How to tell a good story

| May 23, 2014

Good stories help speakers make an impact. People remember well-told stories.

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Alleviate Anxiety Tip #3: Breathe

| February 28, 2014

This is the third post in a three-part series focused on helping you alleviate anxiety before giving a presentation. When clients tell me they feel anxious prior to their remarks, or, as they jump into the opening of remarks, or, the need to rush  “to get all the material” covered, I ask them about their [...]

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Alleviate Anxiety Tip #2: Support your Voice

| February 22, 2014

This is the second post in a three-part series focused on helping you alleviate anxiety before giving a presentation. Many people suffer from fear and anxiety about speaking in front of groups. This tip will ensure your voice quality is high on game day. Our voice specialist, Cynthia Bassham tells us that we do need [...]

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Alleviate Anxiety Tip #1: Energize your brain

| February 15, 2014

This is the first post in a three-part series focused on helping you alleviate anxiety before giving a presentation. Many people suffer from fear and anxiety about speaking in front of groups. Did you know that you can reduce anxiety by nourishing your brain? You can. Fueling your brain will also reduce your fatigue and [...]

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Connect with your audience

| October 8, 2013

As you prepare for your next important meeting, consider how you will connect with your audience. By doing so, you will earn the audience’s attention and be afforded the opportunity to influence them.   Consider Who is your audience and what do they care about? Why should this specific audience care what you have to [...]

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Speaking Hiccups

| June 14, 2013

If the unexpected hiccup occurs during your presentation, follow the good example of Houston meteorologist David Paul and Judy Grant’s sound advice.

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Virtual Communication

| February 19, 2013

A growing challenge in communications today is the demand for executives to communicate virtually via conference call, webcast or by phone. Remote communication tools have replaced many in-person meetings. Virtual meetings save time and money and thus allow us to do more with reduced budgets and staff. That said the speaker must make-due without the [...]

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Lookin’ Good on Video Conference Calls

| November 6, 2012

Video conferencing has become ubiquitous in both the workplace and at home. Services like GoToMeeting, Webex, Vidyo, Facetime and Skype used with a webcam, tablet or Smartphone make it inexpensive and easy to hold virtual meetings with almost all the benefits of an in-person meeting. However, looking good on video requires different considerations than face-to-face [...]

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Fast delivery can mean fast failure

| October 9, 2012

In our busy, fast-paced world we are at risk to accelerate everything – including our communications. Unfortunately, fast delivery can mean fast failure. A senior level executive recently asked me to review his personal communication process. He wants to improve. Yet, he felt there were communication problems jinxing his desired results. We began by observing [...]

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Top 7 “Good Reads” for Communicators

| August 23, 2012

As you might imagine, I’ve read dozens and dozens of books on communications. Here’s my short-list of “good reads.” None is new. For leaders, executives and other professional communicators, these books will stimulate your thinking, creativity and productivity, even if you read small bits at a time. Whether you are looking to improve your impact, [...]

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