Author Archives: Phil Stella

An incredible vessel of knowledge & creativity

I have known Phil for over 10 years as a faculty member at the University of Phoenix. During that time, he was been an incredible vessel of knowledge and creativity. He is not only a great instructor, but has been a resource for many of the programs we offer at that University of Phoenix to assist our students and faculty improve their communications skills. We have also used his skills in our marketing program to outside organizations as representative of the facilitation style we use in our classrooms.

I asked him to be a presenter at our Job Seekers meetings on How to Build an Effective Elevator Speech. He has the ability to educate in a way that produces quick and measurable results. Our students and alumni seek out his advice and counsel. Phil is a “outside the box” thinker who puts his dreams into reality and encourages others to do likewise.

I am glad to have worked with him and consider him a friend.

Rich Spinner, College Chair, University of Phoenix, Cleveland

Where Should I Stand?

By Phil Stella | Published: May 1, 2013

A reader recently asked that question and here’s a summary of my reply.

Presenters should generally stand on the audience’s left where possible:

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Look here if you want to know who I am

By Phil Stella | Published: May 1, 2013

One of the simplest tools in your Power Networking Tool Kit is the name tag you wear at networking events. Everyone uses them, but few people do so strategically that can add to a positive first impression and enhance your networking process. Really … I’m not making this up.

The purpose of your name tag is obvious and simple – it tells strangers your name and where you work. It also helps remind people who’ve met you before who you are. No brainer stuff here, indeed.

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Choose Wisely!

By Phil Stella | Published: May 1, 2013

When you need to send a message via the medium of the written word – email or hard copy memo – make sure that it’s the best medium for your particular situation, not the first one you thought of or the one you usually think of. First, go through the Workplace Communication Planning Process thoroughly:

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Don’t Hand it to Your Audience

By Phil Stella | Published: May 1, 2013

What do you do with your hands as you continue harnessing your physical power on the platform? I get that one a lot. Your maker endowed you with two wonderful visual aids – and what you do, and don’t do, with them says a lot about your confidence and credibility as a presenter.

This month, we’ll summarize ‘Gesturing ‘Worst Practices’ – it should be interesting and mildly amusing trip, unless it sounds like I’m talking about you. Next month, we’ll move on to ‘Best Practices’. Sound like a plan to you?

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More from the ‘Bookshelf’ Archive

By Phil Stella | Published: May 1, 2013

As frequent site visitors realize, this ‘BookShelf’ section regularly lists books I’ve found useful and interesting. Two months ago, I included a comprehensive list of the general business-related titles I had mentioned over time.

Looks like that idea was a hit as several readers asked for more. My pleasure to help. The list below includes all the workplace communication-related titles I’ve mentioned in the last three years:

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More Brain Food

By Phil Stella | Published: April 23, 2013

 ‘A Whole New Mind – Why Right-Brainers Will Rule The Future’,  Daniel H. Pink, 2008; Brilliance Audio, MI.

The first book by the brilliant author of ‘Drive’ and ‘To Sell Is Human’. I read the book several years ago, but had to experience his work again, this time in the car.

Communicate with Style

By Phil Stella | Published: April 1, 2013

(A reader recently commented that her written style and verbal style are often different. My reply … )

Lots of people feel that way and communicate accordingly. However, that doesn’t need to be the case in the contemporary and more casual business culture many of us work in. If you view workplace writing as ‘people talking to people on paper’, then you value and use a more conversational style.

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Another Fun Energizer

By Phil Stella | Published: April 1, 2013

Several readers commented on how much they enjoyed the ‘Energizers’ from my workshops that I posted last month. So, here’s another one – my favorite. It’s been around for decades, but few people I encounter remember it or how it works. Enjoy!

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And you can quote them!

By Phil Stella | Published: April 1, 2013

More words of wisdom on communication.

*  ‘The most important thing in communication is to her what isn’t being said.’ – Peter Drucker, Ph.D, (1909 – 2005), world-famous management consultant, educator & author.

*  ‘’Behind the need to communicate is the need to share. Behind the need to share is the need to be understood.’ – Leo Rosten, Ph.D.,  (1908 – 1997), Russian-born American educator, scholar, humorist and screenwriter.

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