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
Social Presence seems like an elusive concept. We can definitely recognize it when others have it, but it’s tough to replicate. These are practical steps you can take to build your social presence immediately. 1. Say things that are slightly risky Key word being slightly. You want to push the envelope a little bit without … Read more
Concise Speaking in Professional Communication Concise communication is a frequent challenge we see with clients and students. Concision is hard because professionals have lots of information to convey in a very limited time. Important decision-makers are usually very short on time, and have a limited attention span. You have to get your point across quickly and … Read more
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that good networking feels a lot like meeting new friends. Oftentimes we associate “networking” with a very business-focused, “formal” kind of vibe. But that’s just one, very specific type of networking. People definitely want to hire or do business with someone who is professional. But they also want someone … Read more
Imagine if Ghandi had said “Eh, I don’t want to talk about my ideas with too many people. I’m shy.” How different would history look? How different would the world be if everyone who had a profound talent or an amazing strength, instead of sharing it with others, decided to hide it out of “shyness.” … Read more
Have you ever felt your heart beating faster right before giving a speech or presentation? It’s common, especially when there is a lot of anticipation and buildup. For example, when you are scheduled to speak at 10:15 AM and there is a roster of speakers before you at 9:30, 9:45, 10:00… This buildup is what kills us. … Read more
I’ve helped clients with many communication challenges. From speaking to social skills to selling, and more. One of the main recurring themes through all of them has been complication. When we are confused by something, we have a tendency to complicate it. We over-think something as simple as having a conversation. We develop theoretical frameworks and methodologies and complex narratives … Read more
Do other people find you boring? Boredom comes from weak energy, mumbling words, and a general lack of social presence. Where does this boring thing come from? Why might you be boring? There are basically two main reasons. First, you are literally bored by the topic. The world is a mirror. It reflects back to you … Read more
Perfect Speaking Isn’t All It’s Cracked Up To Be One of the hallmarks of inauthentic communication is perfectionism. Perfectionism leads to overly complicated and mechanical communication techniques. These techniques feel inauthentic and fake, damaging trust and turning audiences off. It could be a trite sales line that we’ve heard a million time before. It could … Read more
Your first impression is critical. It’s probably the most important component of the selling and promotion process. So what should you be thinking about as you design your first impression? Visual appearance It’s surprising how many people I see who just don’t pay attention to their appearance. I can personally attest to the power of style and aesthetics. … Read more