Connecting with Others is a Skill, as Well as a Talent
Let me share a secret with you.
The ability to make a strong first impression, influence and persuade people, spread ideas. To get seen, get heard, and get raises … most people aren’t born with that.
Even the smartest, most talented people in the world can have trouble saying the right words in the right way to make the impact they need to make.
That’s the good news.
Because it means these skills can be developed.
This is what I offer. Simple, concrete steps to strengthen critical communication skills. And I do it in a way that’s fun and that sticks.
Do you represent a business organization, association, or women’s group? You can help your people connect with each other and with the world more powerfully and persuasively … and have fun doing it.
Do you need more personal attention than a speaking event offers? For smaller groups or even one-on-one, coaching sessions may be the right way to go.
Do you represent a business organization, association, or women’s group? You can help your people connect with each other and with the world more powerfully and persuasively … and have fun doing it.
Do you need more personal attention than a speaking event offers? For smaller groups or even one-on-one, coaching sessions may be the right way to go.
Latest Blog Posts
Chunking Your Move
Chunking to make your move. Sometimes the signs are all around you. You know, without a shadow of a doubt: it’s the right time for the next right thing. Other times, somebody lets you know it’s time to move on, and that might come as a complete surprise. Either way, most of us have had or will have the experience of searching for a new position or even a new career. Right now, positions are plentiful. The unemployment rate’s been under four percent for months now. And yet, the search can feel like a game of musical chairs. There might be a lot of open chairs … but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find one to sit on before all the chairs you’d choose are filled.
Do They Like You? Are You Sure?
Do they like you? Are you sure? It’s been years, but the memory still stings. That program director, sitting across the desk, telling me they were letting me go because, “People just don’t like you.” Well, you can imagine how that felt. Not only was I unemployed and staring straight at social and financial ruin. As the guy said when I pressed for some further explanation, I was also “just not likeable.” Yikes! In hindsight, I’m not totally sure he was right about me. I am sure that being likeable is important, and not just in radio. Relationships matter, whatever kind of work we do. It’s not enough to be bright, to have an advanced degree or years of experience. What are sometimes dismissed as “soft skills” turn out to be essential elements of success. Here are five of them...
What If Your Strength Isn’t That Strong?
What If Your Strength Isn’t That Strong? What do you do when you can’t rely on your number one asset? When it comes to speaking on a stage, in a meeting, or even in casual conversation, we each have strengths and weaknesses. Our strengths help us make a powerful impression, state our case, and get results. Yes, all of us have some; one of my missions as a coach is to make sure my clients know their strong suits and know how to make the most of them. Me? If I had to pick my top strength as a speaker it would be my voice. I have some other natural attributes, and I’ve learned some other skills. But the quality people most often compliment, the characteristic that makes me stand out from others, the feature that was the basis for a 25-year career in radio and for early success as a speaker … is my voice. Here I sit today, without my voice. Well, I have a voice, it just isn’t my usual voice. I have a cold, and I don’t quite sound like myself.
