Effective workplace communicators and presenters have learned to harness the power of their words. Whether delivering a message over the phone, in writing or in a presentation, effective word choices do make a big difference in how the message is understood, appreciated and turned into action.
Interpersonal Communication
More Great Reads
Looks like last month’s summary of business books recently mentioned in my site’s ‘BookShelf’ section was a hit, as several of you asked for more. So, my pleasure to add some workplace communication-related titles to your summer reading list … and thanks for asking.
Activate Active Voice!
Based on some calls and notes from readers, some of you are seriously challenging your word use habits in routine workplace communication. Great – I was hoping that would happen. Effective word use is the same, whether the medium you use to communicate those words is an email, a phone call, a face-to-face conversation or a more formal presentation.
Read Any Good Books Lately?
As busy business leaders, you face lots of challenges doing your jobs or running or your businesses. One of the most important challenges is the need for on-going professional education. We may recognize the importance of Life Long Learning, but who has the time and energy to do any of it?
It’s ShowTime, So Ask the Right Questions
Many ‘Communicate Confidently!’ readers and other entrepreneurs use Business Expos and smaller local Trade Shows to market their products and services and network with prospects, clients and colleagues. If that strategy works for your business, here are some Best Practices to help you maximize your Show experience, ROI and value by Asking the Right Questions.
Slow Down … You Talk Too Fast!
It’s time to slow you down. An important component of your vocal delivery, your pace or rate of speaking can also impact your audience’s attention, interest and opinion of you. So can your ability to pause effectively.
Sexless Writing
Here we go again … trashing more time-honored rules of grammar that may have made sense in your grandparents’ workplaces … but probably not in yours any more. Hope you’re having as much fun as I am getting back at your high school English teachers who beat those rules into you … often with a yard stick. I know I am. So, please allow me one of my favorite WordPower rants – sexist language.
Interviewing With Confidence
A reader recently asked for suggestions on how to be more confident during job interviews, which are obviously very stressful situations. This topic bridges two of my passions – empowering business people to communicate with more confidence and encouraging candidates to maximize their impact during job interviews.
How Good is Your Greeting?
Talk about making a good first impressions! Often, the first exposure your customers and prospects have of you and your business is what they hear on your voice mail greeting. Is it caller-centric, clear, focused, helpful and professional? When was the last time you listened to it?
The Power of the Pro Bono
Here’s a simple but very effective strategy for maximizing the impact of a ‘No Budget Marketing’ campaign you may create for your company or business – harnessing the ‘Power of the Pro Bono’. Said another way – Strategic Volunteering.