It only takes seconds to make an impression. It seems the research varies from 1/10th of a second to 30 seconds (with an average of 7 seconds). The fact remains, we judge quickly and others are doing the same when we first meet. The question is, what can we do about it?
A lot of people take for granted the powerful tools they have to create lasting impressions that help them every day in their communications with business customers and colleagues and help them to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Are you fast talker? If you are, you may be losing the most important person in the room: the listener! A good rate of speech ranges between 140 -160 words per minute (wpm). A rate higher than 160 words per minute can be difficult for the listener to absorb the material. There may be some areas of the country that speak at faster rates but a slower rate is preferable. Too slow of a rate may give the listener the perception of slow thinking, incompetence and being uneducated. If you have a foreign accent though, speaking slowly is crucial since pronunciation may be a challenge for the listener. Use a speed that is closer to 140 words per minute.
With the US political campaign season coming to a close, you may have noticed that a stark difference in communication styles exists between the top two candidates. Each candidate resonates with some audiences but not with others. This fact verifies what you already know: you can’t please everyone with your style. Often times when I give examples of style differences at my workshops, I hear complete opposite reactions to the same voice. One person loves the way a speaker communicates and someone else hates it. This dichotomy presents an interesting challenge for you, because as an executive speaker who is trying to resonate with your audience, you know that there are audience members that you just won’t be able to reach.
Should business presentations be delivered as effectively as keynote speeches that are intended to inspire and engage?
Board rooms and staff meetings tend to be the most boring places to engage people. Reports are read and too many details on too many slides are presented. What can you differently?
Well, how about telling stories in your presentations to sell an idea, to present your stats and/or to motivate and inspire your staff. Your leadership skills and ideas will come through the best by telling compelling stories that resonate with your audiences. I’m inspired to tell you this because last night I attended the Moth in Pittsburgh and I want to share with you four tips…
Have you been as riveted as I have been to the television as the winter Olympics unfold? There is nothing like an evening spent watching these great athletes with the fireplace roaring and a warm cup of tea in my hands. I love to watch the couples dance on ice and the aerial events; my husband prefers hockey or downhill skiing. The athletes’ stories of courage, hard work, determination, and overcoming obstacles is a clear indication of how their success didn’t occur in a straight path upward.
But why should all the much earned glory, and more importantly, those coveted gold medals go to those we see on TV? Don’t you deserve your own gold medal this winter? I sure think so. And that’s why I’m sending you a gold meda–to remind you that this is a great time to go for the gold! O.K. a photo isn’t as fancy as one of the 259 medal sets that will be awarded this month but I wanted to do something to get your attention.
Here are a three areas of communication that are the gold standard to strive towards to develop your leadership skills:
At Christmas each year, our family spends a lot of time around the dining room table playing board games and cards. One of my children in particular has a hobby of collecting games, learning them and teaching them to us. I’ll call him my Game Player Extraordinaire. His name is Sam and to give you an example, he has 50+ games. I thought he might be a good person to ask for some game recommendations that promote language skills for my game review this year. These make wonderful gifts and promote communication skills as well. Here’s what he suggested:
It only takes seconds to make an impression. It seems the research varies from 1/10th of a second to 30 seconds (with an average of 7 seconds). The fact remains, we judge quickly and others are doing the same when we first meet. The question is, what can we do about it?
