Think about why you might negatively judge someone? . . . You might not like the way they look, or what they say, or the sound of their voice. However, if you withhold judgement and get curious you can learn very valuable things from people you don’t like, from mediocre competitors, even from people you despise.
Oscar Levant said the following about people he despised: “Every time I see you – I have a fierce desire to be lonesome”.Continue reading
At his final Press Conference as Prime Minister last Thursday, Kevin Rudd initially joked about the large size of the gallery, to hide the enormity of his anguish. He tried to hide himself with his innumerable ‘I’m proud of the fact’ statements. This was his final chance to catalogue, technocrat style, his achievements – to, in effect, say, ‘look at all I’ve done for you. . .why don’t you appreciate this . . .why am I being dumped’, but his voice, eyes and face weren’t playing along.Continue reading
Julia Gillard looked and sounded very much the leader and Prime Minister in her first interview last night with Kerry O’Brien. Rather than being thrown by the rapid events that thrust her into the top job, the certainty she conveyed through her measured speaking, and through how she held her eyes, face and body demonstrated that she was very ready indeed for this moment.
There was a subtle, quiet relish in her manner – in effect saying – she was the right person for this moment, and for this calling. O’Brien attempted to bait Gillard with loaded questions, but she never took the bait, repeatedly rejecting the premise of his questions.
How new leaders are first perceived can be very important in determining longer term impresssions. This polished, first performance by Gillard will, well serve her and her party in the coming months.
How can you listen so people want to speak to you? Another technique to add to the DBAE technique shared in last week’s blog is to use a ‘pause gap’. A pause gap is a full, one second gap after the person (ie. your conversation partner) has stopped speaking and before you begin to speak. Continue reading
You never get a second chance to listen to someone the first time – because if you’re daydreaming that might be the precise moment they’re sharing the key bit of information, or if you ask them to repeat what they’ve said, they might repeat what they’ve said in a less powerful way, or maybe they’re thinking is this person really interested in me. Continue reading
Your voicemail greeting might be the first impression a potential customer has of you. Make it a good impression. Start your greeting with ‘You’re through to. . .’ (this indicates a live person is not there), make the greeting brief and project energy in your voice. In addition omit ‘I can’t take your call right now’ (this is redundant in today’s business environment). Continue reading
Paul Howes outpointed Clive Palmer in yesterday’s National Press Club debate on the ‘Resources Super Profits Policy: Tax Reform or Tax Grab?’ Leaving aside who won the battle of the ideas, Howes’ measured speaking with energy came across with more certainty – consistent with that of a believable leader. Palmer blustery, theatrical performance and glib one-liners conveyed less certainty, and was less consistent with a believable leader.
When a person uses several one-liners and humorous, startling statements, the underlying message that is conveyed, is that the speaker doesn’t have a credible, well thought-out message and needs to resort to these ‘cheap trick’ lines.
Neither man had a simple, clearly articulated message supporting their view.
If I was giving sales presentation and speech communication, post-debate coaching to each, it would be:
Paul H: 1. At the start of your opening address, be even more measured and deliberate in your speaking. 2. Own and occupy more space with your body – keep your arms on the table. 3. Nod briefly in response to the people that ask you questions.
Clive P: 1. Omit the glib one-liners to convey your messages. 2. Be more measured with your delivery. Use an open, middle, close speaking structure and finish your ‘speaking parcels’ with a definite ending point.
The ‘how to’ for this blog is this: 1. Prior to your next presentation or message delivery, get clear on your key message (it should be no more than two sentences). 2. Deliver that key message early in your presentation/piece of speaking and if appropriate, signpost it. For example: ‘This is the key takeaway message. . .’
I came across a great example of energy this week. It was in a video clip by Scott Ginsberg better known as the Nametag guy. Here’s the link to the clip: http://www.nametagtv.com/home. There is great energy in his face, voice and body. And it’s projected in such an easy manner. Continue reading
You can handle your fear in sales presentations by audio recording a presentation on you phone’s voice recorder, prior to your presentation, and listening to it, repeatedly while you do other things – like driving your car to a meeting, or going out to a café to get your lunch.Continue reading
