Our conversational rate of speech differs from person to person. However, in professional and business settings, we should focus on speaking more slowly. A rapid pace can lead to listeners’ mishearing, which weakens the professional message—something to be avoided in …
When giving a presentation or teaching a class (virtual or in-person) start out with a clear idea of the time allowed. Start with a draft of the material you plan to cover. Create bullet points for the key ideas.Decide what material …
*Start Strong:Regardless of your skill level, avoid starting a presentation or speech with an apology. Don’t begin by telling colleagues that you’ve never done this before. Hold back from asking for their understanding if you make mistakes or stumble. Prepare a strong …
Start Strong, No Excuses, and Delay the Post-Mortem. Read more »
Most speakers have experienced brain freeze. Your mind blanks, your brain stops working, and all you hear is white noise. Why does it happen: Anxiety. The speaker feels anxious and unsure. Pacing. The speaker talks so quickly that the …
Brain Freeze! How to Stop It and How to Handle It. Read more »
Phone calls will always remain a key part of business communications. Whether you are making a sales pitch, connecting with a long-standing client, or doing an initial job interview, having strong phone skills will help you achieve your goal. Preparation: …
My Top 5 Tips for How to Make Effective and Productive Phone Calls. Read more »
There are occasions when a speaker has to work from a prepared script. However, the goal is still to come across as natural and authentic while maintaining good eye contact. To ensure you engage and connect with your audience, follow …
How to Read Your Speech or Presentation and Still Sound Natural. Read more »
Layering stories (examples) into your presentations adds detail, creates mental images, and makes dry or remote information more accessible. Studies show that ideas are more readily accepted when put into a narrative structure as opposed to an analytical structure. Listeners …
Many speakers struggle with choosing the first words to get their presentation started. They know what to say, but they can’t figure out the opening sentence (or two) to grab their listener’s attention. A few opening gambits that are well-known …
Many people see small talk as a waste of time. They would be wrong to do so; small talk is a big deal. When we meet face to face, we ease into discussions with a little bit of ‘conversational grease,’ …
Small Talk Matters. Top Tips to Get You Talking. Read more »
For many business people, making phone calls is a critical part of their day. Some calls are more casual conversations with colleagues or clients. However, a high percentage of calls are important opportunities to reach out to new clients, reassure …