It sure is sticky!
No, this month's blog is not about tone policing or telling someone "you'll catch more flies with vinegar than honey!" It is about "sticky" speech--you know, the kind where you recall what was said long after you heard it. It is a big topic but I highlight two basic elements for crafting sticky messages.
In other news, my final group Executive Communications Skills workshop for the summer is coming up soon. And I have a few places left. More info is here.
Tips you can use!
Put on your neutral face
Yes, RBF is a real thing, so if you've been told to stop looking so mean, you're not alone! But you can minimize such comments by practicing your "zen face:" relaxed, not super-smiley, just a little less intense. Making a few muscular adjustments can make a huge difference in how others perceive you.
Don't know? That's OK--
You can't be expected to know everything about your speech topic, but you should know where to find the answer. Don't make things up: chances are someone else in the room will have Googled the real answer by the time you've finished.
A better PowerPoint
If you absolutely need to put together a slide deck (using illustrative charts, graphs or maps) make sure they are big enough to be seen at the back of the room. Otherwise, find a graphic that reinforces your theme. Or just tell the story. Stories can be the most powerful tools in your speaker's arsenal. Revisit my blog post to find out why.
