July/August 2016

It sure is sticky!

No, this month's blog is not about tone policing or telling someone "you'll catch more flies with vinegar than honey!" It is about "sticky" speech--you know, the kind where you recall what was said long after you heard it. It is a big topic but I highlight two basic elements for crafting sticky messages.

In other news, my final group Executive Communications Skills workshop for the summer is coming up soon. And I have a few places left. More info is here.

Tips you can use!

Put on your neutral face

Yes, RBF is a real thing, so if you've been told to stop looking so mean, you're not alone! But you can minimize such comments by practicing your "zen face:" relaxed, not super-smiley, just a little less intense. Making a few muscular adjustments can make a huge difference in how others perceive you. 

Don't know? That's OK--

You can't be expected to know everything about your speech topic, but you should know  where to find the answer.  Don't make things up: chances are someone else in the room will have Googled the real answer by the time you've finished.

A better PowerPoint

If you absolutely need to put together a slide deck (using illustrative charts, graphs or maps) make sure they are big enough to be seen at the back of the room. Otherwise, find a graphic that reinforces your theme. Or just tell the story. Stories can be the most powerful tools in your speaker's arsenal. Revisit my blog post to find out why.  

June 2016

                What is authentic authenticity?

This month's post tackles the question of what it means to be a more authentic speaker, and why advice to "just be yourself" is not particularly helpful.  

And here is news of my next speaking engagement:

Take the Stage & Speak with Authority
at WIT Connect: WITx  
in conjunction with Women in Technology

Thursday, June 16, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
TEGNA/Gannett/7950 Jones Branch Drive/McLean VA, 22102

Summertime Executive Communications Skills workshop info is here.

Tips you can use!

Don't push your audience away

Even if you are super enthusiastic, you need to draw them to you with your message. If your energy is too aggressive, they will tune you out and start looking for an escape route.

Dressing for summer

It is tempting to throw caution to the wind when the temperature rises. But a fashion faux pas can undermine professional credibility. Be sure to consider the "prevailing norms" of your workplace or client sites, even when it is too darn hot. You may not agree, but until you're the boss it's better to go along than to dress down or under-dress.

Take your notes. Always.

You may never in a million years need them, but then again.... If you are stuck wracking your brain to remember what you wanted to say, you are guaranteed to fail at connecting with your audience. And that is critical. Why else would you want to be in the room where it happens?

May 2016

                   Better living through chemistry?

This month's blog post deals with the growing problem of treating "speaker's nerves" like a medical ailment, and why drugs are not neccessarily the answer. You can read all about it here.

My final Executive Communications Skills workshop of the spring wil be May 23rd. If you've ever thought you might want to attend, now's your chance! You can find more details here.

Tips you can use!

If you're on time you're late

When you are scheduled to speak or present, make sure you get to your venue well before your speaking slot. Even if you have to wait for others to clear the room, you'll benefit from having time to pull yourself together, and let your breathing and heart rate return to normal. If you feel rushed at the start, your speech will only go downhill from there.

Falling on deaf ears?

Let's face it: some people will never hear what you have to say. Don't waste energy stewing about this. Try creative ways to get your message across. Here's one: enlist an ally who does have this person's ear. Working together this way, you may reap unexpected benefits.

No more bad hair/good hair

Hair is a constant source of anxiety for many people, yet what we are seeing this election cycle reinforces what I tell my clients: if you have energy and commitment to your message, your audience will respond to that, instead of whatever particular physical trait or stylistic statement you get hung up on. Simply put: they won't see a bad hair day if you don't. How else can you explain Donald Trump?