public speaking
19 May Communication Skills for Managers: Speak Clearly, Persuasively, and Confidently Vol. 2
This second volume offers 12 more lessons for improving your management communication. From “Preventing Interruptions” to “Tips for Leading Effective Meetings,” our coaches offer practical, real-world advice that you can put to use immediately. (more…)
Hate Speech in the Workplace: A Manager’s Guide
It’s out there, it’s ugly, and business leaders should be prepared before it shows up in your company. This complimentary guide will help you recognize and address troublesome situations. (more…)
Presenting Technical Information to Non-Technical People
Technically-inclined professionals typically deliver technical presentations. We hear it repeatedly from the executives we coach: they face challenges in conveying technical information to laypeople or others who lack the same scientific background. They often face significant communication gaps when presenting to individuals outside their expertise and the listeners are left feeling overwhelmed or “lost in the weeds.” (more…)
How to Choose a Speech Coach
When you are charged with finding and selecting a vendor to help you or your employees strengthen their communication skills, you are taking on a crucial task. Whether it’s helping a colleague prepare for a major presentation, learning to navigate difficult conversations yourself, or developing an organization’s leadership team, you need to closely match the learning needs to
the training skills. (more…)
6 May Bridging the Gap: Three Tips for Explaining Technical Jargon to Engaged Listeners
‘Technical’ can have different meanings depending on the context. Every organization develops its own specialized jargon, which becomes “technical” when it falls outside another company’s norms. While it may be second nature to you, it can create barriers when communicating with non-technical listeners. However, with the right approach, these challenges become opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Here are three tips to help you translate complex information into something everyone can understand:
- Simplify Your Language: Avoid jargon and break down complex concepts into simple, everyday language. Use analogies and relatable examples to clarify your points, prioritizing accessibility over expertise. Example:When explaining an IPO, say, “Imagine your favorite local bakery wants to expand and needs more money to do it. They decide to sell pieces of ownership in the bakery to the public. That’s what happens when a company goes public – it’s like selling slices of a cake to anyone who wants a taste.”
- Know Your Listeners: Tailor your communication to the listener’s level of understanding. Research their motivations, background, and interests. Understanding your listeners allows you to craft a message that resonates, builds trust, and ensures clarity. Connecting on this level fosters understanding and strengthens relationships.
- Consider a Communication Coach:A communication coach is an objective resource who can help translate concepts into clear, understandable language. They can create visuals that enhance your message, ensuring smooth communication. With their strategies, you’ll be better equipped to connect with non-technical listeners and ensure your message is not just understood but remembered.
Impact:By using relatable analogies and visuals, such as comparing an IPO to slicing a cake, you make complex concepts more accessible. This approach fosters better communication and alignment across teams, creating a shared understanding that makes collaboration smoother and more effective.
Focusing on clarity, understanding your audience, and honing your communication skills allow you to convey technical information effectively while fostering stronger, more collaborative relationships.
29 Apr Speaking Faster or Slower: Is One Better Than the Other?
The short answer? Yes—one is better than the other. But the key lies in knowing when and why.
In most business settings, presentations are typically delivered at a pace of 185 to 200 words per minute. Meanwhile, the average human brain can process information at a much faster rate—about 400 to 600 words per minute.
Now, we’re not suggesting you try to speak at 500 words per minute just to keep your listeners’ brains busy. But as a speaker, it’s essential to understand how adjusting your speaking rate can significantly impact your effectiveness.
A skilled communicator varies their pace based on the importance and emotional weight of what they’re saying. Slowing down can add emphasis, while speeding up can build energy or signal transitions.
So, is one speed better than the other? Absolutely—but it depends on context. The most effective speakers know how to use pace as a strategic tool. And that’s exactly where a great coach can make a difference.