“Let me propose that there is a huge gap between understanding a technique versus doing and performing that technique, on a consistent basis. For example, you may know that you need to take your time and not rush when delivering an important message to a senior audience.

However, in the moment, actually taking your time, and not rushing your delivery, is much, harder to do.

The following guidelines will help you get the most value from the series. In particular Guideline number one, Intentional Daily Practice is critical. Let me elaborate on this Guideline. Intentional Daily Practice or IDP means that when you decide to target a specific technique, that every day, you intentionally practice it in a live interaction.

For example, if you want to inject more voice energy into your speaking – before you speak to a person, you’d think to yourself (add more energy) and then you’d say for example, Kaya, have 30 seconds?’.

Then you need to continue this intentional practice every day until it becomes an automatic habit. Review these guidelines often to ensure you consolidate your new skills.

1. 1. IDP (Intentional Daily Practice). Intentionally Daily Practice a technique first, in safe interactions until it becomes a natural habit.
   2. Identify three to five people you trust (superiors, colleagues, direct reports)

Ask them:

1. • If they are willing to help you improve your listening speaking and presenting behaviour – if they are:
   • To let go of their past judgements about you
   • To tell the truth about how they perceive you.
   • To be supportive and helpful – not cynical or negative
   • To pick something they want to improve, that you can help them with – so everyone is focussed more on ‘improving’ than ‘judging’.
2. Each month for the next 12-18 months ask your trusted people:
   • How am I doing? (i.e. regarding a respective technique)
   • How could I do better?
   • When they give you feedback, only say, “Thank you”.
3. Use your smart phone or iPad or laptop to video record your speaking practice and then watch the playback for what you did well and where you can improve.
4. Teach someone a technique from the series.
5. Do not mimic my performance, rather adapt it to your style