Articles & News
2 Apr Ponderous Prepositions and Prefixes
Nothing is more symptomatic of our declining language skills than the increased misuse of prepositions and prefixes. People today feel compelled to tinker with proper word usage in speech by adding those handy prepositions and prefixes. Take traffic reports, for instance. Traffic on Route 1 is “easing up,” “easing down,” “easing off,” or “easing out,” but never just “easing.” What is “easing up” traffic? Is that when cars levitate? Levitating cars certainly would ease traffic.
We truly have an “up” fixation. Let’s not forget “shine up,” “smash up,” “stand up,” “fix up,” “patch up,” “wait up,” “lighten up” (this is just before we levitate), and “listen up.” We also like to use the word “of” where it is unnecessary. Why do we need to get off of the couch? Why not get off the couch?
How about adding prefixes to words to make hyphenated words? These days, we “on-load” a truck and “off-load” a truck. Whatever happened to the utilitarian “load and unload” of a truck? A favorite business word with an unneeded prefix is “pre-planning.” What does one do in “pre-planning”? Stare out the window? Twiddle thumbs? Plan the planning? Whatever that is!
So, remember to enhance the meaning and power of your speech; use prepositions and prefixes sparingly. Don’t spend time fixing something that doesn’t need fixing. Instead, consider adding those extra prepositions and prefixes purposefully to enrich your verbal expression.
13 Mar Motivating Others
In this 30-minute recorded lesson, you will learn the difference between inspiration and motivation. We will introduce the unique Motivation Matrix and use it to identify the six elements needed to motivate anyone.
Controlling the Impression You Make
What would you like other people to say about you when you are not present?
This 30-minute recorded lesson will reveal the six most frequently selected impressions that leaders of countries and companies worldwide find effective.
Advocating for Yourself
Speaking up on your own behalf should not feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. This 30-minute recorded lesson will focus on both the mindset and methods for advocating for yourself and your ideas.
Handling Difficult Questions
Whether you’re stepping on stage at a major conference or leading a high-stakes boardroom discussion, the true measure of your communication skill isn’t just in what you prepare—it’s in how you respond when you don’t know what’s coming next.
In this 20-minute recorded lesson, Robin Golinski, Executive Communication Coach, and Dr. Dennis Becker, Founder and Senior Coaching Partner, help professional speakers, executives, and thought leaders master one of the most undervalued skills in public speaking: answering questions with confidence. You don’t need to know everything. You do need to respond with poise, clarity, and strategic presence when challenged. It’s what builds lasting credibility.
Delivering Performance Reviews Confidently
If your work situation requires you to manage other people, this complimentary lesson will benefit you. One of your responsibilities is to periodically give people an assessment of how they perform their work responsibilities. This is often a sensitive and uncomfortable task.
Controlling Nervousness Before Speaking
Whether you call it ’nervousness” or “anxiety’ or “fear of speaking,” it is a widespread experience for many people worldwide; you are not alone. The good news is that it can be controlled. This complimentary lesson will discuss the ‘real causes’ of this experience and some tools and techniques to control the nervousness.
Persuasive Storytelling
Telling a story is a powerful way to win over the heart and mind of your listener whether you are presenting research/data, sharing your value proposition or selling a service or product. In this complimentary lesson we will review the best practices of when, where, why and how to use storytelling for persuasiveness.
Projecting Executive Presence Online
How to Lead from the Shoulders Up
Leading requires a lot of skill and effort. In today’s remote work environment, it requires even more. We know what is effective, required, and preferred in leaders who are leading remotely.This complimentary lesson provides a clear picture of the skills you need to be an effective leader in our remote business world.
Communicating with Authority
Being able to communicate assertively and confidently helps people succeed in business and personal relationships. It begins with a mindset and requires attention to non-verbal communication and delivery style. This 30-minute recorded lesson will introduce you to the best practices.
Building & Maintaining Online Relationships
Everyone is in relationships. Whether those relationships are pleasant and productive is based on two distinct factors. In this complimentary lesson we will share the research that gave us this knowledge and how to implement it in your life.
Watch our 30-minute recorded lesson and you will learn:
- To understand the needs of your listeners
- Practical tools to implement in building relationships
- The Human Business Model.
This is a unique opportunity to fine-tune your communication skills. You will learn proven strategies you can put to use immediately with any remote employee or team to keep them focused and productive.
Speaking Business English Clearly
Navigating Language and Being Heard
English is the international language of business. This can be especially challenging for people whose native language is not English. This complimentary lesson will introduce the most important elements of being able to speak English clearly.
Best Practices in Communication for Managers
Navigating Essential Conversations
This complimentary webinar is designed for those who are either new to the role and responsibilities of management or those who are experienced but looking to review a manager’s most important duties and expectations. The five critical skills needed to be an effective manager of people are covered.
Thinking on Your Feet
This 30-minute recorded lesson teaches you how to process and organize your thoughts quickly in a way that will help you communicate clearly and with confidence
Have you ever wondered how some people always have the right thing to say at the right time? (more…)
Selling Yourself at a Job Interview
Job interviews can be challenging. Very few people enjoy talking about themselves and find it to be stressful. In addition to having the right skills, you have to get through the job interview. This lesson will share with you a proven best practice for how to ensure that you are being as effective as possible during your interview. (more…)
Managing Employees Remotely
Overcoming challenges in communication, motivation, and employee engagement
The coronavirus is forced many of us to work and manage remotely. With large numbers of employees working remotely or in a hybrid environment for the first time, managers have a whole new set of challenges to continue leading effectively. (more…)