Communing as community

In this month's blog I reflect on how my practice as a communications coach is informed by my work as a playwright.

And check out this link for upcoming dates for Executive Communications Skills: The One-Day Blitz.

Tips you can use!

Show, don't tell

It's true that one picture is worth a thousand words. Remember that when you put your slide deck together. Peppering a slide with words and then reading them to your audience is just plain boring! And if you don't read what is on the slide but talk over it, your audience will be doubly confused.

It's OK if they see you breathe. . .

And not just because you need to breathe to speak. Becoming overly self-conscious while speaking is a trap to avoid. Stay out of your mental cul-de-sac by saying "yes" to the breath; do it deeply, freely, and proudly!

Away with vocal fry

Or creaky voice or "gravelly ugh" (my pet name). Whatever you call it, it might be acceptable in private conversation, but when you stand up to speak in public, that sound can undercut your credibility. Using such a voice gives the impression that you're not at all well or you just don't care. Hard to overcome either and still be seen as professional.