A reporter recently asked for my definition of ‘Networking’ …
‘Networking is simply the exchange of ideas, information or resources. It’s all about information. John Naisbit first described networking that way in ‘MegaTrends’ over 30 years ago.
Quickies
I Don’t Get It – Vague References
I don’t get why so many workplace communicators still prefer vague words or phrases. Whether the choice is conscious or not, ‘specific beats vague’ every time.
Elevate Your Elevator Speech
A business blogger recently asked for my input on Elevator Speech (ES) Best Practices. A few of my thoughts …
I Don’t Get It – Voice Messaging Systems
Has this ever happened to you. After placing a call to a business, you hear … ‘Your call has been forwarded to an automated voice messaging system … 376 398-4008 is not available. At the tone, please leave a message … ‘
‘Stellar’ Wisdom
Readers generally like ‘Quote-ables’ – the pearls of wisdom about communication I share from past generations, famous people and business leaders. But recently, a reader indicated she was also interested in what contemporary communication practitioners … like me … had to say based on our everyday experience.
I Don’t Get It – Redundancies
Your Redundancies Are Laughable
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.
Stop Pitching in the Elevator
A reporter doing an article on Elevator Pitches recently asked for my brief input. First, I said that I preferred ‘Elevator Speech’ to ‘Elevator Pitch’. ‘Pitch’ sounds like you’re trying to sell something. No one likes to be sold to. ‘Speech’ sounds like you want to share some information. Even though the difference in connotation is subtle, it can impact the mindset of the person doing it.
‘I Don’t Get It!’ – Holding Notes
Recently, a reader asked my opinion of holding speaker notes with two hands. I Don’t Get It, because I discourage the habit. It limits natural-looking gesturing, especially with notes in hand.
Workplace Writing Power Point – Short Words
Here’s this month’s Power Point – whenever a short, simple, familiar word is just as clear or clearer as a longer word, use the shorter word. The extra syllables don’t add anything to your meaning and may detract from your image as a real, down-to-earth person. But don’t trade clarity for brevity. Think ‘Twitter’ and save some of those characters for another message.