May 2015

Conversation stoppers

Are you constantly being- - -where did you put my . . . oh, sorry . . . you were saying? In my lastest blog post I write about different views on interruptions.

And if you haven't done your professional skills spring tune-up, may I suggest my Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz? Check my workshop schedule for upcoming workshop dates.

Tips you can use!

Look into the lens

When you're taping and the interviewer or producer tells you to look into the camera, make sure you do it. Though we naturally disengage from our speaking partner occasionally in "real life"—to avoid the awkward stare—doing so on camera makes you look shifty. So keep your eyes glued to the lens.

Keep your chin down
Be sure to keep the top of your head parallel to the ceiling when you are speaking. Short people in particular have a tendency to tip the chin up, which is unattractive (especially on video) and puts unnecessary strain on your voice. If you are speaking to someone much taller, take a step back to increase your viewing angle.

It's OK to say "I don't know"
In the information age you can't be expected to know everything at any given second. If you make something up, chances are someone else in the room will have Googled the real answer by the time you've finished.

April 2015

Digging out from winter

This month's blog post features news about a project I have been working on this winter, and a reminder to schedule all of your spring tune-ups.

More details available on the schedule for my Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz!

Tips you can use!

Don't bury your lead
If you're doing any kind of Q & A,  it's best to get to the point right away. Don't embellish or feel you need to give lots of context. Answer the question as clearly and succinctly as possible. At worst, over-explaining can land you in hot water. At best, you'll bore the audience. Not much of a choice, is it?

Practice your zen face
If you've been told your face in repose makes you looks mean or unhappy, you're not alone! Lots of us look a little "frowny" when we're thinking. Get comfortable wearing a "zen face"—relaxed, not super-smiley or overly (falsely) enthusiastic—and those comments will disappear.

A word about PowerPoint
Don't! . . . unless you need those charts, graphs or maps—and then make sure they are big enough to be seen at the back of the room. Don't be lazy and just put your outline up. Find a thematic visual that reinforces your theme. Or just tell the story. Revisit my blog post to find out why.
 

March 2015

In your own voice

When you speak, the words that come out of your mouth need to be authentic and genuine. My latest blog explains why Shakespeare sounds like Shakespeare and you need to sound like you.

Feeling your communications skills are getting a little rusty? It may be time for a spring check-up. Join me for Executive Communications Skills: One-Day Blitz! Check my workshop schedule for a new spring workshop dates.

Tips you can use!

Less is more

In terms of text: have three points, possibly four, per speech. Organize and practice so you will finish in less time than you are allotted. This allows time for Things To Go Wrong (which they do) as well as Q & A (which audiences love).

No last minute check-ups
Give yourself enough time to check hair, make-up, and accessories before you get in your "places" position. Focus on how you feel before you walk onstage, not how you look. Most of us will always appear less-than-perfect in our own mirrors. Is that really where you want to put your energy right  before you speak?

Make seasonal adjustments
Speaking while suffering from allergies presents a challenge, but you can mitigate their effect by doing a thorough vocal warm-up. See this blog post for more details.