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.
Showing posts with label Coaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coaching. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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, February 23, 2009
When Times Get Tough, the Tough Keep Going
“Certainly times are tough, but we recognize that employee development needs to continue.”
This quote, from a February 9, 2009, article in The Wall Street Journal, was spoken by David Metzger, Director of Management Development at Canon USA.
I congratulate Mr. Metzger and Canon USA for thinking “big picture.” As long as a business is still in business, the need for effective leadership is critical -- even more critical in difficult times.
A big part of leadership is communication. After all, you could be a brilliant strategic thinker, and may make great decisions, but if you can’t influence others, how can the decisions or strategy be implemented?
If you can’t communicate effectively, the rest of these attributes rarely matter.
Even if your company has cut back on training, it is no excuse for individuals to do the same.
Keep learning new techniques and strategies. At some point, this recession will end, and you will be well ahead of the game!
One avenue to consider -- my next BRODY BOOST Camp, April 2, 2009.
Click here for more information on this day-long open enrollment career development workshop.
This quote, from a February 9, 2009, article in The Wall Street Journal, was spoken by David Metzger, Director of Management Development at Canon USA.
I congratulate Mr. Metzger and Canon USA for thinking “big picture.” As long as a business is still in business, the need for effective leadership is critical -- even more critical in difficult times.
A big part of leadership is communication. After all, you could be a brilliant strategic thinker, and may make great decisions, but if you can’t influence others, how can the decisions or strategy be implemented?
If you can’t communicate effectively, the rest of these attributes rarely matter.
Even if your company has cut back on training, it is no excuse for individuals to do the same.
Keep learning new techniques and strategies. At some point, this recession will end, and you will be well ahead of the game!
One avenue to consider -- my next BRODY BOOST Camp, April 2, 2009.
Click here for more information on this day-long open enrollment career development workshop.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Post-Layoff Action Plan: Pick Up & Move On
I’ve been fielding many inquiries of late from members of the media – all related to stories they are doing about our business climate of increased job loss and a horrific economy – and how those who weren’t laid off can cope with the guilt of “survival.”
This week, a magazine asked me how I’d respond to this scenario: Someone calls. Mid-level executive. He's been laid off. What are the first three things you say?
Here’s my reply:
The number one thing I’d ask him is why would anyone hire him? In other words, what does he bring to the table?
The next thing I’d find out is if he has identified his skill set, his passion, and his overall objectives for any future jobs.
Lastly, I would discuss his network – can he go back to his internal, professional and/or community network, to make contact with people in these areas and tap into his connections?
Unfortunately, too often, people wait until something happens before they realize the power of building networks.
Another question the writer posed concerned the psychological effects of being laid off in a poor economy. She wanted to know whether it makes it better or worse, psychologically, if there seems to be a sense that “everyone” is getting fired.
I believe that the old adage that misery loves company doesn’t hold water. It’s one thing when everyone else is being laid off. It’s quite another when it happens to you.
Many people take it personally and go through a period of mourning and anger. Most people are scared. Depending on their financial situation, they might go into crisis mode.
This is not a time to feel sorry for yourself, although a weekend of self-pity and reflection doesn’t hurt. Then, get moving!
It is time to assess your skill set, your network, your possibilities, and then have a focused -- yet flexible -- approach to landing another position.
Being laid off can affect one’s self esteem, family relationships, financial security, and lead to “victimitis” -- feelings of having no control.
You may need to reassess your options, possibly moving, return to school, consider new certifications, starting your own business, and looking at interim or part-time positions.
Therapy is also an option if you have the insurance and/or money to do it. The worse thing that you can do is nothing.
You can combat a layoff’s effects by doing something – taking action.
I’m referring to attending networking events, job fairs, registering on career web sites, reading and responding to want ads, volunteering, contacting your own network, exercising, eating well, and renting some funny movies.
Attending a professional development seminar is a good way to meet people, get some career-related coaching and techniques for moving forward.
You may want to consider attending BRODY’s BOOST Camp.
Keep in mind, successful people look for ways to get better.
Sometimes, a setback is an opportunity to switch direction. Life must go on!
This week, a magazine asked me how I’d respond to this scenario: Someone calls. Mid-level executive. He's been laid off. What are the first three things you say?
Here’s my reply:
The number one thing I’d ask him is why would anyone hire him? In other words, what does he bring to the table?
The next thing I’d find out is if he has identified his skill set, his passion, and his overall objectives for any future jobs.
Lastly, I would discuss his network – can he go back to his internal, professional and/or community network, to make contact with people in these areas and tap into his connections?
Unfortunately, too often, people wait until something happens before they realize the power of building networks.
Another question the writer posed concerned the psychological effects of being laid off in a poor economy. She wanted to know whether it makes it better or worse, psychologically, if there seems to be a sense that “everyone” is getting fired.
I believe that the old adage that misery loves company doesn’t hold water. It’s one thing when everyone else is being laid off. It’s quite another when it happens to you.
Many people take it personally and go through a period of mourning and anger. Most people are scared. Depending on their financial situation, they might go into crisis mode.
This is not a time to feel sorry for yourself, although a weekend of self-pity and reflection doesn’t hurt. Then, get moving!
It is time to assess your skill set, your network, your possibilities, and then have a focused -- yet flexible -- approach to landing another position.
Being laid off can affect one’s self esteem, family relationships, financial security, and lead to “victimitis” -- feelings of having no control.
You may need to reassess your options, possibly moving, return to school, consider new certifications, starting your own business, and looking at interim or part-time positions.
Therapy is also an option if you have the insurance and/or money to do it. The worse thing that you can do is nothing.
You can combat a layoff’s effects by doing something – taking action.
I’m referring to attending networking events, job fairs, registering on career web sites, reading and responding to want ads, volunteering, contacting your own network, exercising, eating well, and renting some funny movies.
Attending a professional development seminar is a good way to meet people, get some career-related coaching and techniques for moving forward.
You may want to consider attending BRODY’s BOOST Camp.
Keep in mind, successful people look for ways to get better.
Sometimes, a setback is an opportunity to switch direction. Life must go on!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Value of Focus & Humor
Did you ever feel as though you were chasing your tail?
If you work within a corporation, or any business, or have a life at all, I’m sure you can identify with this feeling.
Luckily (despite the economy), I’m very busy with executive coaching and speaking, but it does require lots of flexibility … the changing demands of clients, shifting airline schedules, and coping with family/life issues (in my case, four generations).
These factors all make it very difficult to have things go as planned or smoothly.
The way I’m coping is to:
•Breathe
•Plan (lay it out on paper)
•Prioritize
•Be flexible
•Have a sense of humor
I also practice living in the present, appreciating that our only true reality is the here and now.
And, for now, living and meeting challenges is sure better than the alternative!
If you work within a corporation, or any business, or have a life at all, I’m sure you can identify with this feeling.
Luckily (despite the economy), I’m very busy with executive coaching and speaking, but it does require lots of flexibility … the changing demands of clients, shifting airline schedules, and coping with family/life issues (in my case, four generations).
These factors all make it very difficult to have things go as planned or smoothly.
The way I’m coping is to:
•Breathe
•Plan (lay it out on paper)
•Prioritize
•Be flexible
•Have a sense of humor
I also practice living in the present, appreciating that our only true reality is the here and now.
And, for now, living and meeting challenges is sure better than the alternative!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Pre-Debate Coaching/Advice for Presidential Candidates
The official count down to the election next month has begun.
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of the political rhetoric.
I would love one (both would be better!) of the candidates to simply call a halt to the negativity.
People want straight talk. People want solutions. People want honesty.
I wouldn’t miss the next debate this Wednesday, even though it’s my 20th wedding anniversary!
That said, I will forgo the usual “dining out experience” so I can be home watching the TV. Fortunately, my husband concurs.
Aside from the politics, it’s fascinating for me as a speaker and presentation skills coach to watch the candidates do what we at BRODY Professional Development say not to do, and also what to do.
A free bit of coaching advice to both presidential candidates:
1) be respectful of each other
2) look at the audience and the camera
3) don’t over talk, or cut each other off
4) don’t make condescending comments
5) avoid repetitive words or phrases (examples from last time: “my friend” and “look”).
Oh yes, and one more thing – with the advent of fact checking, let’s be honest with the information shared, please.
The truth will come out at some point, so why not now?
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of the political rhetoric.
I would love one (both would be better!) of the candidates to simply call a halt to the negativity.
People want straight talk. People want solutions. People want honesty.
I wouldn’t miss the next debate this Wednesday, even though it’s my 20th wedding anniversary!
That said, I will forgo the usual “dining out experience” so I can be home watching the TV. Fortunately, my husband concurs.
Aside from the politics, it’s fascinating for me as a speaker and presentation skills coach to watch the candidates do what we at BRODY Professional Development say not to do, and also what to do.
A free bit of coaching advice to both presidential candidates:
1) be respectful of each other
2) look at the audience and the camera
3) don’t over talk, or cut each other off
4) don’t make condescending comments
5) avoid repetitive words or phrases (examples from last time: “my friend” and “look”).
Oh yes, and one more thing – with the advent of fact checking, let’s be honest with the information shared, please.
The truth will come out at some point, so why not now?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Political Presentations: Is It What You Say, Or How You Say It?
I hope you are having as much “fun” as I am watching and listening to the debate buzz.
Of course, I have friends on both sides of the fence. A few have asked if I was coaching any of the candidates – and a few have suggested that I do so (I’d be delighted)!
The answer is, “No, I’m not coaching any of the four candidates.” But, the real question is, “Who is?”
My work, and the work of BRODY Professional Development, is to help people in all industries hone their message and delivery – hence, the effectiveness of corporate professionals.
It’s always amazing to me to see and hear the difference that a little coaching and training can make.
Just last week, I was coaching a young female who works in an older, male-dominated environment. In a short time, with coaching, she was able to shift her message and maximize what she brings to the table.
She walked away with a greater sense of self confidence. I have no doubt that she will accomplish her objectives (selling her credibility and her ideas), when she delivers her next message.
If you have any suggestions for our presidential and vice presidential candidates on clarity and consistency of their messages, and how they should be delivering them, why not send them to me? I will post your ideas here.
My message for the week: “Speak up. Speak Out. Let others benefit from your ideas.”
Of course, I have friends on both sides of the fence. A few have asked if I was coaching any of the candidates – and a few have suggested that I do so (I’d be delighted)!
The answer is, “No, I’m not coaching any of the four candidates.” But, the real question is, “Who is?”
My work, and the work of BRODY Professional Development, is to help people in all industries hone their message and delivery – hence, the effectiveness of corporate professionals.
It’s always amazing to me to see and hear the difference that a little coaching and training can make.
Just last week, I was coaching a young female who works in an older, male-dominated environment. In a short time, with coaching, she was able to shift her message and maximize what she brings to the table.
She walked away with a greater sense of self confidence. I have no doubt that she will accomplish her objectives (selling her credibility and her ideas), when she delivers her next message.
If you have any suggestions for our presidential and vice presidential candidates on clarity and consistency of their messages, and how they should be delivering them, why not send them to me? I will post your ideas here.
My message for the week: “Speak up. Speak Out. Let others benefit from your ideas.”
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