What’s a crescendo? In a symphony or an aria, it’s a swelling of music that tells listeners that THIS is the most important, the most lush, the most beautiful part of the piece. Composers do so many intricate and wonderful things to build to … [Read more...] about Your talk can be a symphony
Are you a robot or a human?
Do you want to know if you’re robotic or empathetic when you speak? Analyze yourself. Watch recordings of yourself speaking. When did you look natural? Enthusiastic and energized? When did you look nervous or robotic? Note the time … [Read more...] about Are you a robot or a human?
Speak their language
As a great communicator you speak to your audiences in their language. You use their acronyms, you speak to their industry’s concerns, you know what “success” looks and feels like to them. Ask yourself: Based on what I know about the people I am … [Read more...] about Speak their language
Giving the right gifts
You know that whenever you speak to your audiences, you must give them a gift. Because when you give a talk it’s never about you, it’s about your audience. But how will you know when you have given them the gift they need most? When your great … [Read more...] about Giving the right gifts
Is this really a story?
So you’re converted to the power of stories. That’s GREAT! But how can you tell when your stories are really reaching your audience? If: Your audiences become emotionally invested and won’t let you stop until they hear the end of the story; … [Read more...] about Is this really a story?
Do I have a good idea?
I give a lot of advice on how to come up with great ideas and great messages. But how do you know when you’re there? You know your vision and message are on the money when: Your audiences listen to your message and ask for more content. You … [Read more...] about Do I have a good idea?
Is panic a strategy?
Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is The Way, is the perfect read for anyone going through a huge change like creating the world of hybrid work. Things will go wrong as you and your team figure out how to return to the office, to travel, to events. Your … [Read more...] about Is panic a strategy?
I’m sorry!
Every one of us is coming out of a rough year and a half, but we’re all damaged in different ways and carrying different wounds. You’re leading a team into the new world of hybrid work. Your team is struggling. So, likely, are you. Because you’ve … [Read more...] about I’m sorry!
What to wear?
I don’t know if I’ll ever wear a suit to a business meeting again, but I do wonder about jewelry. Whenever I put on a necklace for a videoconference these days I feel overdressed. I used to wear them all the time when I went to meetings. Will I want … [Read more...] about What to wear?
Percolating neurons
On Sunday I had people over for dinner. Just two. We’ve had our shots. We kept the windows open. It was a welcome step into post-pandemic life. I’m bringing this up because even though I’ve met these people on a video conference several times, … [Read more...] about Percolating neurons
