Category Archives: Rants & Raves

Why I Love Proper Quotes

By Phil Stella | Published: January 2, 2020

I love using quotes in my writing and presentations – I really do.They can add sizzle, credibility or perspective to the message. However, I’m adamant about including author details. 
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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 »

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 »

Why I Love Caller ID

By Phil Stella | Published: October 1, 2019

Is this you? Your desk or cell phone rings – hey, could be a new customer with you next big order. But, you glance at your Caller ID screen and don’t see the name of a person or business.  Read More »

Why I Hate Note Cards

By Phil Stella | Published: September 1, 2019

I recently encountered two different authors of presentation skill-oriented books who recommended using 3×5 note cards for preparing speaker notes. Whoa! Couldn’t disagree more. So, please allow me to respectfully disagree and rerun one of my favorite rants. Read More »

Why I Love ‘My Pleasure’

By Phil Stella | Published: August 4, 2019

In the last week, I’ve thanked two cashiers, one bar tender and one server for one thing or another. And guess what I heard in reply? Not the usual ‘no problem’ you hear from everyone everywhere all the time, but a much more professional and courteous ‘My pleasure’. The server even snuck in ‘You’re very welcome’.  Read More »

Why I Hate Plural Names

By Phil Stella | Published: August 4, 2019

I recently read an article on business writers, referring to the ‘ … Malcom Gladwells, Jim Collinses and Harvey MacKays of this century.’  I really hate plural name references, as if there is more than one Malcom Gladwell or Jim Collins in a group somewhere. Read More »

Why I Love ‘PlusDelta’ Feedback

By Phil Stella | Published: July 4, 2019

Giving constructive feedback is an essential management skill that escapes most supervisors. Feedback is all about helping people get better at what they’re doing. Effective feedback is neither positive or negative – it’s just information. Information that is specific, observable, constructive, timely and focused. Read More »

Why I Hate ‘Soft Skills’

By Phil Stella | Published: June 1, 2019

I love the concept but hate the term – let me explain. I’ve dedicated my entire career to empowering business leaders to enhance their workplace communication skills. Taking away some of their pain when they interact with colleagues, staff, managers or customers in writing, in person and in presentations  – that’s what I love most and do best. Read More »

I Love ‘reply to sender’

By Phil Stella | Published: May 13, 2019

On the opposite of this month’a rant, I really appreciate it when people select ‘reply to sender’ or something similar on a group response email. I actually don’t know when that happens because I never see the response, I just assume the person responded properly. Read More »