[Image by Engin_Akyurt of Pixabay] So you have a press conference to prepare for…good for you! What do you need to know? First, let’s agree on the purpose of a press conference. A press conference is a method of communication with the media and is an effective way to advance the cause of your organization. … Read More
Communication Style
Using an Individual’s Name
[Image by Maicon Fonseca Zanco of Pixabay] How often do you use an individual’s name? According to Dale Carnegie, the sweetest sound we hear is our name. When I coach professionals to sound their best, I always say it’s best to use an individual’s name when conversing with them. The reasons are as follows: It … Read More
Head to Toe
[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay] We say so much and may not even realize it. Communication occurs both verbally and non-verbally which is why I coach my clients about using head to toe communication as much as possible. The key to effective communication is the use of variation. Without variation, speakers may be too … Read More
Does it make Cents?
[Image by Brett Hondow of Pixabay] Some things don’t make good business cents…and some do. Take for instance the benefits and risks to a company regarding effective or ineffective communication. First, let’s examine the potential company risks which include: Inability to attract qualified job applicants. Poor hiring decisions. Miscommunication of key information resulting in either … Read More
Purposeful Practice
[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay] Most of us had heard or said “practice makes perfect.” But is there truth in this statement? I advise my clients to not believe this but rather that purposeful practice makes perfect. You may be wondering what the difference is between these two phrases…a lot. When one says practice … Read More
Do you paint your words?
[Image by ulleo of Pixabay] We may not think of ourselves as “painters” or even “artists” and yet as public speakers, it’s imperative to paint our words. Best way to do so is to say something that evokes the senses in our listeners. For example, a speaker can state facts about the beach or…a speaker … Read More
Mover and Shaker
[Image by Shutterbug75 of Pixabay] As a public speaker, are you a mover and a shaker? If not, you may want to ask yourself these ten questions: What do I want to accomplish? Don’t try to fly by the seat of your pants or attempt to be impromptu. What does my audience expect, think or … Read More
Make a Positive Impression
[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay] Who doesn’t want to make a positive impression? The goal in all communication is to make a positive impression because that’s what is most remembered. Think about a job interview, a presentation, or a meeting. In each instance, it’s imperative to make a positive impression…but how is that done? … Read More
Slides: Mistakes to Avoid
[Image by Pexels of Pixabay] Most public speakers use slides…but are they necessary and if so are they used correctly? Here are five common slide mistakes to avoid: Assuming you need slides in your presentation. This is an important distinction to make. I’ve both used and not used slides. I make that decision based on whether … Read More
You’re Worth It
[Image from John Hain of Pixabay] Do you know your worth? For many of us, particularly public speakers, this is the million dollar question! Sometimes as an attendee, we feel disappointed because the speaker: Talks too long. Provides few if any examples. Gives little in the way of statistics. Is mundane at best. Offers no … Read More