We’ve all been there. You’re at a networking event or a conference or even scrolling through LinkedIn, wanting to make a connection but not quite sure how to break the ice. You don’t want to come off as awkward, but you also don’t want to use a tired, predictable opener (yes, we’re looking at you, “So, what do you do?”).
The ability to start a conversation—whether in person or online—is essential for expanding your network.
Let’s be real: we communicate daily without giving it much thought. We constantly talk, text, email, DM, and, sadly, keep on checking our phones for new messages. But have you ever stopped to think about how communication (or miscommunication!) affects your health?
Think about how much stress bubbles up during a conflict. Or how frustrated you feel when someone misunderstands you. Or worse, how deflated you get when your hard work or talent goes unrecognized.
It can sometimes feel like AI can do everything, from creating a slick presentation to answering the most esoteric questions. However, there is at least one area where the human touch is still essential, and that is in the realm of interpersonal communication. The more AI pervades our lives, the more critical it is to master the following “real world”
Research has shown that participants will never forget everything they have said during a meeting—and some of what you have said. That is why inviting as much participation from others as possible is a critical skill, whether it is giving a presentation, facilitating a meeting, or simply having a conversation. Encouraging people to participate transforms them from a “passive” to an “active” mode, resulting in greater engagement, more idea generation,
An elevator pitch is designed to quickly share your strengths, skills, and expertise. However, to have one that hits the right pitch, you never want to sound like you are making a hard sell. The idea is to use the opportunity to connect, build relationships, and create lasting impressions.
The question is, do you have the skills to quickly share your expertise in a way that doesn’t sound forced but still represents you in the best possible light?
Executive Presence (EP) is often described as the ability to exude confidence, competence, and charisma while positively influencing and inspiring others. However, it’s crucial to understand that EP has no one-size-fits-all model. You don’t have to be an extrovert to embody these qualities; authenticity is critical. Here’s how you can maximize your executive presence in a genuine and immediately actionable way:
If you are anything like me, adapting to new technologies requires enormous effort. I was one of the last people to switch from a blackberry to an iPhone, and I did it reluctantly. So, difficult as it is for some of us, if we don’t adapt, learn and change we are at as a distinct disadvantage. And the reality is understanding how to use AI to expedite work processes or market your business has become as essential as knowing how to navigate the internet.
