December 2014

Time to light the candles

As the year winds down, I want to take a minute to thank you, dear readers, for helping me have such a tremendous year! I have been doing a lot of creative work lately--in my theatrical endeavors as well as my teaching. I have designed new courses, presented for some amazing groups, and in general have had a great year! So thanks to you all for being a part of my happy 2014 journey.

This month's blog post shares a very intersting project. One of my clients is posting her own podcasts as a new communications tool. You'll never guess who she asked for "expert advice."

Tips you can use!

Take care of that voice

Whether you're cheering at a bowl game or shouting over party music, you need to back off before you strain your voice. That croaky voice may sound "sexy" to you, but does it convey the professional image you want? Sadly, vocal damage often takes more than a good's night sleep to heal, so quit while you're ahead.

Drink less, drink more

Be sure to drink lots of water this time of year! Indoor heating dries out the air and your throat. Alcohol does, too--so watch those drinks, especially if you're giving a toast or making a speech.

Enjoy the moment

During the holiday season, our thoughts can get ahead of our actions more than they usually do. Breathe, focus, slow down, and be mindful of what you're doing. Open yourself to unexpected delights of the season!

November 2014

                       Solving the Maze

This month's blog post discusses the power of patterns in our lives, and how our awareness of them can lead to better speaking.

Thanks to all of you have shown interest in my workshops. If you had been meaning to come experience my Executive Communincations Skills: One-Day Blitz! you have one more chance to do so this year. More info here.

Tips you can use!

Don't memorize. . .

Unless your speech is under 60 seconds or you have at least two weeks to commit those words to memory. You'd be better off spending your precious time refining and right-sizing your message. Take your notes and use them.

Put some oomph into it!  
It's OK to let your enthusiasm show. Really. If you are captivated by a project or just love sharing good reports from your team, let your listeners know. Don't equate "business-like" and "serious" with "flat" and "boring." No one is going to kick you out of a meeting or off the stage for making your statements with energy and feeling.

Take care of yourself
You know the drill, so do it! Get plenty of sleep. Exercise daily. Eat a balanced diet. Hydrate. Get a flu shot. Healthier is happier -- and more productive. 

photo credit: odolphie via photopin cc

October 2014

Don't worry; it'll be good for you!

My October blog post deals with the less lustrous side of those surprise "golden opportunities."

Thanks to all of you have shown interest in my workshops. And a special "thank you" to those who have passed workshop information on to others. I am anticipating a very busy December, so I will offer 2014's final one-day workshops in November. More info here.

Tips you can use!

Use second person for pep talks

When you need to give yourself a confidence boost before you present, do not talk to yourself as "I" but rather "you." Using your name with a sincere "you can do it" gives more positive reinforcement than an "'I've got this." Try it! 

Honor your punctuation 
You knew it was right to put a period at the end of that sentence. You indented or double-spaced to indicate a new paragraph. So deliver your speech that way! Your listeners need to hear those transitions since they can't see them.

Don't wear tight shoes
Or tight skirts or tight collars or anything else that constricts you. When you sacrifice comfort for a sleeker silhouette, your audience and conversation partners can see it on your face. It's hard to relax when your feet are killing you!