Speak With Confidence
Paraphrasing: A Crucial Skill for Building Trust and Rapport
In the vast landscape of communication, the ability to paraphrase stands out as a valuable skill that often goes unnoticed. Paraphrasing involves rephrasing someone else’s words or ideas in your own words, and its importance in conversation cannot be overstated. This nuanced skill plays a pivotal role in fostering understanding, enhancing relationships, and promoting effective communication. One of the primary benefits of paraphrasing lies in its ability to ensure clarity. When conversing, it’s not uncommon
Speaking Successfully at a Conference Fireside Chat
A fireside chat in business is an informal yet structured conversation between a moderator and a guest speaker (or panel) at a conference, event, or corporate gathering. Unlike traditional keynote speeches or panel discussions, fireside chats are engaging, relaxed, and interactive—almost like an intimate conversation around a fireplace, which is where the term originates. Of course, speaking in this format may not always feel comfortable. Nerves can creep in between the lavalier mic, a tight
What Does Your Handshake Say About You?
A handshake is one of the first things a client or colleague notices about you, shaping their perception of your strength, confidence, and ability to connect. Regardless of age or seniority, a well-executed handshake sets the right tone for any professional interaction. As a communication coach, I work with clients to ensure their handshakes convey confidence, approachability, and credibility. The Power of a Handshake Dating back to ancient Greece, the handshake has long symbolized trust
Have the Listeners in Mind!
I speak with hundreds of conference speakers a year. In fact, I love doing it because it is great to learn what is being discussed around the world in a variety of industries, and it obviously helps those speaking to say what they say more effectively. One thing that I constantly hear is how do I make sure that I am keeping people’s attention? This is a great question, however the nervousness behind it is
Creating Conversation at Conferences
One of your goals when attending conferences is meeting and connecting with other attendees. Building relationships starts with a conversation. Many of my clients are not entirely comfortable striking up conversations with strangers. I am often asked, “What do I say?” I work with clients to create conversations based on the Three Ws. 1st: Where are you? Think about where you are physically. 2nd; What do you have in common with the person? What do
Networking When You Hate Networking
True confessions: I’m an introvert. I do not like talking to people I don’t know. However, I will be entirely unsuccessful in my profession if I do not meet new people. For so many professions, meeting new people is crucial to success. And for people like me, networking is a dirty word. So, how can we make networking less painful and more doable? Attending professional conferences provides an excellent opportunity to engage in networking. Here’s
Do You Struggle to Get to the Point? Try the HEC Strategy!
Ever been asked to “get to the point” and found yourself scrambling? If so, you might be an inductive thinker—someone who starts with smaller details and builds toward the bigger picture. While this approach feels natural for many, it can waste time and frustrate deductive thinkers, who prefer starting with the conclusion. Enter the HEC strategy: Headline-Example-Comment. This simple framework helps you speak clearly and efficiently in 20 seconds or less. 1. Headline Start with
The Magic of the Metaphor to Simplify Complex Information
When explaining complicated, technical concepts during a presentation, metaphors can be a powerful way to ensure your audience understands the material. By comparing a complex idea to something familiar, you make the information more relatable and easier to grasp. Take the concept of cloud computing, for example. Instead of delving into the technical intricacies, you could compare it to a bustling airport terminal. Just as passengers board different flights to reach various destinations, data in
From Jargon to Clarity
In technical fields, your expertise is invaluable—but when sharing complex information with non-technical listeners, the goal isn’t to showcase your depth of knowledge. Instead, focus on helping them understand and trust what you’re saying. As a communication coach with 30 years of experience, my advice is simple: “It’s not about you.” Your listeners need clarity, not complexity. Tailoring your message to how they want to receive it fosters understanding and builds trust. Here are three