by Alan | Dec 1, 2005 | Communication skills
I finished my 10th speech and thus fulfilled the requirements for my Competent Toastmaster (CTM) award today. Interesting designation — no measurement or judgmental evaluation is accomplished. Just complete the 10 structured speeches. While I have the pleasure...
by Alan | Nov 29, 2005 | Communication skills, Delivery, Sales
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...
by Alan | Nov 28, 2005 | Communication skills, Delivery
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...
by Alan | Nov 27, 2005 | Communication skills
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...
by Alan | Nov 24, 2005 | Communication skills
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...
by Alan | Nov 23, 2005 | Communication skills, Don't!, PowerPoint
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...
