You’re in a conversation with multiple colleagues or clients. You want to speak up, get assertive, and get your perspective heard. But the conversation is being dominated by a few loud and confident voices (usually those with the highest status in the group). And there’s a lot of quick comments being exchanged from multiple people. … Read more
The “call to action” is a classic tactic in marketing, sales, advertising and other fields. In public speaking and presentations, we are encouraged to provide a call to action to our audience. It’s something that focuses the audience on a specific task, and helps them understand how to put your ideas and recommendations into practice. … Read more
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
Yesterday we saw Dr. Marc Siegel’s weak, meandering, and unclear communication skills. Here we can see Dr. Oz in the same situation: a medical professional with three news anchors. But with a very different outcome. Whatever you think about Oz’s opinions on medicine, the point is he is an excellent communicator. He is crisp, sharp, articulate, … Read more
Cold reading is a statement or guess about someone that is based on a very limited amount of information about them. It often comes in the form of a “high-probability guess.” Psychics use cold reads all the time: [To someone who arrived right on time for their appointment] “You are a very conscientious and detail-oriented person, … Read more
I’ve been trying out this old technique for rapport building called “mirroring.” This is where you adjust your body language and movement to be similar to the other person’s in a conversation. If they cross their arms, you cross your arms. If they lean to one side, you do as well. You don’t do it right … Read more
Reframing happens when you create a new context, or a new “frame” for a discussion. It’s one of the most powerful and effective ways of communicating. Reframing is especially critical when you are trying to compete for attention or acceptance. By reframing the entire conversation, or the way your counterpart thinks about the issue, you shift … Read more