March 2015

In your own voice

When you speak, the words that come out of your mouth need to be authentic and genuine. My latest blog explains why Shakespeare sounds like Shakespeare and you need to sound like you.

Feeling your communications skills are getting a little rusty? It may be time for a spring check-up. Join me for Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz! Check my workshop schedule for a new spring workshop dates.

Tips you can use!

Less is more

In terms of text: have three points, possibly four, per speech. Organize and practice so you will finish in less time than you are allotted. This allows time for Things To Go Wrong (which they do) as well as Q & A (which audiences love).

No last minute check-ups
Give yourself enough time to check hair, make-up, and accessories before you get in your "places" position. Focus on how you feel before you walk onstage, not how you look. Most of us will always appear less-than-perfect in our own mirrors. Is that really where you want to put your energy right  before you speak?

Make seasonal adjustments
Speaking while suffering from allergies presents a challenge, but you can mitigate their effect by doing a thorough vocal warm-up. See this blog post for more details.

February 2015

Can we agree to disagree?

Fed up with too much argument, too little progress? My blog post this month discusses what we lose when we focus on winning.

Feeling your communications skills could use a boost? It may be time for you to join me for Executive Communincations Skills: One-Day Blitz! Check my workshop schedule for a new winter/spring workshop dates.

Tips you can use!

Assign a note-taker

If you are running a meeting you are already wearing many hats. Be generous and share! Ask someone else to take notes. That way you'll have a record of all the important info without having to split your focus. Added bonus: if someone is not being crystal clear, you can easily ask for clarification, so "we can get it right in the notes."

Fill the space

Even if you are petite, short, or a natural introvert, the very act of getting up to speak makes you seem bigger and bolder. Use that knowledge and embrace your power -- don't shrink from it.

Winter hydration

. . . is just as important as summer hydration! You are exerting a lot of energy staying warm and keeping active in the colder months. You probably don't automatically pack your water bottle when you go out to work or play, but you still need it. So start thinking of your handheld hydration device as a year-round accessory.

January 2015

Here come the awards!

My blog post this month offers a brief insight into what makes a film performance complelling, and how you can apply similar techniques to experience your own succcess next time you are "in the spotlight."

A New Year means a new round of workshops: check here for upcoming dates and times for the Executive Communincations Skills: One-Day Blitz! 

Tips you can use!

Don't hog the floor

There is always someone who brings meetings to a grinding halt by droning on and on. Even if you are sure you're not "that guy," do some mental preparation before you go and engage in active listening while there. Such behavior can be infectious. Try it; you just might get through the entire agenda on time.

Button up that overcoat!

I know that being under-dressed in the winter does not directly cause colds or flu, but it can reduce your resistance to germs and make you more susceptible. So put on that hat, pull out those gloves and suit up for the cold. No one has time to be sick anymore.

Color me happy

Winter dreariness saps your energy. But when presenting or speaking to a group, you need to look and sound alive—which might be a challenge this time of year! One quick fix is to wear a splash of color near your face: a jewel-toned scarf or a richly-hued tie. Even if your business wardrobe tends to be subdued, a bit of color can go a long way toward lifting your spirits.