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No Problem...and Other Negative Expressions to Avoid

No Problem…and Other Negative Expressions to Avoid

How often have you heard the following phrases? No problem I can’t do that You’ll have to I’m not going to discuss that I’m not going to take up your time I’m not going to go into detail That will never work It’s a good idea, but It is so easy to fall into the […]

How to Make a Keynote Presentation More Engaging

Today’s speakers need to do more than impart information to their listeners. With all the competition for attention, speakers like you know it is important to connect with and engage your audiences. That may be pretty easy to do with a small group or meeting, but how about when you are speaking at a forum, […]

Six Ways to Become a Super-Listener

Six Ways to Become a Super-Listener

You know how full every minute of your day is. Packed with meetings, phone conversations, travel, family commitments, e-mail. It goes on and on. But if we let our busy lives get in the way of good listening, there is a steep price to pay. That price includes losses in efficiency, effectiveness, and even in […]

How to Foster Communication that is Honest, Clear and Direct

How to Foster Communication that is Honest, Clear and Direct

How are you at speaking directly and clearly? Some of us like to “sugar coat” the truth so we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Others are “too blunt” to the point of harshness. If you fall in one camp or the other, finding a balanced approach might be a better way to go. Pay attention to […]

Closing your Meeting or Presentation with Finesse

Closing your Meeting or Presentation with Finesse

“Well, I guess that’s about all I have.” “Well, I guess we are out of time.” “That’s about it.” How do you close your meetings and presentations? Hopefully not like these endings, which are common enough, but entirely ineffective. Closing your presentation can be challenging, especially if you have run out of time, taken a number […]

How to Build Trust and Engagement in your Introductions

Are you prepared to introduce yourself in a way that builds credibility and trust? If you are uneasy or uncomfortable introducing yourself, or do it poorly, your presentation, meeting or training session can get off to a bad start. Take time to plan and rehearse your openings. Guidelines: State your name clearly, maybe more than […]

When No News Isn't Good News: What You Team Members Want To Know About Change

When No News Isn’t Good News: What You Team Members Want To Know About Change

Your organization is undergoing a significant change, and your team is worried. They want to know all the details about the change. Right now. Trouble is, all the details are not yet spelled out. Plus you have been asked to wait to talk about some aspects of the  change until others have been notified. No […]

How to be Sure Your Listeners are "Getting it"

How to be Sure Your Listeners are “Getting it”

Whether you are training, leading a meeting, or giving a formal presentation, effective speaking is more than just “telling.” It is also about making sure your listeners get the message you intend. To be sure your listeners understand and remember what you have said, select from these strategies, depending on the situation and your comfort […]

How to Choose the Right Words

How to Choose the Right Words

Do you ever get tongue-tied when you speak? Have trouble thinking of the right words to make your point? It’s frustrating when you can’t automatically find the right words. Let’s think about why that happens, and how you can build more fluency in your speech. First, consider the redundancy in word choices. When you are […]