June 2020

Screen Shot 2020-06-06 at 1.27.32 PM.jpeg
 

A change of heart

In this month’s blog post I reflect on the tumult we’re feeling in Brooklyn (and around the country) these days. And it got me thinking about an earlier example I witnessed of an awakening to the racism that permeates our nation’s history.

Workshops for better communications

In these turbulent times, there is a real need to address big issues. And any discomfort, lack of clarity, or trouble projecting leadership through a teeny-tiny camera gets in the way of these larger concerns. So we need to overcome any lack of confidence in our virtual communication to do the work that needs to be done. Let me help you communicate via video chat from home. I am offering a pair of workshops that go beyond the "top three tips" and help you quickly master skills to get your message across and to listen effectively to others. More info here.

Video Tips You Can Use!

  • Meetings over video chat platforms take more energy and focus. To be effective, plan ahead, and get your talking points ready so you are respectful of everyone's time.

  • Schedule a video meeting to be at least 20% shorter than a comparable meeting held in-person. A good rule of thumb is any meeting that would be an hour at the office should be 45 minutes online.

Check out my new videos that offer tips for presenting with virtual presence!

In other news

 

Join me for a virtual reading of The Whole is Greater — presented by NYC ONLINE: FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTLIGHTS

Friday, July 10, 2020 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (EDT)

The lives of a "motivational guru," a cynical unemployed professor, a corrupt local politician, and a wily Dollar Store cashier intertwine unexpectedly. Comic drama unfolds as definitions of success, matters of justice, and finding your place in the world collide.

Registration here

whole is greater pink spot - Version 2.jpeg


May 2020

IMG_6444.jpeg

Breathing in breath-holding time

This month of The Great Pause, I am thankful for quiet morning walks and spring flowers. And I blog about how our physical routines help us achieve so much more than our fitness goals.

Video Tips You Can Use!

  • Using a headset/earbuds with microphone can cut down on background interference that you might not be aware of. Helpful for barking dogs, chirping birds and random TikToks from the next room.

  • Make your video window smaller so you don't distract yourself. But don't turn your video camera off during a work meeting--your boss will suspect you're not really there.

  • Speak clearly and a bit slower that usual. And speak with energy! Even if you have a great mic, the sound on the other end could be occasionally muddied or garbled. Don't add to confusion by being a mumbler/fast talker/low talker.

Do you have questions about navigating video communication in this time?
Shoot me an e-mail and I'll answer them in upcoming videos.

d4d4349e-2069-4210-9738-9884c973432b.jpg

In other news---

My suffrage play It's My Party!  is still on schedule for its September, 2020 Southwestern Regional Premiere. It'll be at Dallas' Echo Theatre, Kateri Cale, Managing Artistic Director. More info here. 

If your community is looking for ways to celebrate the Suffrage Centennial, please note that it has been extended to August 2021So there's plenty of time for you to consider staging a production or organizing your own reading of It's My Party!  Virtual readings on Zoom could work too! For more info, click here.

Selections from my work-in-progress Saltwater Farm kicked off Pipeline Playwrights' spring reading series, Playwrights at Work!  The reading got a great response; I'm busily writing more of the play. I hope to serialize it and post segments on YouTube this summer.

Visit Pipeline's website for the latest news.

playwrights at work 2020 tight crop.png

April 2020

puzzle-592803_1280.jpg
 

What puzzles reveal

My blog this month deals with the unexpected observations about — observation (!) I have made while solving puzzles during my quarantine.

 

Video Tips You Can Use!

  • Make sure you have a professional background. If you must take your video chats in your bedroom, make sure we can't see your bed! The camera defines the space we see, so find a different angle. Use Photo Booth, Camera, or a similar app to see what your camera sees--before you log on!

  • Dress like you're going to the actual meeting in your "business casual" attire. Comb your hair. Put on makeup, if you normally wear it. Not only will you look better on camera, you'll feel more ready to get to work.

  • Prepare and organize. Time flies even faster on virtual meetings and webinars. Attention spans are shorter, too. So organization is key if you want to get your message across.

I'll be offering more tips in upcoming workshops. Be sure to visit my website to see what I'll be covering and when.