by Judith Filek | Jul 1, 2020 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
COVID 19 has decimated an economy that was thriving. Instead of record sales, industries, like airlines, restaurants, and hospitality, now wonder if they will survive. Other companies and corporations worry about the loss of sales due to the disruption of production....
by Judith Filek | Apr 1, 2020 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Managing Conflict, Presentation Communication Skills
The year 2020 is like no other. Borders have closed, cities are on lockdown and stocks have plummeted to record lows. People are worried and the level of stress is not expected to lessen anytime soon. For those of you who are managers, communication with your teams is...
by Judith Filek | Jan 1, 2020 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Technical Presentations
It’s the New Year. A lot of us make resolutions. “Go to the gym.” “Eliminate sweets.” Have a real lunch, instead of a latte.” Most resolutions that I hear are about people’s waistline — rarely any about one’s professional life. This prompted me to ask executives I...
by Judith Filek | Dec 1, 2019 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
The goal of most salespeople is to call on senior-level executives. However, rarely is the sales person’s first point of contact in a large organization with the CEO, CFO or CIO. Usually, salespeople call at a much lower level initially. To short cut the amount of...
by Judith Filek | Nov 1, 2019 | Content, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
When proposing to C level executives, those CEO’s, CIO’s CTO’s, or CFO’s, it is necessary to remember, they are only interested in solving their company’s problems. Obviously, their bonus depends on it. They are not interested in a salesperson who seems to be pushing...
by Judith Filek | Oct 1, 2019 | Executive Conversations, Large Group Presentations, Presentation Communication Skills, Team Presentations, Technical Presentations
High-level customer presentations often involve several people. While teams vary in makeup, typically, they include people who are subject matter experts, as well as the sales executive and the sales manager. The most senior person assumes the role of the team leader....
by Judith Filek | Sep 1, 2019 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills, Technical Presentations
Many people find it difficult to sit through a technical presentation. One colleague said she would rather have a root canal. How then can technical speakers make people feel they got the point and that their time was well spent? Here are some suggestions for those of...
by Judith Filek | Aug 1, 2019 | Communication, Managing Conflict, Presentation Communication Skills
The uncomfortable truth is that everyone is biased. Stereotypes about groups of people are ubiquitous. Some of these preconceived ideas or feelings operate at a level below consciousness, and these are called implicit or unconscious biases. They are not limited to...
by Judith Filek | Jul 1, 2019 | Communication, Presentation Communication Skills
Everyone wants to succeed, to move up the ladder. To ensure success, we strive to attain advanced degrees and multiple certifications. What we don’t think about is how little missteps can sabotage a promising career and ruin one’s reputation to boot. While these...
by Judith Filek | Jun 1, 2019 | Confidence / Nervousness, Presentation Communication Skills
Perhaps, there has been something in your work life that you have failed to do successfully. Maybe a project you directed lost money due to poor planning. Maybe you have lost a job because you failed to bring a problem to the attention of your boss. It’s easy for us...
by Judith Filek | May 1, 2019 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
Have you reached a point where you have felt your career is stagnating? There are some ways to move the needle, but they may involve moving you away from your comfort zone. Here are five solid suggestions. Speak Up A lot of people, depending on their position on the...
by Judith Filek | Apr 1, 2019 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
Bosses are all different. Some are very even-tempered. Nothing seems to throw them. Others lash out, are demeaning and downright hard to bear. If you are one of those people searching for ways to work with a boss from hell, here are some suggestions. First, examine if...
by Judith Filek | Mar 1, 2019 | Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations
Are you a leader who inspires, who can move people to action? An IBM survey of 1,700 CEO’s in 64 countries reveals that one of the most important leadership traits is the ability to inspire. So the question is, “What do inspirational leaders do that you should start...
by Judith Filek | Feb 1, 2019 | Communication, Content, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style, Technical Presentations
The hardest part of any presentation is the opening. Obviously, gaining people’s attention is critical. If you don’t captivate them as you begin, it’s not likely you will get them to listen as you move forward. Plus, seeing people looking at their phones, instead of...
by Judith Filek | Jan 1, 2019 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations, Virtual Conversations
The number one reason that presentations fail is a lack of preparation. Whether you are giving an update, making a proposal, suggesting a solution or speaking at a conference, it is critical that you do your homework and understand your listeners and what you want to...
by Judith Filek | Dec 1, 2018 | Audience, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales
Traditional selling strategies do not work as the cost of the product increases. Large tag items, particularly those in the high technology industries, demand a different approach. Length of Selling Cycle Whereas a low-cost sale can be completed in one call, a major...
by Judith Filek | Nov 1, 2018 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills, Technical Presentations, Virtual Conversations
With companies spread around the world, virtual teams are now the norm. Obviously, everyone would like these teams to run smoothly and utilize the strengths of their diversity. However, often a group in one location is used to doing things in a particular way, while a...
by Judith Filek | Oct 1, 2018 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations
Trust is vital in any lasting business relationship. In fact, the level of trust you establish determines how successful you will be in selling a product or proposing a solution. If the level of trust is strong, managers will feel you are the right person for the...
by Judith Filek | Sep 1, 2018 | Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
There are times we make extremely important presentations. Perhaps, it is to an unhappy customer to retain the business, or maybe it is to our own management team about a controversial project. When nervous, we tend to freeze. It seems like we can’t think or breathe....
by Judith Filek | Aug 1, 2018 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations
Have you ever rolled your eyes at the thought of making another quarterly business review? They take a lot of time to adequately prepare, time you may not have due to other pressing deadlines. Although annoying, these business reviews are essential to providing...
by Judith Filek | Jul 1, 2018 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Team Presentations, Technical Presentations
“If you want to stand out, don’t be different; be outstanding” —Meredith West, designer Imagine that a potential buyer needs a particular solution, maybe in healthcare or one in Security. However, when the customer does his research, he finds that all the solutions...
by Judith Filek | Jun 1, 2018 | Audience, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
When that great opportunity finally comes along to make a presentation to a potential dream client, you want to be successful with a winning presentation. The question many of us have is “What is the trick?” As simplistic as it sounds, the key is in adding value. The...
by Judith Filek | May 1, 2018 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Global Communication, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations
Bias — the uncomfortable truth is that everyone biased. Stereotypes about groups of people are ubiquitous. Some of these preconceived ideas or feelings operate at a level below consciousness, and these are called implicit or unconscious biases. They are not limited to...
by Judith Filek | Apr 1, 2018 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Team Presentations, Technical Presentations
“To be persuasive, we must be believable; to be believable, we must be credible, to be credible, we must be truthful.” Edward R Murrow, journalist and news anchor Credibility is everything in the influence game. As a salesperson or someone who supports sales,...
by Judith Filek | Mar 1, 2018 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Team Presentations
As a child, many of us crossed our fingers in the hopes that we could persuade our mothers to allow us to do something, maybe go to a movie, stay up late or come in after curfew. As business people, we can’t afford to go into that all-important meeting “hoping” our...
by Lucy Wyndham | Feb 1, 2018 | Communication, Global Communication, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales
Outsourcing is the latest trend in the corporate world these days. As businesses become conscious of quality and costs, more companies are turning to hiring remote workers from global destinations to outsource their process. In fact, 35% of U.S. employees work as...
by Judith Filek | Jan 1, 2018 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Team Presentations, Technical Presentations
It shouldn’t be this way, but in many organizations, women are not seen as key players. Study after study shows that women with the same credentials do not get promoted as quickly, nor are they remunerated in the same manner. So the question is what can women do to...
by Judith Filek | Dec 1, 2017 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Team Presentations
It’s the end of the year. If you’re a salesperson, it’s a good time to reflect on how well you did in 2017. Did you make your quota? Could you have done better? While you can’t win them all, perhaps, it’s important to consider whether you made any missteps that cost...
by Judith Filek | Nov 1, 2017 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Involvement, Listening, Presentation Communication Skills
Business people have short attention spans. They are used to multi-tasking and they are often preoccupied with things in their personal and business lives. Some researchers believe that the average attention span of an adult, versus a preschooler is seven seconds. In...
by Judith Filek | Oct 1, 2017 | Communication, Content, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations, Video Conferences, Writing
For years, scholars have written about communication skills being the key to your business success. Almost every job lists strong communication skills as a requirement, but exactly what does that mean in the whole scheme of things. Companies need to develop...
by Judith Filek | Sep 1, 2017 | Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
What do people remember? As a coach, you hope people embrace your suggestions and remember the issues they found challenging after the engagement ends. Periodically, I like to touch base with these business leaders as a double check. I had the pleasure of reconnecting...
by Judith Filek | Aug 1, 2017 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Large Group Presentations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style, Technical Presentations, Video Conferences
Do you speak too fast? Does everyone tell you to slow down? Do you also have a lot of “filler” or “crutch” words? Inevitably, if you speak quickly, there will be lots of “ums, ahs and you knows.” If this is you, don’t ignore this issue. It is not okay to speak...
by Judith Filek | Jul 1, 2017 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations
Presenting your ideas to the boss is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s an opportunity to show the boss you know your stuff and you are someone with real potential. On the other hand, if you don’t do a good job or your boss is disappointed with your message,...
by Judith Filek | Jun 1, 2017 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style
Standing out on the job can seem daunting. Obviously, the message you want to send to your boss is: I’m a leader. I am someone to watch. I am likable. I am trustworthy. I deserve a promotion. I belong on your team. Ensuring that you are conveying these things to your...
by Judith Filek | May 1, 2017 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Presentation Communication Skills
Wouldn’t it be nice if your boss called you into his/her office and offered you a lovely raise? If only, right! In today’s unsettled business environment, the reality is raises aren’t automatic. So what should you do? What are your options? You can keep your fingers...
by Judith Filek | Apr 1, 2017 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Large Group Presentations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Team Presentations, Technical Presentations, Video Conferences
Where most people get hung up is the opening. However, that’s actually the most important part of a conversation. If those first few minutes aren’t rock solid, it is unlikely the audience will listen all the way to the end. People make instantaneous decisions about...
by Judith Filek | Mar 1, 2017 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Presentation Communication Skills, Technical Presentations
Don’t think because you rarely make formal presentations, your boss or your peers will forgive you for doing a poor or mediocre job. They won’t! Their expectation is that if you asked them to listen, you will make it worthwhile. Their time is too valuable to be bored...
by Judith Filek | Feb 1, 2017 | Communication, Content, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations
“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” — Oprah Winfrey “I was busy” is an excuse many of us use when we don’t do our best. When you carelessly prepare or deliver ideas, your listeners may end up confused, and consequently,...
by Judith Filek | Jan 1, 2017 | Communication, Content, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Technical Presentations
Regardless of our job, most of us have updates or presentations to give. This can take a big chunk out of our work week. Obviously, we want these presentations to “knock the socks” off our listeners. While that’s the goal, most business professionals spend 22 hours a...
by Judith Filek | Dec 1, 2016 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Large Group Presentations, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
A lot of speakers wish they could be seen as charismatic. Martin Luther King, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Steve Jobs come to mind as people who were magnetic speakers. When they spoke, people listened and remembered. Obviously, no one is born charismatic, but how...
by Judith Filek | Nov 1, 2016 | Communication, Global Communication, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills
Every major corporation with a global presence relies on virtual teams to launch products quickly and gain a competitive edge. For anyone launch, many teams are often involved. For example, a typical launch team may include marketing, sales, engineering, packaging,...
by Judith Filek | Oct 1, 2016 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style, Technical Presentations
We speak to be understood, yet as Robert Greenleaf once said, “Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much.” When asked about information overload in the House of Congress, Representative John Brockmann responded: “Most houseplants in the U.S. are...
by Judith Filek | Sep 1, 2016 | Executive Conversations, Listening, Presentation Communication Skills
Listening is the number one skill for success in business today. Poor listening skills make people angry and make them feel you don’t value them. They affect all relationships, especially business relationships. Most people think they are good listeners. In reality,...
by Judith Filek | Aug 1, 2016 | Communication, Global Communication, Presentation Communication Skills, Team Presentations
“If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together” — African saying Cory Booker’s DNC speech, July, 2016 Most mid-size and large corporations not only have a global presence, but now rely on virtual teams to help them accomplish mission...
by Judith Filek | Jul 1, 2016 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Global Communication, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style
So often when leaders speak downwardly to their direct reports, they don’t think about it. They just do it without much thought. To the person on the other side of the table or on the other side of the globe, the meeting may mean a lot. Speaking to one’s direct...
by Judith Filek | Jun 1, 2016 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style
Your boss tells you that you need to work on Executive Presence. However, you are swamped, doing the job of three people and attending one meeting after another. In theory, you agree that it would be great to develop Executive Presence, but yet, you don’t really know...
by Judith Filek | May 1, 2016 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Visual Aids
Executives tolerate slide shows. No Executive goes into a meeting hoping that you will open your laptop and begin showing slides. They prefer to have a conversation about an issue and utilize slides only when it is necessary to aid comprehension. In querying Decisions...
by Judith Filek | Apr 1, 2016 | Communication, Global Communication, Presentation Communication Skills, Video Conferences
Thirty to fifty percent of our labor force works remotely today. That’s an increase of about 300 percent in the past twenty years. With a remote workforce, companies feel they can attract smarter people, increase productivity and reduce their carbon footprint. What we...
by Judith Filek | Mar 1, 2016 | Delivery Tips, Global Communication, Language, Listening, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style
Your first quarter is almost closed. Things are already hectic and project deadlines are piling up. There is a pressure to make the numbers. Does this sound like your life as a manager? If it does, be cautious of making the work take precedence over your people...
by Judith Filek | Feb 1, 2016 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Global Communication, Large Group Presentations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style
I just returned from a month-long tour of the Asian Pacific rim, visiting Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In each country, I had a different tour guide. What struck me as impressive were their extraordinary communication skills. It occurs to me that we need to...
by Judith Filek | Jan 1, 2016 | Executive Conversations, Listening, Presentation Communication Skills
If you think you are a good listener, think again. Study after study confirms that most people listen effectively only 25% of the time. Instead of listening, they are focused on responding. What is often overlooked is that there are three levels of listening. At the...
by Judith Filek | Dec 1, 2015 | Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
Trust is a leader’s X-factor to accomplishing things faster, better and with fewer resources. However, trust must be earned. It cannot be taken for granted. A lot of leaders give lip service to wanting to build a trusting environment, but yet they do very little to...
by Judith Filek | Nov 1, 2015 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
Don’t think because you have an MBA or Advanced Certifications that you will automatically rise in an organization. We all know people who move up quickly without the credentials you have. When someone fails to move up, we notice the following problems. Small...
by Judith Filek | Oct 1, 2015 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Team Presentations, Technical Presentations
The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority — Ken Blanchard Regardless of your role in an organization, you need to persuade others to your point of view. Being able to win people’s cooperation is a critical skill for any business professional. In...
by Judith Filek | Sep 1, 2015 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Listening, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style
Communication ranges from building a relationship or gaining consensus to controlling an outcome. According to Susan Campbell, author of Saying What’s Real, almost 90% of all communication comes from the intent to control. She cautions that the more we aim to control,...
by Judith Filek | Aug 1, 2015 | Communication, Content, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
Most people get what they deserve! If they do a good job of presenting their idea, they get what they deserve. If they do a poor job, they also get what they deserve. This is what one COO I coached said at a recent lunch. My question to you is did you get what you...
by Judith Filek | Jul 1, 2015 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style
I always buy the same toothpaste, yogurt, and mayonnaise because I like the brand. Maybe you also have favorite brands. My friend is on her third Honda. My husband only drinks Miller Lite. People are loyal to particular brands because of things like their...
by Judith Filek | Jun 1, 2015 | Communication, Content, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
How many times have you wondered if anybody was really listening or cared about what you were saying when giving a presentation? Obviously, the goal is to be heard by your listeners, yet, are there ways you can be sure? Yes and here is how and what the experts do!...
by Judith Filek | May 1, 2015 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
When making a proposal to C level Executives, those CEO’s, CIO’s, CTO’s or CFO’s, it is necessary to remember their focus is on solving problems and making the company successful. They are not interested in how an issue was resolved, but that it is no longer a...
by Judith Filek | Apr 1, 2015 | Delivery Tips, Large Group Presentations, Managing Conflict, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
Sales have been lost, projects stalled and promotions given to someone else all because of the way questions were answered. Your ability to handle tough questions is critical. Since questions can make or break you, consider the following suggestions. They will help...
by Judith Filek | Mar 1, 2015 | Audience, Communication, Content, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills
Is your presentation scheduled for 3 p.m or even later? If so, you’re in the Grave Digger’s Shift. In fact, any time you speak in the afternoon, you run the risk of digging your own grave unless you are interesting and engaging. People are tired and typically have a...
by Judith Filek | Feb 1, 2015 | Communication, Content, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
Everyone wants to be influential when in front of a client, a boss or even peers. For many of us, being persuasive is a crap shoot, where sometimes things go great, but, at other times, we wish for a “do-over.” Those who are known as powerful, motivating...
by Judith Filek | Jan 1, 2015 | Delivery Tips, Global Communication, Presentation Communication Skills, Team Presentations, Video Conferences
Hosting a meeting with a team located around the globe is challenging. People come from different cultural and language backgrounds. Often, those located away from the parent company feel like stepchildren who are tolerated, but certainly not prized. When meeting with...
by Judith Filek | Dec 1, 2014 | Confidence / Nervousness, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills
Nobody wants to leave a meeting having a breakdown, wishing you would have done something differently. All of us want to be breakthrough communicators. Getting your message across doesn’t happen by accident. It depends on considering 5 key things: Preparation. First...
by Judith Filek | Nov 1, 2014 | Communication, Content, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Large Group Presentations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations
Creating a “knock your socks off” business presentation can seem overwhelming. Regardless of whether you’re making a formal presentation at a conference or sitting across the table with a client or your boss, there are three key things to remember. Captivate Motivate...
by Judith Filek | Oct 1, 2014 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style, Technical Presentations
There are three reasons ideas don’t get accepted according to Rick Maurer, author of Why Don’t You Want What I Want? Reason #1: “I don’t get it.” Reason #2: “I don’t like it.” Reason #3: “I don’t like you.” Reason #1 “I don’t get it.” If customers don’t understand...
by Judith Filek | Sep 1, 2014 | Communication, Presentation Communication Skills
Malcom Gladwell in his book, Outliers, says it takes 10,000 hours to join the ranks of “Expert.” His theory is that people who become experts at anything first want to excel, and then they put in the effort. They work hard to perfect their skill by doing it over and...
by Judith Filek | Aug 1, 2014 | Audience, Delivery Tips, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills
Is your presentation scheduled for 3 p.m. or even later? If so, you’re in the Grave Digger’s Shift. In fact, any time you speak in the afternoon, you run the risk of digging your own grave unless you are interesting and engaging. People are tired and typically have a...
by Judith Filek | Jul 1, 2014 | Delivery Tips, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills
Most of the time when people are brought together for face-to-face meetings, the purpose is for persuasion- either to accept an idea, buy a product or approve a decision. Often, these meetings are not successful because the speaker misunderstands the need for audience...
by Judith Filek | Jun 1, 2014 | Presentation Communication Skills, Team Presentations
Most business professionals, regardless of their industry, participate in team presentations. The team approach ideally reinforces the idea that each person will take ownership of the success of the project or the account and also that each person is an essential...
by Judith Filek | May 1, 2014 | Confidence / Nervousness, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales
Carly Fiorina was CEO of the Hewlett Packard organization for over 5 years. Fiorina was a charismatic leader and was extremely successful in rallying the board around her ideas and her strategies. Despite several missed profit expectations and an 8% drop in stock...
by Judith Filek | Apr 1, 2014 | Communication, Content, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Technical Presentations
We all know that a speaker needs to be heard, whether it is in giving an update on a project, advising a client on an investment opportunity or explaining the functionality of a new product. Yet so often, business professionals are not heard. They do not connect with...
by Judith Filek | Mar 1, 2014 | Communication, Content, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
One-on-one meetings can often be intense. Obviously, it is important to showcase your best self – a person who is confident and committed to his or her ideas. Your body language says it all. To deliver your message and wow, consider the following suggestions. Lean in....
by Judith Filek | Feb 1, 2014 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills
From the time we are babies, we try to persuade others. Babies want more milk, elementary school kids want to stay up late and teens want the car. Given the fact that we have been practicing persuasion for so many years, you would think that as adults we would be...
by Judith Filek | Jan 1, 2014 | Audience, Involvement, Listening, Presentation Communication Skills
If you think you are a good listener, think again. Study after study confirms that most people listen effectively only 25% of the time. Instead of listening, they are focused on responding. What is often overlooked is that there are three levels of listening. At the...
by Judith Filek | Dec 1, 2013 | Communication, Content, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
If your approach to being successful in a one on one meeting is to keep your fingers crossed and “hope” it turns out well, you risk disappointment. Applause winning meetings take thoughtful preparation and flawless execution. The following tips may turn the tide for...
by Judith Filek | Nov 1, 2013 | Confidence / Nervousness, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
People who are extraordinary communicators don’t start out that way. They work at getting better. They take communicating effectively seriously. They practice. They learn the When, Where, How and Why to improving the way they communicate. When: People who are fabulous...
by Judith Filek | Oct 1, 2013 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
Filler words, such as “um,” “ah,” “like” and “ok,” represent verbal static or noise that your listeners have to filter out. The more fillers you have, the more difficult it is for your listeners to hear your message. Minimizing these annoying irritants will boost your...
by Judith Filek | Sep 1, 2013 | Content, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills
Presentations that change minds are not overly complex. They are simple with a limited number of key points. If you want to impress your listeners, don’t “supersize” the portion of information you give them. They aren’t that hungry. They will leave much of what you...
by Judith Filek | Aug 1, 2013 | Communication, Content, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
Most people enjoy humor. They love to laugh. However, when it comes to the workplace, opinions vary. Some people feel it’s a good thing, others do not. Even in the camp that says humor is a good thing, a lot of folks would say they are just not funny! Humor, if done...
by Judith Filek | Jul 1, 2013 | Communication, Content, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales
Savvy presenters know you have to get two things right, your opening and your close. If you do those well, you will be a success because people remember the first words out of your mouth and the last. However, while presenters know the importance of a strong opening...
by Judith Filek | Jun 1, 2013 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Content, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
We’ve all heard the old adage, “Practice makes perfect.” Practice doesn’t make perfect; it makes permanent! It can reinforce bad or wrong habits. Getting to the next level in your communication skills depends on knowing what you are doing well and what you doing that...
by Judith Filek | May 1, 2013 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Content, Presentation Communication Skills, Technical Presentations
Little things matter when it comes to influencing others. Overlooking these may be costly since they cause confusion and delay a decision. The wise communicator avoids the Big Seven Sins or missteps like the following: Leaving research and preparation to the last...
by Judith Filek | Apr 1, 2013 | Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
Rarely, does anyone make it into the senior ranks of a company without being a terrific communicator. It just doesn’t happen. However, it is a mistake to think that the “C” Suite Executive is someone who, by nature, is good at communicating. No one is born a great...
by Judith Filek | Mar 1, 2013 | Communication, Content, Presentation Communication Skills
Most people feel they are unique. Before they can be receptive to your ideas or recommendations, they need to know you “get them.” As you speak to any individual or group, apply or link your points to the things they care about- and do it often! Do it at the...
by Judith Filek | Feb 1, 2013 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Large Group Presentations, Presentation Communication Skills
Speaking publicly to a group can be traumatizing. In fact, Jerry Seinfeld, comedian extraordinaire, joked about preferring to be in the coffin than to be the person giving the eulogy. If you are one of those people that find themselves anxious, here are some tried and...
by Judith Filek | Jan 1, 2013 | Content, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills
Connecting with Executives doesn’t happen automatically. It takes understanding what is important to them and learning how they think. In the years that IMPACT Communication has worked with those at the top, here are some of their comments on what makes a difference....
by Judith Filek | Dec 1, 2012 | Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
Robert Cialdini, the author of Weapons of Influence and The Psychology of Persuasion, is a leading expert in the area of influence and influencing. In his books, he identifies critical principles that generate desirable change. We have grouped his key points under...
by Judith Filek | Nov 1, 2012 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Executive Conversations, Managing Conflict, Presentation Communication Skills
Have you ever left a meeting wishing you had a chance for a “do over?” The bad impression you left is often indelible, and it may leave senior leaders questioning your capabilities. When we queried managers, directors and VP’s from an assortment of industries as to...
by Judith Filek | Oct 1, 2012 | Communication, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales
Being a Trusted Advisor, in the eyes of many experts, is the Holy Grail. It’s what you should strive to become if you are selling a product or a service. It takes time and perseverance to develop such a relationship, but the rewards for both parties are enormous....
by Judith Filek | Sep 1, 2012 | Audience, Delivery Tips, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills
When that great opportunity finally comes along to make a presentation to a potential dream client, you want to be successful. The question many of us have is “What is the trick?” As simplistic as it sounds, the key is in adding value. The more clearly you can...
by Judith Filek | Aug 1, 2012 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales
High performing companies know the value of building relationships with their customers and vendors. Relationships drive growth and revenue. They carry you through the tough times and may even give you an edge if there are shared intimacies. However, while we know...
by Judith Filek | Jul 1, 2012 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Content, Delivery Tips, Executive Conversations, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales, Speaking Style, Team Presentations, Technical Presentations
Is your presentation scheduled for 3 p.m or even later? If so, you’re in the Grave Digger’s Shift. In fact, any time you speak in the afternoon, you run the risk of digging your own grave unless you are interesting and engaging. People are tired and typically have a...
by Judith Filek | Jun 1, 2012 | Communication, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills
Facilitating a meeting can be frustrating. Often, nothing gets accomplished. People start talking among themselves, or they start texting on their phone. No one seems to know where the meeting is going. To get results, you need to understand some key principles. Have...
by Judith Filek | May 1, 2012 | Communication, Content, Executive Conversations, Large Group Presentations, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
Just as competitive athletes visualize the outcome of their performance before the game begins, it makes a lot of sense for you to do the same thing. Never go into a meeting with only a vague idea of what you want to accomplish. Know ahead what you want people to...
by Judith Filek | Apr 1, 2012 | Communication, Confidence / Nervousness, Content, Delivery Tips, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
Every athlete knows that if you want to perform well, you have to have a strong core. They also know that the time to strengthen their core is not while running a marathon or playing 18 holes of golf. It needs to happen long before and gradually over time. The same is...
by Judith Filek | Mar 1, 2012 | Content, Executive Conversations, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills, Speaking Style
Picture yourself attending a staff meeting. How happy are you when the host of the meeting drones on about the numbers or the specifications of a product. Most of us hate lectures. What we do like and appreciate is a great conversation. So how do you as a speaker turn...
by Judith Filek | Feb 1, 2012 | Communication, Content, Presentation Communication Skills
Convincing people to act on your ideas is an art. If you are one of the people who approach preparing content by opening PowerPoint, this newsletter is for you. What follows are five content tips that will help you to create high impact presentations. On the surface,...
by Judith Filek | Jan 1, 2012 | Presentation Communication Skills, Team Presentations, Technical Presentations
We speak to be understood, yet as Robert Greenleaf once said, “Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much.” When asked about information overload in the House of Congress, Representative John Brockmann responded: “Most houseplants in the U.S. are...
by Judith Filek | Dec 1, 2011 | Communication, Executive Conversations, Involvement, Presentation Communication Skills, Sales
Most managers or executives begrudging attend meetings with vendors or salespeople. They look upon them as an interruption. The last thing they want when they are busy is more information about a product or service thrown at them. When they actually do meet with you,...
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