by Alan | Oct 30, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, public speaking
One of the mistakes I watch many trainers and speakers make is the thought that everything needs to be passed out before a session begins. While that does often simplify logistics, it also promotes distractions, premature conclusions, and often disinterest. To...
by Alan | Oct 3, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Customer Service, Efficiency
One of the challenges of speakers trying to interact with their audience is giving clear directions. I was a participant in a class a few weeks back where we were supposed to put our names on the little name tents. The speaker/trainer had some specific way to do...
by Alan | Sep 10, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery, Efficiency, public speaking
I hear this one all the time. After an introduction or three, a speaker gets up and says something along the lines of “before we get started…” or “Now, as we’re getting started…” Trouble with this is, they’ve ALREADY...
by Alan | Aug 26, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery, Leadership, Parenting
Went to a niece’s softball game today and also watched a short part of the Little League World Series. A ball field is a funny place with regard to communication. I noticed long ago that just about everything that is said is repeated or stated in pairs. ...
by Alan | Aug 20, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery, PowerPoint
Watched a marketing rah-rah session the other day. Of course, the ubiquitous PowerPoint was front and center, running the show. When it becomes obvious that the content will be driven entirely by what’s on the screen, the presenter loses the ability to connect...
by Alan | Aug 17, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery
Watched a mid-level manager open a speech to the troops the other day with an attempt at a related story which was clearly formulated as a grabber (no problems so far), followed with the requisite transition into business-ese (still no problem), followed by a posture...
