When you work at a company of any size, there are many people who participate in writing, editing, and approving any talk that you give. It would be so delightful if all of those people (including you) could nail down your content three weeks … [Read more...] about Bullets or full script?
Stay hydrated!
In April, I helped about fifty people at a few different companies prepare for talks at their annual user and developer conferences. At the end of almost every coaching conversation, I said, “Good luck! Stay hydrated!” This may seem like a dumb, … [Read more...] about Stay hydrated!
What should I do first?
You want to become a better communicator. But there are so many things to work on. Where should you start? With your audience. To be more specific: with how what you do/know really helps your audience. I have worked with people who are super … [Read more...] about What should I do first?
Words. They matter.
Let’s talk about words. If I say “ruby” to someone at a jewelry store, I’m going to get something very different than if I say “Ruby” on GitHub. Shared vocabulary is a prerequisite for any successful conversation. It’s your responsibility both as … [Read more...] about Words. They matter.
Reality?
‘’Perception is reality.” Lee Atwater coined this phrase in political campaigning because he saw that what people think is more powerful than what’s true. Objectivity does not exist. This can be super frustrating, but it’s TRUE. People do not … [Read more...] about Reality?
Context matters!
Let me state the obvious: The three minute presentation you give at a university recruiting day should be radically different from your board meeting. The language you use at a biotech conference to a bunch of doctors is different from the language … [Read more...] about Context matters!
Happy Birthday!
poseycorp celebrates its 9th birthday on August 5, in a year that has felt sometimes great and sometimes crushing. But I remain inspired by my wonderful clients. We have all become so nimble and resilient! Many of you are doing things you’ve … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday!
Do your work, grasshopper
My favorite kind of communicators are people who understand that communication is a discipline, a skill that must be taken seriously. They invest time and energy not just in creating content, but in learning how to deliver it well too. Are you a … [Read more...] about Do your work, grasshopper
Your talk can be a symphony
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?
