temptation to stick you hands in them. If the specific situation calls for a casual delivery, it's all right to use the "hand-in-pocket" stance, but be sure there is nothing your fingers will find to jingle. Pocket change handled absent-mindedly can be very distracting!