I’m tired of ranting about this issue often in ‘Communicate ‘Confidently!’. Unfortunately, the problem still exists and I wonder if I’m the only communication practitioner who cares. So, here I go again … and don’t try to stop me.
Articles
How Can I Improve My Elevator Pitch?
I get this question a lot. Before I dive into the answer, let me first explain why I prefer “Elevator Speech” to “Elevator Pitch.” Using the word “pitch” sounds like you’re trying to sell something. No one likes to be sold to or to feel like you are only interested in talking with them to make a sale.
Surviving Q&A (10/19)
(Our nostalgic trip down memory lane this month replays a popular 10/2019 piece on surviving audience questions. Many of the best practices still work in the era of Zoom presentations. They’ll all work again when we’re safely back in the land of face-to-face. Enjoy …)
This deep dive discusses how to handle audience questions. What you do … and don’t do … with them has a critical impact on your results, often more than the overall message content itself. Here are some ‘Do & Don’t’ Best Practices to help you Survive and Thrive during the Audience Q&A.
I Hate Networking Slugs … And So Should You (5/19)
I hate Networking Slugs … I really do. And so should you. They typically create very negative first impressions at networking events by doing lots of dumb things. They probably didn’t plan to behave like Slugs and what they do is often out of mindless habit or lack of focus. But, the results are just as lame … and just as annoying.
Always Break the Rules!
This ‘WordPower’ feature deals with some rules of grammar and which ones you should consider breaking if you want to enhance your routine workplace writing.
Brainstorming Brilliance (6/18)
(Happy to see that readers are enjoying our trips down memory lane this year with ‘Phil’s All Time Hits, Vol. I’ . They should acquaint newer subscribers with popular content from past years. The feature article this month first ran in 2018. Enjoy … )
When was the last time you held a team brainstorming session to identify a name for a new product, solve some problem or even a come up with an organization to benefit from the next staff volunteer day… and you got nothing? You asked for input, but only a few spoke up and others criticized or made fun of those ideas. Most people just sat silently starring at their blank sheets of paper … or, phones. One person had enough courage to tell you that you’re the boss and you’ll do whatever you want anyway, so why bother with this waste of time?
Referrals Rule! (9/20)
In various past issues, we’ve discussed whether or not you should ask for Referrals, winning Repeat Business and seven tips for how to ‘Nail the Sale’. Now, let’s focus on Internal and External Referrals.
Clarity & Brevity – They Both Rule! (6/20)
If you’ve begun thinking more about the words you use in routine workplace communication and presentations – that’s a good thing. No need to thank me … it’s my pleasure.
Delegate Your Way to Success
Time to review the Art and Science of Delegation – an essential leadership skill for entrepreneurs and discuss three important questions.
Why don’t entrepreneurs delegate?
Lots of reasons and they all seem logical at the time:
Slay the Impromptu Dragon!
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 of employees, ‘Hi Emma … you busy?’