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?
