Effective Introductions

One on one, and in group/networking settings, people often say "I'd like to introduce you to..." instead of simply making the introduction!

Adding useless filler before connecting two, or more, people takes time, so instead, get to the introduction(s) by:
1) Smiling at the people involved.
2) Stating the "Higher Ranking" person's name as you look at him/her
3) Saying "Please meet" or, "this is,"
4) Sharing the "Lower Ranking" person's name as you look at him/her
5) Offering some positive/connection details about each person in order to "seed" the conversation with ideas to get them started

With that approach, you can stay or go, and know that there is more than an introduction, and that you have started the beginning of a real connection!

Small Word Changes = Big Results!

"Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace."

~Buddha

Words matter. Words are a part of how we are perceived. Making some small changes in word selection may make big changes in your results, including the following:

These replacements will allow for clear communication and respectful language for you and those with whom you engage! More to follow next month...

Wingin' It Vs. Sharing Expertise

"True intuitive expertise is learned from prolonged experience with good feedback on mistakes."

~ Daniel Kahneman

Israeli-American psychologist notable for his work on the psychology of judgment and decision-making, as well as behavioral economics, for which he was awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

(b. 1934)

Through many studies and surveys, Americans consistently share that public speaking is one of their biggest, often the biggest of fears. In working with people, and in other articles, it's been shared that being the expert, putting the audience first, and getting out of your own way are three things to remember to be an effective presenter. That has not changed.

This article is to share the difference in "winging it", and "sharing expertise". When people tell me they don't like to write things down, prepare, or rehearse because they are better at "winging it", what they likely mean is that they are best sharing their expertise. When you are the expert, and when you have confidence in your knowledge, position and expertise, you can be effective in "sharing expertise". It is not that you are "winging it", rather you may not want a script, props or other things for a presentation. True "winging it" is when someone is not prepared, does not have knowledge, or simply ignored opportunities to get informed.

"Sharing expertise", being vulnerable and open are all to be encouraged. This form of public speaking, in small or large groups, formally or informally, is something that often touches the audience in a way a rehearsed deck on something that the speaker does not truly have expertise, never could. "Winging it", real "winging it" is something that is frenetic, without support, and possibly a series of fleeting opinions.

Fear or not, when you have a change to speak publicly, if you find yourself telling yourself or others that you are best "winging it", please consider giving each of you more credit by realizing and embracing the fact that part of your impact, and part of your way to connect, is by "sharing expertise".