November 2014

                       Solving the Maze

This month's blog post discusses the power of patterns in our lives, and how our awareness of them can lead to better speaking.

Thanks to all of you have shown interest in my workshops. If you had been meaning to come experience my Executive Communincations Skills: One-Day Blitz! you have one more chance to do so this year. More info here.

Tips you can use!

Don't memorize. . .

Unless your speech is under 60 seconds or you have at least two weeks to commit those words to memory. You'd be better off spending your precious time refining and right-sizing your message. Take your notes and use them.

Put some oomph into it!  
It's OK to let your enthusiasm show. Really. If you are captivated by a project or just love sharing good reports from your team, let your listeners know. Don't equate "business-like" and "serious" with "flat" and "boring." No one is going to kick you out of a meeting or off the stage for making your statements with energy and feeling.

Take care of yourself
You know the drill, so do it! Get plenty of sleep. Exercise daily. Eat a balanced diet. Hydrate. Get a flu shot. Healthier is happier -- and more productive. 

photo credit: odolphie via photopin cc

October 2014

Don't worry; it'll be good for you!

My October blog post deals with the less lustrous side of those surprise "golden opportunities."

Thanks to all of you have shown interest in my workshops. And a special "thank you" to those who have passed workshop information on to others. I am anticipating a very busy December, so I will offer 2014's final one-day workshops in November. More info here.

Tips you can use!

Use second person for pep talks

When you need to give yourself a confidence boost before you present, do not talk to yourself as "I" but rather "you." Using your name with a sincere "you can do it" gives more positive reinforcement than an "'I've got this." Try it! 

Honor your punctuation 
You knew it was right to put a period at the end of that sentence. You indented or double-spaced to indicate a new paragraph. So deliver your speech that way! Your listeners need to hear those transitions since they can't see them.

Don't wear tight shoes
Or tight skirts or tight collars or anything else that constricts you. When you sacrifice comfort for a sleeker silhouette, your audience and conversation partners can see it on your face. It's hard to relax when your feet are killing you!

September 2014

One step and before you know it. . .

My September newsletter features a reflection comparing a child's mastery of locomotion to devlopment of successful messaging.

As always, you can also find more info about my upcoming workshops.

And for a good giggle, visit here: see examples of what not to do when you have the opportunity to speak! The latest one is a doozie. 

Tips you can use!

Get back in shape

If your speech/presentation is less than two weeks away, you need to get back to your breathing/vocal warm-up routine. Even if you are just starting to work on your power point or outline your speech. Getting back in "speaking trim" can't wait till the last minute.

Build a "bridge phrase"

We all need a few words to give us time to think once in awhile. Find a phrase you feel comfortable with, and practice, practice, practice till it feels natural rolling off your tongue. It will be there when you need it--and can help banish those unprofessional "um"s and "so"s.

Don't be unresponsive

Way back when, speakers could get by not answering a tough question by responding to the one they wish  had been asked. No more! Try that now, and you lose credibility by being labelled as someone who can't listen.