When I was in the third grade, I participated in a competition where the student who demonstrated the best handwriting would have the honor of writing our class letter to the Governor. This was a really big deal for me as an eight year old. I wanted to win! I knew I had really good […]
Archive | Non-verbal Communication
Strike a Pose for a More Confident You!
By speakingthatconnects in Blog, Networking, Non-verbal Communication, Presentation Skills, Relationships
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 […]
Mind Reading for Beginners (Sort Of)
While reading The Wichita Eagle’s “Next Element helps groups with conflict, communication”, which discusses a unique Kansas-based corporate consulting agency, one particular passage stood out, “Partner Nate Regier said that he could tell within 15 minutes at a company staff meeting whether there is a problem, what it is, and how deep it is just […]
The Taxing State of the Current Election
Tax Day has come and gone, and most of us can now breathe a sigh of relief as the hard part is finally over. While some still await their refunds, the media has showcased a bit of tax drama surrounding the upcoming presidential election. The following example illustrates how communicating only information can result in […]
Presentation or Conversation? Speed Networking
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 […]
Capitalizing on Verbal White Space ™
By speakingthatconnects in Blog, Leadership, Non-verbal Communication, Presentation Skills, Relationships
When I was in third grade, I competed in a writing contest. The student with the best handwriting would have the privilege of writing the class letter to the President of the United States. Seems a bit silly today in this world of technology, but this was a few decades back. I wrote like a […]
Kate Middleton’s First Speech: Simple, Sound and Safe
There is no doubt that Kate Middleton projects poise, prestige, and presence. As an international spokesperson, she needs to present authentically and with political savvy. This first speech was self-written and less than four minutes. She did little “wrong,” but from a coaching point of view, I see an opportunity for her to improve. First […]
Make Your First Impression Count
By speakingthatconnects in Blog, Courage, Listening, Networking, Non-verbal Communication, Relationships
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 […]
Does it Matter if You’re Left or Right?
Humans have different personality types, and one way to differentiate them is what author Daniel Pink calls L-Directed Thinking and R-Directed Thinking. L-Directed Thinkers predominantly use the skills associated with the left side of the brain, and are thus very logical and analytical. R-Directed Thinkers predominately use the skills associated with the right side of […]
The Science of Attraction
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 […]