Have you ever played word association? You all take it in turns to say a word that relates to the word the person before you said? Blue – sky – thinking – dreaming – nightmare ….etc. Or Hat – Coat – Scarf – Snow and on and on. That’s how a great conversation goes. You […]
Do you really listen when others are talking? Read More »
The question I am most commonly asked about when talking to people about their presentations is “What do I do with my hands?” Suddenly the appendages on the end of your arms become a major distraction … not necessarily to the audience but to you, the speaker. I think a part of it is your
What do I do with my hands? Read More »
When you are talking to others face to face you aren’t just listening to their words. How they are saying it … tone of voice & volume for example, affect what you hear. As does what they look like when they speak … facial expressions, hand gestures and so on. Your body language can change
Is your authority disappearing when they meet you? Read More »
I’m in the market for a new car. Although I am very fond of it, my 11 year old car is beginning to cost me more money each year than it is worth. To add to the woes of the car it was recalled last month. Apparently there was a danger that the airbags might
How to lose a sale without even trying. Read More »
January isn’t my favourite month of the year! It is a month full of good intentions, dark nights and empty pockets after the buzz of December. And looking at the body language of some of the people powering to the office in the morning I’m not the only person who is feeling a
Which came first … your thought or your posture? Read More »
A few weeks ago I spoke at a school careers day about the importance of first impressions and the affect our posture has on what others see in us. I asked the group to freeze and look at the impression that they and those around them were giving and then asked one half of the
Your 1st impression isn’t necessarily the one you intend. Read More »
A few weeks ago, at lunch with friends, we got onto the subject of how important a smile is and how you can “hear” a smile in someone’s voice. I recounted the story of how one of my first bosses made us put a sticker on the phone saying “Smile when you dial!” so that
The wedding season is in full throw and for some the trauma of having to chat to complete strangers is palpable. We’ve all been there – the wedding of a work friend, friend from a different time or a partner’s friend. Whatever the reason, you only know a couple of people and one or two
Effortless small talk Read More »
Many years ago one of our first clients worked for a large publishing firm. And she had been taught to get over her “problem” of gesticulating as she talked, by holding a paperclip behind her back. This ensured that she looked like a soldier on parade and because when speaking naturally she used her hands
How to be ready to present at any time. Read More »
At a hotel the other day I saw a sign set out with traffic light symbols to denote when they were busiest and the best times to get breakfast when in a hurry. At a recent hospital appointment I was warned I could be there for 4 hours and I wouldn\’t be seen immediately. I
The impact of setting expectations Read More »
