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!
Showing posts with label BRODY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BRODY. Show all posts
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, October 16, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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.”
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.”
Monday, July 13, 2009
New BRODY Professional Site Up and Running, Check It Out!
Good things are worth waiting for!
Those of you who have worked with web designers know how frustrating the process can be. Granted, we live in an environment of instant gratification, and I wanted it done at least three months ago!
But, at last, it is “finished” – the new and improved home for my company, BRODY Professional Development -- www.BrodyPro.com.
I say “finished,” because there are still some modifications being made, including shopping cart “tweaks” -- and then working specifically on updating the Marjorie Brody part of the site, so it coordinates with the new design of the BRODY Professional Development pages.
That being said, for those of you who want to download some “free information” – invaluable tips and articles – please check out the new site. Again, www.BrodyPro.com.
On an unrelated note, this week, I head to Scottsdale, Arizona -- you may be asking, “Why on Earth would anyone go to Scottsdale in the middle of July?” My answer: To attend the board meeting and annual conference of National Speakers Association.
I always learn something by attending this annual event – and next week, I’ll blog about some of these learnings, so you, too, can benefit!
Those of you who have worked with web designers know how frustrating the process can be. Granted, we live in an environment of instant gratification, and I wanted it done at least three months ago!
But, at last, it is “finished” – the new and improved home for my company, BRODY Professional Development -- www.BrodyPro.com.
I say “finished,” because there are still some modifications being made, including shopping cart “tweaks” -- and then working specifically on updating the Marjorie Brody part of the site, so it coordinates with the new design of the BRODY Professional Development pages.
That being said, for those of you who want to download some “free information” – invaluable tips and articles – please check out the new site. Again, www.BrodyPro.com.
On an unrelated note, this week, I head to Scottsdale, Arizona -- you may be asking, “Why on Earth would anyone go to Scottsdale in the middle of July?” My answer: To attend the board meeting and annual conference of National Speakers Association.
I always learn something by attending this annual event – and next week, I’ll blog about some of these learnings, so you, too, can benefit!
Monday, June 29, 2009
New BRODY Web Site Coming Soon, Really!
One more week. One more week. One more week.
I am so tired of hearing “one more week!”
What am I referring to? My new and improved corporate web site going “live.”
The irony is that from my perspective, this is an ongoing complaint. I think web designers (or, maybe it’s just creative types in general) sometimes look for ways to hold up the process.
I say that because a lot of industry colleagues have the same complaint – of web site redesign projects often taking more time than initially estimated, or unforeseen developments that further increase the time spent.
I know they say “Good things come to those who wait.”
But, whatever happened to managing client expectations? Or being held accountable to deadlines?
With that said, I have drawn my own line in the sand. The redesigned BRODY Professional Development web site --- www.brodypro.com -- will be live, on or before July 10.
Of course, there will be still be a new shopping cart to fine tune, my personal speaking web site to update, and other “tweeks” over time.
My expectation (silly woman!) is that it will all be done by the end of the summer. Since it’s been a year in coming, it had better be good! (Of course, I’m biased, but sneak peaks tell me that this is the case!).
Let me know what you think. On July 13, visit www.brodypro.com.
I am so tired of hearing “one more week!”
What am I referring to? My new and improved corporate web site going “live.”
The irony is that from my perspective, this is an ongoing complaint. I think web designers (or, maybe it’s just creative types in general) sometimes look for ways to hold up the process.
I say that because a lot of industry colleagues have the same complaint – of web site redesign projects often taking more time than initially estimated, or unforeseen developments that further increase the time spent.
I know they say “Good things come to those who wait.”
But, whatever happened to managing client expectations? Or being held accountable to deadlines?
With that said, I have drawn my own line in the sand. The redesigned BRODY Professional Development web site --- www.brodypro.com -- will be live, on or before July 10.
Of course, there will be still be a new shopping cart to fine tune, my personal speaking web site to update, and other “tweeks” over time.
My expectation (silly woman!) is that it will all be done by the end of the summer. Since it’s been a year in coming, it had better be good! (Of course, I’m biased, but sneak peaks tell me that this is the case!).
Let me know what you think. On July 13, visit www.brodypro.com.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Design a Program That Creates Interaction
This past weekend, a BRODY Professional Development team was in Texas, facilitating a “Physician Speaker Training” program.
During the morning session, what struck me the most was how engaged the physicians were with a simple creative design.
The room was arranged in circles, allowing the doctors to have discussions. The presenters were very interactive and facilitative, and funny.
The slides were easy to read, but didn’t drive the presentations.
The MC, Amy Glass from BRODY Professional Development, moved the program along with grace and humor.
In the afternoon, the large group was then broken into 9 smaller groups, each led by a BRODY facilitator – including me.
Our goal was to teach the smaller groups the steps to prepare, when given a slide deck to present.
We then used the client slides and had the participants (physicians) practice handling difficult audience member questions.
I realized how easy it would be to incorporate this design into corporate presentations and any type of team meeting.
If you want to know how to do it, get back to me: marjorie@brodypro.com.
During the morning session, what struck me the most was how engaged the physicians were with a simple creative design.
The room was arranged in circles, allowing the doctors to have discussions. The presenters were very interactive and facilitative, and funny.
The slides were easy to read, but didn’t drive the presentations.
The MC, Amy Glass from BRODY Professional Development, moved the program along with grace and humor.
In the afternoon, the large group was then broken into 9 smaller groups, each led by a BRODY facilitator – including me.
Our goal was to teach the smaller groups the steps to prepare, when given a slide deck to present.
We then used the client slides and had the participants (physicians) practice handling difficult audience member questions.
I realized how easy it would be to incorporate this design into corporate presentations and any type of team meeting.
If you want to know how to do it, get back to me: marjorie@brodypro.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
