Speaking tips blog
Communication matters. What are you saying?
Not on your terms, theirs.
Had a one-on-one technical demo today. Cool product, neat technology, successful business model, working for the customers. Person showing off the product was competent, well spoken, and giving not only of time, but knowledge. Everything set up for success.I needed...
86, 400
Merlin Mann at 43Folders commented on Bob Parsons' ideas for handling phone calls, interruptions, and other time wasters. At first read, they sound a little harsh, but the more you realize what he's saying, it's a very logical way to control your own life and time....
Take the high road
Ongoing argument in my household about a conversation last week with a stranger at a consumer location. A member of my party said something that was intended to be a joke, but was mildly offensive to the person in question. This person responded with a matter-of-fact...
Speed talking
Sat through a speech the other day where something was clearly wrong. The speaker was agitated, and it showed. I never found out what it was, but the result to his speaking style was an increase in pace. It got worse and worse, to the point I even had trouble...
old dog, no new tricks
Dad mentioned he had a presentation to the "admininstrative staff" level, his first to such lofty extremes. Over lunch, I mentioned he might like some help with the presentation (although I would not even be able to pronounce, much less explain, most of his content)....
What you can say silently
Took in Sea World today. Despite the sticker shock and a cold, windy day, it was quite enjoyable. I've always enjoyed their entertainment between shows, especially the mimes. Goes back to a visit there while dating my wife when the mime tried to take her from me, I...
They learn young
Was commenting that there are things you don't have to teach kids. First, you don't have to teach little boys how to make car sounds. "Vrrrooom! Screeeech!" Then I note you don't have to teach little girls how to mother -- my daughter will talk her furry stuffed...
What a few decades can do…
Had a chance to go to a Sunday School class with my parents today while visiting -- the teacher is 93 years old and I felt that the opportunity to sit under such an instructor was worth being the youngest person there by a few decades.What a treat! This gentleman...
press 2 for customer service
Talking with the 'rents tonite. They were lamenting in typical old-school fashion how today's society lacks any sort of personal communication. Every time they have a problem, they call tech support and get a phone menu without a real person. The computers are made to...
Conversion attempt
Sitting in the driveway yesterday monitoring the bike and scooter races... Up walks two predictably dressed men (boys? They look younger all the time) who have made their stops at each house along the street. I resist the urge to go inside to avoid them. Their dialog...
Not a dumb jock
Went to the local FCA banquet last night. The guest keynote speaker was Brian Roberts. I've gotten in the habit of setting my expectations rather low when folks who don't speak in public much are on such a podium. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised.There were four...
Don’t tell them…
what you're going to tell them.Loved 86% of Dave Gray's Communication Nation post today. If folks would follow his simple advice, we could rid the world of sorry presentations in a hurry. But I will take a minor issue with #4. Not that you shouldn't start strong --...
