I recently spoke to a group of entrepreneurs on how to get people to like you, trust you, and generate new business.
Everyone had to share the experience(s) that had most impacted their lives. The directive, however, was that while stories were being shared, the listeners were not allowed to relate the story back to themselves; they had to simply listen, and then ask qualifying questions such as, “In what way?” “Tell me more?”
Many of us labor mightily to be perfect — or at least to appear perfect to the outside world. I was recently interviewed on this very topic, and I thought it would be helpful to share my views on the quest for perfection. I would love your thoughts and feedback.
Is there such a thing as perfection?
I think the notion that “perfection” exists is a total myth.
I was listening to NPR last week, and thought their piece on Dressing for Success was excellent. My motto has always been, “Just because anything goes, doesn’t mean it should apply to you.” Here are some of the highlights.
Clothing changes interaction dynamics
We’re all aware that the way we dress and present ourselves has an impact on the way others see us. But what’s more, that can have a real impact on the outcome of our interactions with others.
Take a moment and think back to the last time you did or said something out of anger or frustration. Something that, on reflection, you wish you hadn’t done.
It’s in those moments that each and every one of us needs to become acutely aware of our internal monitoring system. Think of it as your own personal feedback system, an internal gauge that signals it’s time to pause, breathe and think about what you are about to say or do.
I thought this title would get your attention! And that’s exactly what a hook is supposed to do – immediately pique the audience’s interest.
You’ve probably heard that one of the most important elements of a successful presentation is the ability to reel the audience in from the outset and make them want to listen. But how exactly do you do that? Here are a few tips.
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There is no question that your ability to communicate confidently and authoritatively is critical to your career success. Here are some tips to make your presentations more effective.
Remember “TFD”
It’s important to keep in mind what you want your audience to be thinking,
One of my most memorable professors at the University of Cape Town’s drama school was the formidable Mavis Taylor. Like a character out of a Dickens novel, Professor Taylor seemed ancient to me at the time, with limp, long, blonde hair and an equally long face which showed little or no sign of emotion, ever.
Mavis spoke sparingly, and with a direct gaze that seemed to look right through you.
We hear so much about the importance of having a personal brand, but what does that really mean? Put simply, your brand is your reputation, which is the culmination of almost everything you have ever done and said. As Amazon’s Jeff Bezos says, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
The reality is, you already have a reputation and you are being “branded” whether you are consciously involved in the process or not.
