23 Jul 3 Ways to Handle Questions Confidently
Questions are an essential part of meetings. When questions are asked, there is interest; that’s a good thing. Questions can be a test not only for your knowledge of the content but your confidence in what you are representing.
The 3 techniques below will help you prepare for inevitable questions.
1) Restate– In restating the question you are NOT adding any new information or changing the meaning. This is really important. Changing the meaning does not always mean words, many times it’s done with tone and inflection. Also restating DOES NOT mean using the same words and ‘parroting’ the information. When this technique is done well the listener repeats the essence of the message with no judgment, emotion or opinion implied, in other words – a neutral tone. It’s much easier said than done. It can be most challenging in an emotionally loaded conversation which is also where it is the most powerful and effective. The main resistance people have to restating comes from the fear that they may be seen as agreeing when they do not. Do not let this stop you from using this effective technique, as it is even more powerful when you do not agree with the other person’s statement.
2) Disclaiming– Many times people are fearful to give an answer because they want to have the right answer. “I don’t know, but I will find out” won’t really get you very far in business communication especially when it’s used more than once. Learning how to frame your answer can help. There are phrases which act as a disclaimer so you can offer insight or at least the limited information you do have. (more…)
22 Jul Five Ways to be Persuasive in Biotech
One of the most important presentations is the presentation to secure funding. It can be challenging to be persuasive with intense competition for the same resources.
Follow these steps to more successfully navigate those conversations. (more…)
23 Jan Why becoming an entrepreneur may be the best choice for women
Let’s start with some statistics.
Women are still earning 82 cents for every dollar a man earns. If part time workers were included in that statistic, it would be much lower.
Upwards of 75% of all caregivers are female, and may spend as much as 50% more time providing care than males. [Institute on Aging. (2016)]
(more…)22 Jan Powerful Persuasion Begins with a Good Story
Have you tried to get your child to go to bed on time?
What about enticing a certain someone to date you?
Or…telling senior management that you deserve a raise and a promotion?
How much of your communication involves persuading and influencing others? Think about it. The most efficient and effective way to persuade someone is through storytelling.
(more…)27 Nov Why men should attend the Massachusetts Conference for Women in December 2018
I have always learned so much about the male mindset through my brother and many times it was contrary to what society was teaching. He was always a great ally to my sister and I when confronting our irrational and impulsive mother. I continue to learn from him by having very candid conversations about male/female dynamics and perspectives. He is angered about the #metoo stories coming out and couldn’t imagine taking advantage of an incapacitated female. He’s the type of man that women need as an ally to change the world for the better.
2 Nov Cry Like a Little Girl
Communication fascinates me. This is one of the reasons why I love being a communication trainer and coach. Communication is like breathing, it’s happening through every person every minute of the day. Communication breakdowns are inevitable no matter how thoughtful we are. As a communication trainer, I can become an observer/researcher to distract myself from negatively reacting (sometimes) as I did on a recent family visit.
The opportunity to learn came from my 19 year old daughter when we were meeting a new significant other (SO) of one of my sisters. The new SO is an affable guy and everyone really liked him. We had a busy day of talking and storytelling. (more…)