Office Party Etiquette: Remember Your Business Professionalism

Holiday time is here, and party invites are flowing.

Time for fun … and time for faux pas a plenty!

Here is my list of 9 holiday party mistakes to avoid making …

1) Not RSPVing when asked. Always respond to invitations – whether or not you can attend the event. This includes citing any guests who will be coming with you, too.

2) Making wardrobe mistakes. Always plan your wardrobe carefully, and ensure it’s appropriate attire for the event. For women, this means remembering that a party isn’t the time to show off cleavage. For men, the reminder is that no one needs to see your chest hair or 6-pack. For both genders, remember to limit how much skin you show in general.

3)Not knowing the exact location. Find out the exact location of the party before you leave, so you arrive on time. No last-minute scrambling to get directions or set up your GPS. “Fashionably late” isn’t fashionable.

4)Drinking too much alcohol. Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol consumption is not a license for poor behavior. I don’t care if there IS an open bar, that’s not an excuse for drinking more than you should.

5)Talking business. Always keep conversations to small talk and not major business-related topics. There’s a time and place for everything.

6)Sticking with one or two people the whole time. Mix and mingle at all work and business parties. Don’t spend too much time with any one person. Parties are for socializing and meeting new people.

7)Pigging out at the buffet. Remember, it’s NOT about the food. So, when you eat at these holiday affairs, avoid overdoing it. And, watch your table manners!

8)Overstaying your welcome. You certainly don’t have to be the last person to leave. But worse yet, never put yourself in a position where you’re asked to leave.

9)Forgetting to send a thank-you note. Always send a thank-you note to the host or hosts. You will be remembered for the right reasons.

Now, the fun part is up to you!

Seven Strategies for Conversation/Small Talk Success

The Thanksgiving holiday is over – but now we have Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s on the horizon.

Typically, that means parties (professional and personal) – which, in turn, means more opportunities for creating conversations.

For some of us, it is an easy task -- we like small talk, meeting new people and socializing in general. But, for others it is a chore.

It doesn’t have to be …

What are some techniques to make mingling and conversation easy and enjoyable for all parties concerned?

Here’s my list of seven strategies:

1. Whenever possible, do your “homework.” Know who is coming, and a little bit about the people. What are their interests? Where do they work? What do they do in their free time?

2. Ask questions – not to be intrusive, but to find areas of mutual interest. Be interested in what they have to say.

3.Share something about yourself – not to brag, but again, something that the others may find interesting.

4. Be comfortable with silence. You don’t need to rush the conversation.

5. Be up to date with current events and best-selling books – they make great conversation starters.

6. Look for ways to help others. That may mean introducing them to other people at the event.

7. Know when to exit the conversation. Avoid monopolizing one person for the whole event.

If you follow these seven guidelines, you not only will have great conversations and build relationships, but, perhaps more importantly, a great time!

Sharing Information On Business Resources

As we approach Thanksgiving and reflect on our business resources, I wanted to share two that I recently found and am thankful for …

Do you ever need to get some quick information, without searching thousands of sites on Google?

A quick way to do this is to hire a kgb agent.

For full disclosure, I am NOT on their payroll, nor do I get a “finder’s fee.” I just happen to be LinkedIn with Brett Saks -- VP, HR & Organizational Effectiveness for kgb USA -- and started exploring their website and services.

Check out their site www.kgb.com -- it’s full of funny commercials, and cool ideas.

Moving on to another great resource …

If you’re a professional speaker who wants to hang with other professional speakers, the National Speakers Association (NSA) is the place for you!

The value of NSA membership relates to the education and member community. For full disclosure, I am on the Board of National Directors, but get no “kickback” for new recruits!

I just got back last night from NSA’s fall conference in Phoenix. My head is spinning with new ideas and people to use as resources. If you want to know more about NSA, check out www.nsaspeaker.org.

If you have any other business resources that you think I should know about, and would like to share with others, please drop me a message.

I am currently talking to two organizations now about entering into affinity relationships for their equipment and other resources that will help presenters.

Will keep you posted …

Happy Thanksgiving!

Presentation Skills Primer: Slide Decks Support a Message, Not the Other Way Around

We can “Deck the Halls,” “Swab the deck,” and even “Deck someone” …. (though I wouldn’t endorse trying the last one!).

Obviously, the word “deck” can mean a lot of things.

But, nowhere does a deck equate to a presentation!

When I coach executives for presentation skills, typically they say, “The deck is being prepared.” I then ask, “What about the presentation?”

From my perspective as an executive speech coach and professional speaker for more years than I like to admit, an effective presentation needs to be crafted first BEFORE slides are created.

Then, and only then, if the visuals will support the message, should a slide “deck” be crafted, too.

Preparing slides has become so easy that it’s now commonplace for presenters to simply read their slides – which is never a formula for speaking success.

Show me one example of a presentation where the audience wanted more slides.

The speaker needs to be the most important visual element.

How?

Through effective use of eye contact, facial expression, gestures and movements to captivate an audience -- plus having a good, descriptive story to tell. Then, you can add a visual to help paint a picture or make a point.

So, in the future, prepare your presentation -- then get all decked out!

It Doesn’t Matter What You’re “Selling” … Prep Before You Present Your Pitch

Professor Dan Brody (yes, he is a relative!) is teaching an entrepreneurial course at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering.

He had a few entrepreneurs speak as guest lecturers, and he asked me to do the same. My topic was “10 Reasons Presentations Fail & How to Avoid Them.”

You might wonder – why is information regarding presentation skills critical in a class of would be engineering entrepreneurs?

In fact, in my first career, as a college professor of presentation skills and interpersonal communication skills, students often told me, “I don’t need to speak – I am going to be an engineer, accountant, researcher, architect …” – you name it, they said it.

Surprise!

These students entered the job market, and soon realized that no matter how good their ideas were, they needed to be able to sell themselves along with these bright ideas.

This recent group of talented students at UVA are giving group presentations as part of a contest. The winner will get some seed money to actually start building the business that they propose.

In case you are wondering what my top 10 list is, go to my website to read more about “Why Every Professional Needs to Master Presentation Skills” -- to learn why presentations fail and more, and also take the free quiz there to test your presentation skills knowledge.

On the surface, when it comes to presentation skills, things seem to be very basic. However, it is the little things that make the biggest difference.

Here’s a recent example that proves how true this is …

I was flying home last week from Tampa. My seat partner was the ex-superintendant of the Philadelphia School District. She has since spent time teaching and leading at Harvard and now at the University of Pennsylvania: She is on the board of the Philadelphia Art Museum. She told me about the wonderful presentation delivered by the architects who won the Barnes Museum contract.

What made this presentation so good?

The architects told a good story, enjoyed working together, used simple visuals and believed in the project.

How simple is that!?!

Of course, simple isn’t always easy to implement. That is where coaching/training can help.

Do you, or members of your team, need help in preparing your pitch?

If so, you know where to get help!

Don’t Let the Digital World Divide: Face-to-Face Communication Still Critical

I just got back from a meeting in Tampa. Following the meeting, a group of us went to the hotel bar to continue the conversation.

Guess what happened instead?

Everyone sat “playing with” their iPhones and BlackBerrys! What little conversation there was revolved around the latest apps.

Somehow, with the need to communicate quicker, and more easily, we seem to have lost the art of the conversation.

You know … actually talking to people.

When I think of the time it takes to post a tweet on Twitter, send an e-mail, or to update a Facebook page, I also think about how many people we could have actually spoken to, if we just picked up the phone.

What’s happening in our workplace when colleagues who work next to each other end up texting instead of getting up to chat face to face?

What does that say about interpersonal communications? Is this really a way to build a relationship?

Believe me, I am a proponent of using the latest social networks -- check me out on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Naymz – but NEVER in lieu of meeting people for coffee, or phoning someone and having a real conversation.

Business particularly is all about the connections you make – and these are much more effective when done face to face.

Reading words on a screen, even with a video and/or audio element added, is and never will be the same as having a real dialogue in person.

Many times there are subtle nuances to communication and body language that “speak” far greater than actual words. How does this non-spoken “conversation” get conveyed online?

In the search to expand our networks, I truly believe that something is being lost.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Modern-Day Networking: “Dripping” Can Solidify Relationships

Are you dripping?

Think of “dripping” as a way to keep in touch with clients and colleagues – a little bit at a time, repeatedly.

In the course of a day, many of us might meet one or several people who we want to build a relationship with – one that is mutually beneficial, win/win, and helping others.

Yet, just a meeting, whether chance or purposefully planned, isn’t enough.

That’s where the dripping starts.

Immediately after meeting someone that you want to foster a relationship with, send something to the person – an e-mail, a text, a Tweet, a note, an article.

Then, touch base again with a call or even offer to do lunch. Look for ways to help the other person. Find commonality.

As the relationship starts to build, you continue to “drip.” Your contact might be once a month, or once every other month.

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder” is a fallacy! When it comes to business networking and building relationships, it’s more like, “Out of sight, out of mind.”

Dripping keeps you in the mind’s eye of the other person, since you touch base on a frequent basis.

Building relationships is more important, and easier to do, than ever before.

So, just keep on dripping!

Death By PowerPoint: Don’t Become Another Speaking Statistic

We’ve all heard the expression “death by PowerPoint.”

People acknowledge it, laugh about it, and hate it when in an audience, but, yet …. Many continue to be guilty of doing it themselves!

How can presenters avoid this?

Here are my 10 tips for avoiding Death by PowerPoint:

1) Write your presentation first, then look to see where you can add PowerPoint to reinforce the message. Keep in mind, a slide deck isn’t a presentation.

2) Add graphics, rather than bullet points, wherever possible. When words are necessary, it’s OK to use them, but avoid paragraphs.

3) Limit the content on the slides. If your audience needs the slides in advance, or as a take-home learning tool, then give them a file with more detail -- but for the actual presentation, pare down the content.

4) Avoid too many “bells and whistles” (like different font colors/sizes, charts, etc.). The focus needs to on the information, not the slide.

5) Get comfortable with the “B” key. While in PowerPoint mode, hit the “B” key on your computer. The screen will turn black or go blank. I like to think that the B stands for BRODY. Occasionally, go blank, so you change up what you’re doing – move around more and facilitate discussion.

6) Create a list of all slides – have one sheet of paper with the slide number and title of each slide. This allows you to cut slides if time is an issue, or to jump back and forth on the slide deck. Do this by hitting the “slide number” then hit “enter.” So, assume you are on slide 10, and you want to go back to slide 3. Hit “3’ and then “enter.”

7) Practice using the slides so that you are comfortable with timing and flow.

8) Arrive early and position yourself so that the screen is to your (speaker’s) left. People read from left to right. Make it easy for the audience.

9) Open and close with a blank screen to create and keep rapport with the audience.

10) Keep in mind – less is more. Trust me ... rarely, if ever, have audience members said, “Oh good, another slide.”

Always remember, be prepared to speak without any slides all in case of a technical glitch.

The best speakers can deliver their messages with power, impact and persuasion, without any slides at all.

The Selling Stool: 3 Key Elements to Sales Presentations

Product knowledge and selling skills are only two legs of the stool when it comes to successful sales presentations.

The third key is the ability to communicate your ideas effectively, and at the same time read the messages that your audience (buyer) is sending in response.

In other words, you need to master the art of walking and chewing gum at the same time!

The most effective salespeople pay attention to the signals that are being sent – theirs and others.

These winning sales professionals don’t go onto autopilot with their prepared pitch.

So, what are some things to watch for?

Positive cues from the person or people to whom you are presenting:

•Direct eye contact
•Open body language
•Forward lean
•Upward turn on the corners of their mouth

Here are some negative signals to watch carefully for:

•Tension in the eyebrows
•Closed off posture
•Limited eye contact
•Pursed lips

You can’t assume that people are hostile to your ideas just because they have their arms crossed. After all, they may just be cold.

However, if their arms are crossed, look for other signals as well that might indicate hostility, disagreement or closed thinking.

Typically, in a selling situation, the “buyer” says so much without even saying a word.

The question is, are you so busy talking, that you aren’t listening to what is -- and isn’t -- being said?

It may seem trite, but there is a reason we have two ears!

Bottom-Line Speaking for Presentation Skills Success

Give people conclusions they can walk out the door with, not a lot of details.

This is what Jack Welch used to say, when he headed up General Electric.

This is also what I say when I coach people about presentation skills.

You can’t be too specific when sharing information.

Most decision makers don’t have a lot of time to wade through data. They are paying others to get the data, and just want to be told your recommendation or their call to action.

Often, the tendency when speaking is to get bogged down in the technicalities, which most people don’t understand (or even care about!).

You will be perceived as a leader if you keep a presentation at the 100,000-foot level – then be able to answer questions that go beneath that.

Answer these three questions:

What?
So what?
Now what?

Truly effective speakers always keep their focus on the last two.

E-mail: A Critical Communication Tool if Used Correctly

Over the weekend, I had some repairs that had to be done at home. I pulled out the trusty toolbox, and as I moved from project to project, I had to think about which tool would be most effective.

Midway through my project, I had an epiphany: How similar is what I’m doing at home to what happens at work – picking the right tool for the right activity?

Let’s say I have feedback to give a colleague or direct report. Should I see him or her, if possible; or is it OK to e-mail the person? If I have data to report, should I call the person, put it in writing, or send a quick e-mail?

If I want to thank someone for something he or she did to help me -- a much more personal type of communication – do I send a handwritten note or an e-mail?

Just because we have incredible communication tools – like e-mail – doesn’t mean we always should use them … or possibly abuse them.

E-mail shouldn’t be used for sending long messages, discussing confidential information, or distributing negative news, or sending complicated policy changes.

E-mail also shouldn’t be used in lieu of having face-to-face time.

Even if you do choose the right tool, you need to use it properly. Over the weekend, my husband was slicing potatoes using a mandolin -- a great kitchen tool.

Unfortunately, he didn’t anchor it properly, and ended up slicing his finger. Not good for a dentist!

The same is true with e-mail. It is so easy to use, that we frequently throw caution to the wind when using it.

Be sure to pay attention to both the tone and accuracy of all e-mail messages. You don’t want to appear to be abrupt or sloppy.

The cost of e-mail mistakes, abuse, and misuse, can be great.

So, just think of e-mail as one tool in your communication toolbox, and use it carefully and selectively.

Listening is More Than Hearing

So many people like to talk.

I sure do.

In fact, I do it all the time.

On the other hand, so few like to actually listen -- I will admit I am occasionally challenged to really listen or listen well.

Statistically speaking, we spend more time listening in a day than speaking, yet we don’t often do it well (just ask your family!).

Usually, it’s not on anyone’s top to-do list for training.

But, that may be changing. In the last few months we have seen a steady increase in clients asking for listening skills training.

Perhaps there were relationships, opportunities, and revenues that were lost as the result of poor listening. Maybe at the root of our relationship problems this fundamental communication skill is missing.

Last week, I got to deliver a listening workshop -- the first I personally had delivered in years.

The focus of the program was a combination of activities, skills and exercises to practice -- along with an online assessment, which profiles the individual participant’s preferred (or natural) listening style.

The district and regional sales managers in my session had so many “aha” moments that they couldn’t wait to get back and adjust their style at work -- as well as at home.

Since I also took the assessment, I, too, had some major insights. For example, at work I tend to listen purposefully -- in a very task-oriented way -- and pay less attention to the empathy factor and fail to listen for enjoyment.

It does make sense, however, that my staff needs as much empathy and appreciation as I give my clients and friends. I am committed to improving my listening with my team. You can e-mail them and see if they have noticed a difference!

So, do I think effective listening be taught?

Yes I do!

It isn’t complicated, but it does require a commitment to use more than just our ears.

If you want to see what is in our listening skills program, click here for more details.

Accountability: 5 Keys to Manage Success

Last week, I presented a program in Arizona called “Accountability: 5 Keys to Manage Success (Yours & Others).”

The audience was leadership and management professionals from a luxury, private country club.

This is a different audience than the corporate types who I typically work with. That being said, the issues are always the same.

There are people who need an attitude adjustment (one of the topics covered).

There are organizations that don’t do regular performance appraisals/discussions, which creates a disconnect with employees -- and often less than stellar results.

Behaviors impact all relationships, and your reputation.

So often, it is the smallest behavior gaffes that create problems within a team, company, or with customers.

And, in this current climate of financial uncertainty, the willingness to demonstrate courage is more critical than ever.

Finally, the willingness to put things into perspective may change how you look at life and work.

If you have thoughts on any of these five “keys” for managing your success and others – let me know.

September Means Back to School Time – But, It’s Not Just for Kids

It’s back to school time.

Doesn’t the Labor Day holiday always remind you of that?

Of course, if you have children, you’re probably breathing a sigh of relief.

But, what does this time of year mean for all of us in business?

1) Four months to make our 2009 goals.

2) Planning and budgeting for 2010.

For most businesses, 2009 has been a tough year.

Many professionals have dealt with change, the unknown, and more responsibilities as their colleagues have been laid off.

What can get lost in times of workplace chaos and change?

The ongoing importance of professional and personal development.

This really is the best time to go “back to school.” Your own development cannot take a back seat.

After all, you don’t want to be left behind at the end of the year – or “expelled!”

I have no idea what the new economy will look like.

But, I do know, however, that winners don’t wait.

What do you need to do for yourself and your staff these next four months?

Fortunately, we at BRODY are still booking 2009 programs for our enlightened clients -- the ones that realize they must still provide skills training for their employees, so they will continue to excel.

If you want to do something for yourself (or your team), consider registering for our BRODY BOOST Camps being offered in San Francisco on September 24, and again in Philadelphia on October 8th.

School is never truly over!

Are All Presentations Created Equal?

I just facilitated a customized presentation skills program for regional sales managers of a very large medical device company.

Their objectives were to understand the differences and similarities between these types of presentations:

 management vs. leadership
 formal vs. informal
 informative vs. persuasive
 face to face vs. phone, web, etc.

The irony -- although they are different, the bottom line is the same.

All types of presentations have two things in common:

1) A message to structure and develop to achieve a result

2) Delivery that engages the audience members and accomplishes the goal

Is it possible to give presentations that are a combination of management and leadership, informative and persuasive?

Yes.

It comes down to what you want that audience walking away knowing, doing and feeling.

Should you prepare less because it’s informal?

Not really.

It’s always respectful to your audience (be it one or many) to be clear about your objectives and to deliver the message with clarity and enthusiasm.

In future blogs, I’ll get more specific about the differences and similarities between management and leadership presentations, and ways to be effective while presenting.

If you want to bring this custom “Speaking to Lead” program to your team, let us know!

Visual Aids 101: Help, Not Hinder Your Next Presentation

Are you suffering from “death by PowerPoint?”

Many people in corporate America are.

You know the symptoms … yawning participants during your slide shows or distant looks from half of the audience who are staring at your screen like zombies.

Let’s be real. Personally, I've never heard, “Oh good – another slide!” I’m sure you would agree.

So, where is the problem?

I believe that most presenters create their slides and think they have a presentation.

Wrong!

What they should be doing is writing the presentation, and then determining where a slide would add value, impact and interest.

When audience members need specific information to study, and to share with others, give them the complicated details in advance, or at the end of the presentation. Then, simplify when presenting.

What are some guidelines?

•Use pictures (personal photographs or high-end, online stock images) whenever possible – as long as they reinforce the message.

•Use charts and graphs to help explain trends, statistics, or any other numbers.

•Limit the bullet points.

•Use the “B” key to blank out the screen. It pulls the attention back to the speaker.

•Start and end with no slide, so you can make the personal connection with the audience.

Slides are tools – and shouldn’t be used as a crutch. Remember, they are visual aids – not presentations.

Your audience will thank you for not having them suffer a tedious “death by PowerPoint.”

Executive Presentation Skills: Inform, Inspire & Persuade

I recently did a blog on the topic of executive presentations.

Exactly what separates an executive presentation from any other?

Not much.

Perhaps it’s just the title of the person presenting the material – or, speaking at the board level.

After all, every presentation has a purpose. The goal as a speaker is to determine what the purpose is.

As an executive, I may want to …

•Inform my organization about what is going on within the organization (to inform)
•Inspire trust and loyalty in my employees
•Encourage people to buy into a plan or product purchase

Over all, it’s all about informing, inspiring and persuading.

Aristotle described the principles of Logos/Ethos/Pathos.

Logos translates into logic. Every great speaker needs to be easy to follow (logical), and filled with evidence and reason. That alone can inform an audience.

To move people as well, to truly inspire them, requires the added use of Pathos. Emotional appeals, stories, and examples which hit the heart, will do that.

Then, there is the credibility factor of the presenter (Ethos). Even if an executive delivers an excellent presentation, if the audience doesn’t trust the person – the presentation will fall on deaf ears.

Position alone isn’t enough to inspire.

An executive who is believable, trustworthy, and admirable, will have a much easier time of giving an inspirational presentation.

So, being an executive speaker really just boils down to 3 things:

1)Being an executive.
2)Having a well-organized message that is relevant, inspirational and believable.
3)Delivering the message in an attentive manner -- showing passion, enthusiasm and credibility.

Why make things more difficult than they have to be?

If you need help turning a lackluster presentation into a memorable, executive-level experience, sign up for my 1-hour webinar on September 14 (12:30-1:30 pm EST): “How to Present Your Ideas Persuasively to Better Influence Others at Work.”

Presentation Skills Pointer: Fresh Delivery Requires Preparation & Practice

I am often asked if I give the same presentation each time I present.

Although there might be a benefit to do so regarding saving time, my answer is, “No.”

Every audience I face is different, and I need to adjust my message accordingly. The material also needs to be fresh – not only updated from a current events’ perspective, but also fresh in my mind.

I have seen too many speakers who were on “auto pilot.” They sounded bored with their own message. So, how would that translate to the audience?

My method of practice is always to say the presentation out loud -- not in my head where I am eloquent. This helps me with timing, and pacing, not to mention anchoring the content in my head.

The irony is, the longer the presentation, the less time it takes to prepare.

I find short presentations – 20 minutes and under – to be the hardest.

Anyone can ramble.

To make a point hit home in a limited amount of time -- delivering it with passion and authority – that is an art.

What speaking masterpieces have you worked on lately?

For free articles, tips & techniques on presentation skills, visit the new BRODY site.

Persuasive Speaking Webinar: Notch Up Your Presentation Skills

I’m back from the National Speakers Association (NSA) conference in Arizona, and also from a biotech client program in California; the latter of which saw me delivering a custom session on effective communication.

As I watched the NSA members present their keynotes and workshops, and during my facilitated group discussion at the client program, I was again struck by the power of effective presentation skills and the power of persuasive speaking.

Yes, I’ve been teaching this topic for more than 25 years now, but the basic principle is still the same: Professionals who master the art of persuasive speaking will get others to take action, change direction, commit and buy.

If you don’t speak like a pro, and convince your audience members of your message, they will consider your session a colossal waste of time.

Are you one of the thousands of people who’d rather die than deliver a speech? Do you need help to improve your persuasive speaking skills?

You’re in luck. In addition to face-to-face presentation skills training and coaching, BRODY now offers webinars.

I’m kicking off the whole series with “How to Present Your Ideas Persuasively to Better Influence Others at Work,” on September
14, from 12:30-1:30 pm EST.

If you attend this webinar, you’ll discover strategies for working with different audience reactions. It’s great for anyone in a relationship management role – whether speaking to clients, colleagues, direct reports – or a combination of all three!

Visit here, for more details on this webinar, and to sign up.

Or, if you share your worst presentation skills nightmare on my blog, and provide a valid e-mail address – or call me at 215-886-1688, I will take 10% off your webinar registration price. This offer expires August 3rd.

My Initial Report from NSA Convention: Relationships Rule!

I have been at the National Speakers Association (NSA) National Convention in Arizona, since July 16, and it ends today.

Whether it’s been during a board meeting (I’m a National Board Director), a keynote, a breakout session, or in the hallways, the biggest takeaway for me so far has been a reminder of the power of relationships.

You see, my goal when it comes to meetings like these is to always come back to my office with one to three things that I can immediately implement which will change my business.

This time at the NSA Convention, as good as the content has been, it can’t begin to compare with the new friends I’ve made -- and the old ones that I’ve reconnected with … relationships.

One specific highlight of this past week has been having dinner with Keith Ferrazzi, author of the best-selling books Never Eat Alone and Who’s Got Your Back. Whether in private conversation or as a dynamic speaker, his theme is always about relationships.

What are you doing to develop and nurture your relationships?