Professional Communication

What separates a good speech from a great speech?

A good speech has a clear, relevant message supported by facts. A great speech has a clear, relevant message supported by stories that make the topic being discussed more interesting and more memorable.

The goal of every speech is to be memorable and informative. People are inundated with messages and speeches in some shape or form on a daily basis. How can you help make your message stick? One of the simplest ways to make a speech memorable is to tell a story that serves as a real-life example of your message. A relevant, well-told anecdote engages audience members in a way that PowerPoint presentations or statistical data can’t. When an audience is engaged, they are more likely to retain the information being presented. If the story is interesting enough they may even relay it to someone else, spreading your message even further. People […]

The Music of Your Speech

Musicians and dancers talk about “musicality” in their respective arts. They say it’s something you feel in your bones and your muscles when you are performing. It’s interpreting the music, or the dance, through how it is performed. Speakers, too, can display charisma in this manner.

The charisma we’re talking about here comes from your gestures, the expressions on your face while you are speaking in public, smiling with your whole body, not just your lips; it’s the emotion you are conveying through your words and your visage. Your audience can truly sense your intention, passion, and meaning if you know how to communicate with charisma. If you are speaking to persuade, such as in politics or sales – all the better because you need your audience to feel the musicality in your voice and see it in your movements.

Especially during the summer because […]

Creating Powerful Impressions Everyday

As a business professional, your day is filled with interactions ranging from short telephone calls to important conversations with colleagues, sales presentations, and the occasional formal speech.

Each interaction, even the simplest conversation, presents an opportunity to make an impression and have an impact on others. What type of impression are you leaving? How effective are your communication skills?  As you either thumb through your daily planner or scan through your palm pilot, review your recent interactions.  Did any of the following issues arise?

  • You were asked to speak up or repeat yourself
  • Your message was misunderstood
  • You couldn’t get the full attention of your audience
  • You didn’t get the results or reactions you had anticipated
  • You didn’t make the sale or close the transaction

These phenomena are quite common in the course of the typical business day. What causes these missed opportunities?  Usually the […]

How to “Work” Your Networking

human-757444_1280As an entrepreneur or an employee, your average day is filled with interactions with others. In addition to phone calls, formal speeches or presentations, training sessions, media interactions, and numerous dialogues with colleagues and customers or clients, networking events can be some of the most important venues for making a good first impression!

Many people are reluctant to meet strangers at networking events due to introversion or shyness. The simple truth is that many –if not all—of those same people feel similarly and are hesitant to initiate conversations in new social situations.  Similar interests help former strangers become professional contacts and possibly even friends! Take the initiative to approach someone and introduce yourself with confidence, class, and charisma. The bright fist impression you make with the effectual body language and a strong, clear voice could open up doors to your personal and professional […]

Who’s On First?

sport-640831_1280Proposals delivered by multiple people from the same company or organization are interesting to watch from a “30,000 foot” view. There are many people involved; each has an agenda. What is their focus? Who should talk, when, and for how long? What is everyone’s individual role? Did the group come across as they envisioned?

Here’s a scenario for you: a business with two different teams — the creative team and the sales team­­ — will be proposing to a potential client. Each of these teams go into a proposal with specific goals. The creative team is, by definition, creative. The creative team, of course, wants the prospect to embrace the concepts and strategies, to love the ideas, and to imagine the success that can come from their wonderful design. And this can be duly accomplished if the vision is unambiguously portrayed by a […]

7 Tips For Giving A Great Speech

teacher-309403_1280I’ve heard it said that at a funeral, most people would rather be in the casket then giving the eulogy. Speaking can be a frightening thing for most people, but once you conquer that fear, the world can open up for you. Whether it’s a short speech during a monthly meeting at work or a presentation that promotes your business, speaking is a great way to get noticed and move forward with your goals. Here are a few tips that will help you present like a professional:

1. Get focused. Take 5-10 minutes to do some deep breathing or meditation before your speech. Set your intention. What do you want people to get from this speech? Visualize the outcome. What do you want people to say to you when the speech is finished? Get a clear picture of the outcome in your […]

Tips to prepare yourself for selling by phone

smartphone-431230_1280Prepare for your call by making sure your style of communication (the HOW) matches your message.  To start off with a warm, friendly message:

  1. Think of a key word which represents the tone of voice you wish to create (warm, friendly), such as “tender”, “calm”, “sunshine”, “cozy”.  Repeat that one key word to yourself several times with emphasis until you feel it.
  2. Picture the mental image.  Visualize hugging a child or your spouse, wrapping up in a blanket by the fireplace, walking along the beach in the bright sun.  Make the picture clear and vivid.
  3. Change the sound of your voice by changing your body tone and placement.
  • For a warm, friendly voice you must first relax. Inhale, then exhale slowly.
  • Look into the mirror and smile.
  • Talk expressively with energy.
  • Move.  Make your movements BIG and FLUID.

Good Business Cent$

money-605077_1280TOP 10 BENEFITS TO A COMPANY ENSURING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION:

10.   Attracting and hiring qualified and desirable employees.
9.     Employees are managed effectively and motivated which increases productivity.
8.     Job tasks are readily understood and properly executed reducing the margin of error.
7.     Information is well organized and disseminated correctly, facilitating meeting deadlines.
6.     Interactions with vendors are consistent, which enhances purchasing power.
5.     Staff longevity is increased due to greater loyalty to the employer.
4.     Perception of the company is strengthened which helps to promote future growth and development, leading to increased revenue.
3.     Internal customer satisfaction is enhanced which increases quality assurance.
2.     External customer satisfaction is increased helping to retain existing customer base.
1.     Satisfied external customers readily support your company which encourages new customers and leads to increased […]

Say It Like You Mean It – And Be Remembered!

How is your 60 second introduction?  Are you using words and phrases that will connect you with the people you are meeting with everyday?

For example if you are an IT professional, what are you saying that will help the people you are networking with and meeting with understand exactly who you are and what you do?

Does your introduction sound like this?
“Hello, my name is David, and I work for XYZ IT Solutions, and I am a developer.”

That introduction is not very memorable, is it?  Why don’t you try something like this:
“Hello my name is David, and I take the headache out of managing companies websites, so they can focus what they do best!”

Or what if you are a financial planner?  What is it that you say that will help the people you are meeting understand your business?   How about:
“Hello, I am work with […]

Tips for Creating Professional Video Blogs

Watched a few local business video blogs last week.  Certainly the blogs allow for the dissemination of information and quick messaging to staff and to customers.  The words we heard were all good messages.  You and I both know, though, that communication follows the “93/7 Rule”.  7% of what is communicated comes from the words chosen.  A full 93% comes from the image left behind from body language, nonverbals, facial expressions, and inflection (tone of voice).  In our office, we’ve certainly seen the need to provide more seminars on how to create impressive videos. We had a video wall from GSEAV installed and everyone loves it. Watch for details; however, here are a few thoughts which may guide your next videos.

  • “Shakey Cam” may be good for personal videos to friends and family, especially if you and they are young(ish).  Not so much for business.  Seriously, think […]
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