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! 

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!

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!