Skill-building
How to speak more succinctly and let your expertise shine
Do you sometimes repeat yourself when you speak? Maybe you’re: ➡️ Not sure if your point just landed… ➡️ Or it’s hard to gauge your listener’s reaction… Do you find yourself saying the same thing a few times, a few different ways, until you get some sort of “got it” signal (like a…
Read MoreThe best (and worst) place to look during video calls
Let’s face it: looking directly into the camera when you’re speaking on video calls is AWKWARD and UNNATURAL. If you find yourself wondering where to look, especially when there are multiple people on the screen, you’re not alone and today’s blog post is for YOU. One of the most frequent questions I get,…
Read MoreWhat to do when you lose your train of thought – and how to get back on track!
You’re making a point, zeroing in on exactly what you want to say and then…. A flat line. Mental radio silence. You completely lose your train of thought. You feel your eyes dart around the video call, or worse, video INTERVIEW, and you get that terrible “I look like an idiot” feeling. But guess…
Read More3 surprising tricks for engaging your virtual audience with slides
Video of a baby cuddling with a big, chill dog. (Adorable.) Scroll. Meme of people turning household items into masks. (Clever.) Scroll. A photo of someone you admire doing something awesome in the world. (Love it. Click heart.) Scroll. You spend plenty of time staring at screens voluntarily. But the last thing you wanna…
Read MoreEver feel unsettled when you speak up? Use this trick to get in the groove more easily
Remember middle school gym class? I know what you’re thinkin’: “Why would I EVER want to remember middle school gym class?” Well, before you stash those memories of smelly locker rooms away (deep into the attic of your mind), remember this: STRETCHING. Before every gym class or virtual workout you do nowadays,…
Read MorePresence Under Pressure Special Edition: The quickest way to evaluate your speaking skills (on Zoom or in-person!)
“I hate watching or listening to myself speak” “It’s painful to watch myself on video” “I feel like I don’t recognize the sound of my own voice!” I know what you’re thinking… “Yep. Same. The absolute LAST thing I wanna do right now is watch myself on video. I already have to watch myself…
Read MoreNeed to be more concise when you speak? Use this trick to skip the rambling
Do you find yourself zoning out during these virtual meetings? Ever think to yourself: “How long is he gonna go on for?” “She made that point three times.” “When is he gonna hurry up and stop talking already!?” Because if so, you’re not alone (and you’re not a horrible person.) But here’s…
Read MoreHow to avoid sounding scripted or overly rehearsed
Welcome back to our Virtual Communication Series: Let’s Get Virtual, Virtual! During one of our FREE workshop/fundraisers last week, Rose asked a brilliant question about how to avoid sounding scripted or overly rehearsed. She was curious if I ever worry about becoming “sing-songy” when giving a speech or presenting something I’ve rehearsed 1,000 times… Short…
Read MoreHow to stop letting others take credit for YOUR ideas
Welcome back to our Virtual Communication Series: Let’s Get Virtual, Virtual! During one of our FREE workshop/fundraisers last week, Jess asked this brilliant question: “What should you do if sometimes when you suggest something, it doesn’t get fully acknowledged, but then a few minutes later, someone will make that exact same suggestion and…
Read MoreIf your voice feels tired or strained, try THIS.
At our >>FREE Virtual Communication Skills Workshop<< (happening again next week!), one of the participants asked: “I find that teaching via Zoom puts a lot of strain on my voice and causes hoarseness, is that common?” Answer: YES. That’s extremely common–and easily preventable! If you’ve been wondering why your voice feels more tired…
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