Author Archives: Phil Stella

Phil’s Faves – the Power of the ‘Three Es’

By Phil Stella | Published: December 9, 2019

If you’ve read my articles on presentation skills or attended a workshop, you probably heard me refer to the ‘Power of the Three Es’. Your audiences expect and deserve workplace presentations that are ‘Effective, Efficient and Engaging’, so don’t let them down. And remember the ‘fourth E’ so necessary to achieve those results – Effort.

From Suck … to Sizzle

By Phil Stella | Published: December 9, 2019

Back in January, I began a year-long series discussing the broad question, ‘Does your presentation suck’. Rather than make a statement like ‘Your presentations suck’, I opted to ask lots of diagnostic question instead so you could decide for yourself if your presentations suck and, if so, how much.  Read More »

Why I Love ‘Worklife’

By Phil Stella | Published: December 5, 2019

The Staples Corporation recently launched ‘Worklife’, a monthly e-magazine that offers insights, ideas and practical know-how for decision-makers and problem-solvers. Read More »

WordPower – Your Laughable Redundancies

By Phil Stella | Published: December 5, 2019

We’ve gotten into some sloppy habits regarding redundancy. While this tendency may not be a major problem in verbal or written communication, it does waste words and the result is often amusing. Unless you’re a comedian, you probably don’t want people chuckling about what you say or write. So, here are some reminders: Read More »

The Best of ‘MYB”

By Phil Stella | Published: December 5, 2019

Each month, COSE (Cleveland’s Council of Smaller Enterprises) creates a list of the most popular and best articles for its weekly eLetter, ‘Mind Your Business’, based on hits and reader comments.

My marketing piece – ‘What if Your Business IS the Best Choice’? was on that short list for October – my third time for such a distinction.

Thanks COSE readers …

 

Your Networking’s Value Proposition

By Phil Stella | Published: December 5, 2019

A business reporter sought me out recently for some comments on Networking’s Value Proposition for small businesses. Here’s a summary of that conversation: Read More »

Phil’s Faves – Success

By Phil Stella | Published: November 4, 2019

 I often share my definition of success in workshops or presentations. So, you might hear me say –

  ‘Do what you love … love what you do … and be good enough at it to support the life you’ve chosen.’

Why I Hate 3 x 5 Note Cards

By Phil Stella | Published: November 4, 2019

Very high on my list of Workplace Presenter ‘Worst Practices’ is using the simple, seemingly innocent little 3 x 5 note cards for speaker notes. They’re way too small to be of much value. Good idea for high school debaters or for storing recipes maybe, but not for workplace presenter notes. And, if you do use a large-enough type that’s easy to read quickly, you’ll need a lot of the cards and will spend way too much time changing them … or picking them up when you drop them. Read More »

Network with Uncommon Courtesy

By Phil Stella | Published: November 4, 2019

A reader recently asked for some simple tips to network with more courtesy and to avoid coming off like a ‘slug’ at networking events. My comments.
Read More »

Slay the Impromptu Dragon!

By Phil Stella | Published: November 4, 2019

Has this ever happened to you? Emma arrived at work early, got a cup of coffee and settled into tackling her highest priority task of the day. When, out of nowhere, her boss Bob approached her cubicle and asked the question that strikes fear in the hearts most employees, ‘Hi Emma … you busy?’
Read More »