When You Can Only Influence
To be influenced, people must: Understand your argument, Accept your argument, Trust you.
What It Takes to be a Master Speaker
Presenters only become experts when they speak often and practice hard.
My Face—Your Face. Is Face to Face Communication Necessary Today?
While business professionals accept that new methods are cost effective, they are offended when there is not in person communication in certain situations.
Build Credibility with Every E-mail You Write
E-mails can either build or erode credibility. For e-mails to differentiate you in a positive light, take the time to write them clearly and concisely.
Clarity—It’s Rule #1 in Writing!
What you write reflects on your intelligence, thoroughness and professionalism. It is the image you are sending of yourself to your clients and colleagues. Being known as a clear communicator is a feather in your cap.
Cardinal Rule #1—End on Time
Repeat after me, it is not okay to end meetings late. When moderators say, “I am sorry we ended 15 minutes over time, but I hope you found it valuable,” it is not really all right. People have commitments. Sometimes, they are rushing to airports or to pick up children...
Thinking on Your Feet—It’s not Impossible!
If you think it is impossible to think on one’s feet, you are not alone. Many business professionals dread speaking to senior level executives or important customers for fear their brains will freeze and decision makers will see them as the village idiot. There are...
Emotion—the Fast Lane to Motivating Listeners to Take Action
Can you remember a time when you attended a meeting, only to be lulled into an occasional listening mode because of one dull fact after another? Just like you, your listeners will tune out quickly if you don’t capture and hold their attention. After all, most business...
Presenting—A Transference of Enthusiasm
Presenting your ideas so that people are motivated to take action requires a transfer of enthusiasm. From your first words, you must demonstrate you believe in what you say. You must show true gusto in your body language and voice. Anything less seems incongruous, and...
What It Takes to Make Your Points Stand Out
Winston Churchill once said, “If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time– a tremendous whack!” Most speakers want their points to come...
Delivering Bad News Messages
The economic downturn has affected all businesses. Consequently, many of us are now in the position of delivering bad news messages. It is not easy, but the way that message is communicated is critical. It leaves a lasting impression of you and the company. People who...
Out of Work? Changing Jobs? Better Do Some PR!
Are you out of work or thinking of changing jobs? Before you do anything, perform some PR on yourself. Assess what the Perception of you as a communicator, versus the Reality. We can see ourselves as a highly polished, competent business professional, but if the...
If You Rest, You Rust!
Helen Hayes (1900-1993) was the quintessential actress of her day. When asked why she continued to act well into her seventies and eighties, she said, “If you rest, you rust.” As speakers, we can’t assume our communication skills are good enough. Miscommunication is...
Selling Yourself in A Down Economy
As the economy continues to plummet, businesses weigh every internal and external decision very carefully. To save money internally, decision-makers are looking closely at their own headcount. Non-essential jobs and marginal performers are being eliminated quickly....
Three Cardinal Sins That Will Derail an Executive Conversation
Most business people make presentations to executives, whether it is internally to senior managers for status updates or externally to clients or customers for purchase approval. Often, these are one-time golden opportunities. They require careful planning and...
- Are You Prepared?
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 accomplish. It is not okay to say you were too busy. Think of the time and effort it costs you trying to fix a bad engagement. So what should you consider?
- Take a Breath!
Our voice is our calling card when we conduct business on the phone. If we want to make a positive impression, our voice should communicate warmth, friendliness, sincerity, and confidence. The question is how can we do it? The source of our vocal power is breathing. How deeply we inhale and how freely we exhale […]
- Managing the Jitters
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, you may forever be sitting on the sidelines. The anticipation of speaking to an executive might make anyone anxious and unable to perform at their best. It is essential that you harness those nervous jitters
- Hey, Let’s Move This Along
To end your call, start using the listener’s name and start speaking in the past tense. “John, I am so happy we were successful in troubleshooting your problem. Is there anything else I can help you with today because I know you want to get back to work?” Before you terminate the call, be sure to go over any action items for the customer.
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