Last month’s feature on ‘Message in the Middle’ was a real hit, based on reader comments and questions. As promised, here are some message-related Best Practices to help you accomplish your presentation outcomes.
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I Don’t Get It – ‘And’ Networking Relationships
Regular readers may recall that I’m a veteran networking practitioner and often speak and write about the topic. However, I willingly admit that many of my strategies and best practices dance to a different drummer.
Worthy Networking Events
A reporter recently asked for my opinion on what kind of networking events are worth attending. Here’s a summary of my response:
A Powerful Message in the Middle
The last two months we’ve discussed powerful audience-centric presentation Introductions and Summaries, as if the two book ends holding your presentation together. So, now let’s focus on what’s left – your powerful Message in the Middle.
Become a ‘Platinum Rule’ Workplace Communicator
Many business professionals diligently attempt to practice the ‘Golden Rule’ at work that we all learned as youngsters. A workplace communication version of that philosophy would be ’Communicate with other people the way you want them to communicate with you.’ While a nice warm and fuzzy concept, a quick reality check indicates two serious flaws in the logic: the ‘Golden Rule’ assumes everyone is the same and that everyone is the same as you.
Workplace Writing Power Points – ‘Very’
One of my favorite engaged readers mentioned a one-day ‘English Refresher’ course he took years ago in which the professor stressed never using the word ‘very’. My response was very focused and very brief.
Make the Most of Learning Events
Savvy business leaders treat workshops, seminars and conferences as valuable resources that come with a huge cost of time and money. So, as with any business resource, make sure you use Learning Events effectively and efficiently:
I Don’t Get It – Noun Phrases
Here’s my newest rant in the Workplace Writing Power Points category. I don’t get why people still use lame noun phrases. So, let me challenge some word use habits, like this one carried over from those 500-word essay days in high school.
Look Here To Know Who I Am
One of the simplest tools in your Power Networking Tool Kit is the simple little Name Tag you wear at networking events. Everyone uses them, but few people do so strategically to add to a positive first impression and enhance the networking process. Really … I’m not making this up.
End Strong
Last month’s piece on presentation intros generated some gratifying positive buzz and requests for more. So, let’s go to the end of the message and ‘tell ‘em what we said.’ Audience-Centric presentations should end, not just stop. And they should End Strong. Your intro is critically important, but so is your summary or conclusion. You can also ‘Get Them at Goodbye!’