"Seek connection, not perfection," Judith Grant, executive speaking coach.
Judy | May 15, 2012
I was speaking with a client this morning who told me his boss was a superb speaker. In fact, he said, there are times it makes him jealous. My client said he is witness to his boss jotting notes on cue cards for 15 minutes, only to take the stage a few minutes later and [...]
Judy | April 13, 2012
I was at a party recently chatting with a small group of people when a new person entered the group, listened for a moment and then said “yeah, but…” As you might imagine, the group was ever-so-slightly put off. Why? Because “Yeah, but” is language that sets up opposition. “Yeah, but I hear “yeah but” [...]
Judy | March 13, 2012
“Speak up!”, “Don’t mumble!”. Did you hear these words when you were growing up? If so, your mother was right. Poor enunciation and projection render otherwise good communication ineffective. When you speak, you want to be heard – literally. If you speak softly or do not enunciate clearly, your audience may not hear your message. [...]
Judy | February 3, 2012
Reception. It’s crucial in football and in speaking. When the quarterback passes the football, the goal is for the ball to be received. The same is true when you speak. You make your point and the audience needs a moment to receive what you say. This is why the skillful practice of the “pause” is [...]
Judy | January 1, 2012
Our fresh take on classic New Year’s resolutions will help you communicate effectively as an executive and leader and to succeed in 2012. Sticking to these speaking tips will keep your communications sharp and clear and your team inspired, aligned and focused on the goals you’ve set for the year. Whether speaking during a meeting, [...]
Judy | December 5, 2011
“Rapid Speak” gets a lot of people in trouble. What is rapid speak? Speaking uncomfortably fast for the listener. A number of years ago, FedEx ran a famous, amusing commercial that illustrates the tension produced by rapid speak. For some, rapid speech is their natural speed. For others, it’s a by product of anxiety. And [...]
Judy | November 7, 2011
More and more executives are inquiring about training for video presentations. Organizations are using YouTube, video interviews, webcasts and website videos to reach a wide audience with key company messages delivered personally by the corporate leaders. If you’ve done some video you know it’s not as easy as it looks. To get you started: With [...]
Judy | September 21, 2011
The second in a two-part series on Netflix CEO Reed Hastings’ attempt to apologize to subscribers for recent changes to the Netflix service and fees. In July 2011 the company announced the DVD-by-mail and streaming video service would be charged for separately and that the combined Netflix fee increases would be up to 60% higher [...]
Judy | September 21, 2011
This is the first in a two-part series on Netflix CEO Reed Hastings’ attempt to apologize to subscribers for recent changes to the service and fees. In July 2011 the company announced the DVD-by-mail and streaming video service would be charged for separately and that the combined Netflix fee increases would be up to 60% [...]
Judy | September 6, 2011
How is speaking before a group like being a world-class swimmer? The performance of both can be impaired by worry and anxiety. Nine-time Olympic swim champion Dara Torres, 42 years old, was co-captain of the US team competing in the 2009 FINA world championship. She nearly blew her first major international competition in 1984 when [...]
