Make sure your questions are questions
Watch your body language, and keep your ears open for the nuances of tone that create statements in disguise.
Category: Speaking
Good reasons to pause before answering
Whether giving a speech, addressing a meeting, or just talking one-on- one with an employee, take a pause before answering tough questions. Here’s why.
When conversing, keep people plugged into your message
Holding your listener’s attention is as important as saying your piece clearly and fully—and probably harder to do. Use leading statements to keep the discussion focused on your main message.
Choose the correct word
Impact vs. affect, farther vs. further, emigrate vs. immigrate, and sympathy vs. empathy.
Pull the veil off acronyms and jargon
Over time, organizations gradually develop their own special terminology, abbreviations, acronyms, and jargon. But for new employees and people from outside the organization—like customers—this language can be bewildering. Here’s how to make it more accessible to the uninitiated.
Can you hear me now?
If your voice is fine in conversation but fades when you’re addressing a group, try this volume control tactic from communications coach Karen Friedman.
Do you communicate effectively?
Here are five ways to increase your value to your current employer, as well as to potential employers.
With customers, stay positive
In customer service, little things—and little sayings—mean much. Listen for the following customer-repellent phrases and train your people to trade them in for more effective ones.
Nothing grabs attention like a good story
Telling stories or anecdotes is a great way to illustrate important ideas or to inspire your group to recognize opportunities. But what makes a good story?
Power up your responses
Some words—no matter how trivial they seem—can make you look less sure, professional and capable. Make these small tweaks in your language to appear more confident and competent.