About a year and a half ago, I accepted a speaking engagement that put me in front of 60 unemployed professionals from the Princeton regional area. I had spoken to this group several times before and wasn’t sure about another speaking engagement with no fee. However, knowing that speaking in person is the best way […]
As a sole proprietor for more than 30 years, I’m intimately familiar with running a business; but taking on a civic leadership role was a new endeavor and a big stretch for me. I’ve been a member of the Plainsboro Business Partnership (PBP) since its inception in 2009. This mini-Chamber, linked to the Princeton Regional […]
Globalization creates tremendous opportunities for international business, along with the need to communicate with multicultural professionals. While diversity of thought and culture significantly contribute to innovation and productivity, there are often communication gaps that negatively impact business, and business relationships, even when diversity is apparent, acknowledged, and respected. Being fluent, or near-fluent, in spoken English […]
In a country as diverse as the United States, it’s inevitable that we will come in contact with people with deep-seated beliefs that directly contradict our own. Sometimes, we may have so much trouble communicating that we avoid interaction. Here’s an example from a person who needed advice on how to keep a boss from […]
Non-verbal cues are an integral factor in effective communication. For example, when we coach presenters, we recommend they begin by standing perfectly still. Not only do speakers look more professional and in control, but the pause helps to calm them and get their bearings at the outset. We also coach clients to be sure to […]
When most of us think of sales, we think of a formal pitch like the one Don Draper offers in this clip from Mad Men. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suRDUFpsHus] While Draper gives an excellent sales presentation, “selling” situations manifest in numerous ways outside of formal business. Leading sales expert Daniel Pink, author of To Sell Is Human: The […]
In the last blog, we covered methods to resolve conflict. One of them was vulnerability… revealing more of who you are and how you feel so others may understand you and your point of view. Let’s examine vulnerability more closely. University of Houston professor Brené Brown, a leading expert in the power of emotional vulnerability, […]
I recently attended my first speed networking event. I reluctantly signed up, because I must admit, I have been biased against them. Having a background in speech and voice, I know that incessant talking and speaking above noise, can put strain on one’s vocal cords and cause hoarseness that can last for days. This was […]
It’s no secret that first impressions often set the tone for future social interactions. That’s why they’re so important. This holds true for both personal meetings, like a first date, and professional meetings, like a job interview. In the professional world, the first impression we most value is usually the one we make with a […]
If you spent Valentine’s Day with a significant other, you should have a good idea of how he or she feels about you. But those who are not currently in relationships may not be as certain that their romantic feelings for another are being returned. For these individuals, it can be helpful to analyze the […]
