April 2015

Digging out from winter

This month's blog post features news about a project I have been working on this winter, and a reminder to schedule all of your spring tune-ups.

More details available on the schedule for my Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz!

Tips you can use!

Don't bury your lead
If you're doing any kind of Q & A,  it's best to get to the point right away. Don't embellish or feel you need to give lots of context. Answer the question as clearly and succinctly as possible. At worst, over-explaining can land you in hot water. At best, you'll bore the audience. Not much of a choice, is it?

Practice your zen face
If you've been told your face in repose makes you looks mean or unhappy, you're not alone! Lots of us look a little "frowny" when we're thinking. Get comfortable wearing a "zen face"—relaxed, not super-smiley or overly (falsely) enthusiastic—and those comments will disappear.

A word about PowerPoint
Don't! . . . unless you need those charts, graphs or maps—and then make sure they are big enough to be seen at the back of the room. Don't be lazy and just put your outline up. Find a thematic visual that reinforces your theme. Or just tell the story. Revisit my blog post to find out why.
 

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.