In these difficult times we can still use words to keep us together without touching Words separate human beings from every other species. It’s a gift from nature we can use in these difficult times to gather and share information, comfort, reassure one another, and continue the social interactions so necessary for the mind Read more
If you’ve ever felt you were the only one fearful about making a presentation, be assured, you’re not alone. In fact, you have most of the world agonizing with you. For many people deciding what to say, how to say it, then standing up in front of others is like confronting a fire-eating dragon. Read more
Do people really want to hear my story? Do I want to relate personal details to strangers? Whether you’re an executive presenting your sales pitch, a college graduate interviewing for your first job, or a high school student speaking with an admissions officer, your personal narrative can be the key to reaching your goals. Telling Read more
Create a Dialogue If I’m giving a presentation, why do I need to create a dialogue with my audience? When you make a presentation — to one or 500 people — you want to capture their attention and engage them so they see your point of view. If you’re simply speaking “at them,” it’s likely Read more
Technology has broken barriers in speech coaching and therapy Not only has technology revolutionized the work environment for millions of executives, but it has also introduced alternatives for speech coaching, executive skills training and traditional speech language therapy. In my practice I have incorporated remote therapy using Skype or FaceTime to help clients in all Read more
How important can storytelling be if it’s not taught in school? In a recent article in The New York Times by Frank Bruni entitled, “How to Get the Most Out of College,” he writes: “Every successful pitch for a new policy, new product or new company is essentially a story, with a shape and logic intended to Read more
After childhood, what value lies in storytelling? As adults, the willingness and ability to talk about one’s observations and experiences not only provides a way of keeping verbal skills sharp, but perhaps as importantly, becomes of means of emotional health. As we grown older, many people hide their feelings and experiences out of embarrassment or concern Read more
Whether speaking or writing the following key points apply for effective business communications: Tailor your message to your audience If you’re trying to create a dialogue with another individual, consider the interests of the person you’re interacting with: are they receptive to what you have to say? Do you need to capture their interest? What Read more
Good speakers are born that way. Being shy will prevent you from being a confident speaker. You need to have a theatrical flair to capture an audience’s attention If you believe any of these statements, you’ll be relieved to know that these are merely generalizations. Being able to translate one’s thoughts into words and then Read more
literate [lit-er-it] adjective 1. able to read and write 2. having or showing knowledge of literature, writing, etc.; literary; well-read 3. characterized by skill, lucidity, polish, or the like 4. having knowledge or skill in a specified field 5. having an education; educated; learned Fundamentally, the literate person is a “learned person.” Computer literate, social media literate, etc. What does it mean to be “learned” these days? We live in a constantly changing world. Technology has altered our society in ways as profound as the industrial revolution and the Read more