Avoid Cross Cultural Communication Breakdowns: Get Face-to-Face!
When the person you are speaking to is hard to understand, communication on the phone is even harder.
Continue Reading No CommentsThe Key to Your Career Advancement
The Perceptions of a Foreign Accent
Speaking with a foreign accent that is difficult to understand is unfortunately perceived negatively even if you are the smartest person in the room. Research shows us why…
Group vs Private Speech Coaching: Pros and Cons
Executives and emerging leaders often need to develop or refine their communication or presentation skills, especially, when their sound is misaligned with their role. As a highly-valued leader, your company will be willing to invest in your development. Two options to consider are individual or group coaching. Both options have positives and negatives which are discussed below. Let’s get started…..
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Foreign Accent Defined
Globalization across all industries has opened the door for business professionals to speak and partner with people from all corners of the world. Speaking or listening to someone with an accent is a part of our everyday business and personal lives. What does having an accent mean? An accent is simply a way of speaking shaped by a combination of geography, social class, education, ethnicity and language. Everybody has an accent. There is no such thing as a perfect, neutral or unaccented language. Accents are usually broken into 2 types:
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How to Master Impromptu Speaking
Sometimes the most dreaded “presentation” that people tell me they dislike the most, is impromptu speaking. They fear of stumbling on words, sounding dumb, and drawing a blank when they are called upon to give an opinion. There is something about unplanned presentations, which makes people want to crawl under the table and hide. Believe me; you are not alone if you would like to become invisible when all eyes are on you to speak. I get many requests from my clients to help with this skill (and it truly is a skill). But let me assure you that you can develop it, if you are not at the level you wish to be. Here are some pointers:
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Unshakeable Confidence
Did you know that June is National Smile Month?
I’d like to use National Smile Month as a campaign to boost your executive presence. How? Well, read on and discover how your smile can provide you with all of the self-confidence that you need to have all the executive presence you desire….
Continue Reading No CommentsHow to Effectively Communicate in a Virtual Environment
We have entered a historic time that is changing how we interact with our clients, team members and senior leaders. The majority of meetings are now being held virtually, creating the perfect opportunity for mixed signals and miscommunication. Here are 5 etiquette tips to help your virtual meetings and conversations remain positive and productive.
Continue Reading No CommentsAnxiety Induced Social and Vocal Changes
You’re about to speak to a client, group of your peers, colleagues or your boss. Breathing exercises have helped keep your heart rate at a normal level. Suddenly you open your mouth and out comes nothing or even worse, a high-pitched crackly voice. You try clearing your throat or taking a drink of water, but nothing helps. Now you’re left wondering why your voice failed you.
Continue Reading No CommentsUnderstanding Cultural Differences Saves You From Embarrassing Faux Pas
It’s not all that difficult to get caught up in our own little world and forget that differences exist between us and our foreign colleagues with whom we interact and/or do business. I’ve been guilty of it and was it ever an awkward and embarrassing moment when I found out I committed an egregious faux pas. (I wanted to hide when I was calmly and tactfully corrected. Luckily, I had a forgiving friend.) Here are some terrific tips to help you understand cultural differences. They come from Rhonda Coast, who is an expert on cross-cultural training in the workplace. It’s a must read to help you to avoid making a mistake that leaves you embarrassed.
