Words can clarify or confuse. A favorite pastime of mine is to watch politicians or corporate CEOs squirm when asked straightforward questions on sensitive issues. Accountability can be tough; the language of leadership is not for the faint-hearted. Here are some of the top code lines that contribute to the growing cynicism in today’s workplace: [...]
As a savvy presenter, you find out as much as possible about your audience members before you address them. What do they already know about the topic? What do they need to know? What do they want to know? Will they be receptive or reluctant to hear what you have to say? You plan accordingly. [...]
“So what if your boss is the person you don’t get along with? It’s like we just don’t click, and neither of us is talking about it. Should I be the one who brings it up? Wait until my boss does? Or just go look for another job?” These questions about communicating with the boss [...]
The question “Do you think I should dumb it down for this group?” pops up all too often from those making technical presentations. When I hear it, I’m tempted to respond, “No, I recommend that you smarten up the speaker.” (Pardon the grammar and the sarcasm.) Why does this question sound so arrogant? It assumes [...]
Have you ever attended a large conference where the speaker went over the allotted time? The room begins to empty. The survivors that remain seated look trapped and angry. The frustrated event planner looks helpless as if watching a runaway trainer. People are busy. They have places to go, people to see, things to do. [...]
People in some cultures are expressive over the slightest pain or joy, with wild gesturing and body movement, varying intonation, and dramatic facial expressions. Those living in other cultures may experience the deepest pain or joy with no outward expressions at all––no gesturing, expressionless faces, monotone voices, and stillness. Consider the stoic faces of the [...]
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself standing on a mall parking lot holding an umbrella in drizzling rain, trying to respond to an ongoing text conversation from a relative: “So how is Granny-O this morning?” “Not much better. Still in hospital.” “Has doctor been by? When do U think she’ll [...]
Every debate has spurred its overriding story. The first debate caught Obama “napping,” as the president himself joked at the recent Alfred Smith gala. The walk-away story of the vice presidential debate was Joe Biden’s body language. The spin-off of the second presidential debate proved to be the contentious nature of both candidates as they [...]
Evidently, the President found some Gatorade after his first debate. The contrast proved startling between his first and second debates. Both candidates showed up sharp, sure, and solidly prepared. Result: A spirited debate with few blunders. This is the kind of debate that makes an executive communication coach like me have to pay close attention. [...]
Those who listened to the vice presidential debate tonight probably call Biden the winner. Those who watched the debate probably consider Ryan the winner. And if any of you are old enough to remember the very first televised presidential debate––the Nixon-Kennedy debate in 1960 (or recall your history professor’s lectures about it)––then you know the [...]
