Getting Started with Networking Skills Expos, trade shows and conferences are great opportunities to build new connections in your industry. But what’s the best way to start conversations with people at these events? Here are some simple strategies to get things moving. I also discussed networking skills and a variety of tactics with Julie during … Read more
Technical Presentations Here are three strategies that you can use to improve your skill at technical presentations and communication, especially when speaking to non-technical audiences. This is a frequent challenge I see with data scientists, BI analysts, financial experts, and others from a variety of different technical fields. Many of these individuals have to present … Read more
The Power of Speaking Speed When I start working with a new client, their speaking speed and pacing are two of the first things I look at. People speak very fast when they’re presenting because they’re nervous or they feel under pressure. They have an urge to just get information out as quickly as possible. … Read more
I recently had an interesting conversation with a very successful business man. We were talking about some work that we’re doing together. At one point while I was talking, he interrupted me and said “You’re using filler words! You’re a speaking speaking coach. Why are you using filler words?” And the topic of filler words … Read more
Presentation skills creative professionals Creatives often have to present their work to clients, senior decision-makers, or the general public. These are tactics that can apply to UX Designers presenting to non-design teams, Filmmakers and Visual Artists seeking funding, and others that have to speak with impact and influence a non-creative audience. Edited Transcript of the … Read more
I recently conducted a workshop on communication and presentation skills for a group of new Real Estate Agents at Keller Williams in Manhattan. We discussed how to build professional confidence, and speak with assertiveness, even if you have limited experience as a new agent, or if you find yourself in front of intimidating or powerful … Read more
How to Practice a Speech: Key Strategies Practice and rehearsal is essential for giving a great presentation. But occasionally clients or students ask me exactly how much they should practice. Of course the correct answer varies for each person. But the short answer is that you should rehearse until you know the entire presentation by … Read more
Elizabeth Holmes was charged in 2018 with an “elaborate, years-long fraud” by the SEC. At its peak, her company Theranos (founded in 2003) was valued at $9 billion. Holmes was recognized as a genius innovator, the female Steve Jobs, an example for young women everywhere. She was celebrated by Forbes magazine as the youngest self-made … Read more
The Influence Skills to Persuade Influence skills enable you to persuade others to take some action. You can learn influence skills from countless sources. One of the best ways is to observe persuasive people in action. Enter the professional party crashers. In order to gain access to exclusive events and VIP parties, these guys need … Read more
One of the most frequent changes I make with my clients is to force them to slow down when they speak. Speaking slowly, a seemingly simple adjustment, almost always creates a huge change in how they sound. But they sometimes ask: “If I slow down, will I be able to say everything I need to?” … Read more