Booher BanterYour Resource for the best ideas to improve communications skills.

When asked to write a report, you might be tempted to simply present the facts, thinking, “But nobody asked me to make a recommendation; they just asked me to answer a question.”

Think again.  In most such cases, the reason someone has asked the question is that you’re the expert—the go-to person with the appropriate expertise.  They don’t want “just the facts, thank you, ma’am.”  They want your expert opinion.

When you go to see a medical doctor, do you expect an opinion along with your lab reports and X-rays?  When you talk to your financial advisor, do you want only a report on the effective yields of your portfolio or would you like the firm’s opinions about various investment options?

Whether you’re walking into the boardroom or writing a report, state a viewpoint or offer a recommendation.  Consider that a key value you contribute.

In his June 25 column in The Investor’s Business Daily, Cord Cooper helps the executive who “finds it hard putting thoughts on paper.”

Click here to read the story.

Posted at 11:32am in Communication—Interpersonal, Communication—Written | Permalink | Add Comment » |

It’s nice to hear the world’s richest man agrees with us.  In fact, he echoes what we at Booher have been saying for the past two decades:  “For the student, learning how to speak and write more effectively would yield benefits far in excess of those gained from the study of esoteric financial tools…. You show me the person who can communicate well… they can have an enormous impact and they will jump out of the pack in terms of hiring later on.”

Continuing his frequent criticism of business schools while at the International Institute for Management Development, the Swiss business school, Buffett went on to argue that just as these schools teach how to value companies and understand markets, they should include classes in basic written and spoken communication. 

Why are these topics not included in the curricula?  According to Buffett, to some extent they are “beneath the self-image of faculty.”

Many hiring executives think that a graduate degree guarantees basic writing and speaking skills.  Unfortunately, it does not. 

I still recall one of the first sales calls I made—two decades ago—to an executive at a potential client organization.  I introduced myself and the company with this brief overview, “We offer communication training, specifically business and technical writing and oral presentations.  We’ve been able to help people organize their ideas for greater impact and reduce their writing time—”

He cut me off in mid-sentence:  “We hire MBAs and they have all the skills they need when they come to work for us. Otherwise, we wouldn’t hire them.”   Click.

I’m sure that by now he’s had to eat those words.

In fact, most of the MBAs we talk to agree with Buffett about their graduate programs.  They regret that as students they’re forced to focus in their areas of specialty all too soon to the exclusion of these core skills.  The career-limiting truth:  People often don’t know what they don’t know—until a benevolent boss, colleague, or client takes them aside and points out the problem.

Buffett may have angered a few faculty members but heightened awareness for a few students who should send him a royalty check on their first million—as if he needs it.

Read more on Buffett’s comments at Financial Times, May 23, 2008.

Posted at 3:08pm in Communication—Interpersonal, Communication—Oral, Communication—Written, General Communication | Permalink | Add Comment » |

I just returned this morning from the American Society for Training and Development’s International Conference and Exposition in San Diego, California, where I spoke on Creating Executive Presence.  After my session, talking with those at my book signings, and while chatting with visitors to our expo booth, the most frequently asked question was, “What do you think about the presidential candidates and their speaking styles?  How has their ability to respond to questions, think on their feet, inspire a crowd, and connect with people helped or hindered their chances of success?”

Then, of course, after the three final candidates spoke Wednesday evening at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee policy conference in Washington, D.C., the pundits were once again analyzing the communication styles of Clinton, McCain, and Obama with almost as much commentary about their oratory abilities as their content.  The consensus:  Obama is the better speaker.

So my questions to you, blog readers, are these:

1. Do you agree with the analysis of the TV pundits?
2. If so, how much do you think the speaking styles of the candidates have helped or hindered each of the candidates’ chances for success in this race?
3. Do you think the typical American separates substance from style as they listen to the candidates? 

Here’s your chance to spout off on this issue of the importance of communication as a leader.  Let’s hear from you!

Posted at 12:20pm in Communication—Oral, General Communication | Permalink | Add Comment » |