VoicePro®

Respect: A Communication Skill That Brings The World Together

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:38:00 GMT

Posted by Leslie Dickson

Have you really thought about what it means to be respectful? I always thought of myself as a respectful person; saying “please” and “thank you” comes easily to me. However, I now have an expanded appreciation for what it means to be respectful.

I have just completed a month-long trip that had VoicePro® delivering programs to a client with offices in the Asia Pacific region. We were in Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Australia (Sydney and Melbourne). As I went from country to country, I found there is a different level of respect in different parts of the world. The people I met and worked with In the Asian countries showed a higher level of respect to others, as well as a significant level of respect for themselves, their surroundings and their families.

At some locations, we were treated to lunch as the “guests” of our groups. This falls into the typical range of respect that I know well. But it went much deeper than this, and the subtleness and ease of execution had a great impact on me. People seemed easier, less threatened than we do in the west. They weren’t as quick to take offense. They smiled more and showed a natural courtesy to everyone around them.

For instance, throughout the entire month, our workshop participants honored us with their attention. They didn’t work on their laptops or phones during class time. They held their demanding workload for breaks. Now, I am the first one to recognize how busy everyone is and that client needs don’t take a hiatus just because someone decides to take a training program. However, it was moving to me to experience this level of respect from these incredibly important people. In South Korea, where several people even had trouble understanding our language, they stayed dialed in throughout the entire program.

Also, I am sure you have heard in some cultures to accept a business card with two hands and place it on the table, rather than put it away in your pocket. I never knew why this was the case until I experienced it myself. It is about attention. When someone offers you their business card and receives yours with two hands, it is about giving you their undivided attention. The power and impact of this is amazing.

So, think about your own relationships. Do you set things aside when someone comes into your office? Do you focus just on them? Do you help your colleagues out by giving them your full, uninterrupted attention? Do you honor them with your respect?

I challenge you to try showing respect to the people you interact with in a deeper way. It isn’t about your intention to be respectful. We all have that. It’s about changing your behavior to let others “feel” respected by you. It is this “feeling of being respected” that holds the power.

3 Public Speaking Tips From James Bond

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:11:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

Over the past month, the Bond franchise has come roaring back with the International hit Skyfall. Of course, considering the character, the movie is full of incredible stunts, gorgeous locales, and even some high tech gadgetry. However, unlike Bond films of the past, which pit Bond against a maniacal villain bent on world domination or destruction, James struggles with his confidence and deals with a villain that challenges him on a very personal level.
Speakers new and seasoned run into the same problems, just before they take the stage. They question their abilities, get stuck in their head, and quickly kill any confidence they had. So, how can you give yourself the confidence you need? Learn from James’ latest triumph.

#1 Don’t Rely on Technology

Considering his adversary is a master computer hacker, Bond realizes that high tech approaches are not going to work. In fact, they’re only detrimental to his cause. Consequently he goes off the grid, and decides to use old fashioned methods to dispatch his foe.
Whether it’s a projector, laptop, or even a flash drive with a PowerPoint presentation, many speakers use technology as a crutch instead of a tool. To avoid a potential disaster via a malfunction, be ready to give your presentation without any technology. Even if your presentation has a video segment practice the speech without it, at least once. That way you can avoid panicking if something goes ary.

#2 Look the Part

For the first quarter of the movie, Bond doesn’t quite look himself. He looks exhausted, labors during exercise and even has a thin beard. Not exactly the suave character we’ve come to know. Thankfully, Bond realizes how important his appearance is to his job and gets a shave and new suit before entering a high end casino.
When you’re introducing yourself to a group of strangers or potential business partners, appearance does matter. So look the part. If the crowd will be wearing casual business attire, a high-end suit will stick out like a sore thumb. We generally recommend matching the attire of room or going one step above. Slightly overdressing is never as bad as underdressing.

#3 Trust Yourself

Despite numerous indications that Bond is unfit for active duty his superior, M, puts him back in the field without question. Considering the dangerous nature of Bond’s mission, many other characters question M’s decision. She makes it very clear why she made the choice: she trusts Bond.
In the moments leading up to your speech, you may become overwhelmed with doubts or worries. Don’t let them takeover. Take these moments to relax your body through deep breathing, shake out your nervous energy, and use positive affirmations to build your confidence. Now you can take the stage feeling relaxed but invigorated.

The latest incarnation of Bond is hardly perfect, but he does know how to rise the occasion. Learn from the flawed hero for your next speech and present with power.

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Poetry Power in Executive Presence

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:54:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

Is there anyone who distills ideas into concentrated communication better than poets? And by poets, I mean everyone from Robert Frost to Dr. Seuss, pop singers to rap artists. That’s why a recent article in The Atlantic magazine caught my attention. Dorothea Lasky, an educator and poet, penned the article What Poetry Teaches Us About Persuasion.

Lasky’s focus is making students better writers, but I think her argument applies to all communicators. “It would be hard to say that any outstanding essay does not involve meticulous word choice or the ability to persuade a reader through sheer aesthetic prowess. Poetry teaches students how to do this.”

Think about it.

Poetry helps us hear things differently, make a rational and an emotional connection, remember ideas better and longer. Lasky likes to use lyrics from pop singer Jay-Z’s songs to make her poetry point with students. You may not know his music, but I bet you remember these:

-“Would you eat them in a box, would you eat them with a fox…”

-And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land…

-Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by…

-Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…

Another of Lasky’s points hits home, too: “[B]ecause I am a poet, I am always searching for ways to change language.” That’s a powerful way to make sure your words aren’t just verbal wallpaper – always there, never noticed.

You know who may have been the best language inventor in history? William Shakespeare, the poet playwright. James Shapiro, a Shakespeare scholar, launched a steady stream of the bard’s best on the Radiolab. As Shapiro says, Shakespeare shoved ideas together “to achieve a kind of atomic power.” He captured ideas so memorably, 400 years later they’re still part of our everyday language: I’m in a pickle, dead as a doornail, forever and a day, in my mind’s eye, kill with kindness. Not bad.

So is it time to start rhyming your presentation?

No. But it is worth your while to spend a little time thinking about new ways to say what’s been said before. Here are a few ideas to borrow from the poet’s craft.

-Choose words worth a thousand pictures. The word “history” and “heritage” seem synonymous at first glance. But while “history” connotes the factual past, “heritage” suggests more. History can be good or bad, but a heritage connotes richness, tradition, something worth keeping.

-Is there a metaphor? A new way of thinking can help people grab on. A writer I know calls it “reincarnation”. Maybe a problem is a landmine or a buzzing mosquito. A goal might be a holy grail or Mt. Everest. A competitive situation might be a cage match…or a chess match.

-Think about inventing words. Channel your inner Shakespeare. Maybe a college campus is a brainspace, a computer lab is a techscape.

-Borrow someone’s else’s words. There are poetic persuaders everywhere with great words to express ideas – even different shades of the same one. Michael Jordan said, “I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” Winston Churchill offers “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Which works for you?

Next time you’re preparing for a presentation, invite your inner poet to the planning session. Let’s give poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge the last word on the topic: “[P]rose = words in their best order; poetry = the best words in the best order.

Let’s talk more about how VoicePro programs can help you and your team achieve more by building stronger communications skills.

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Survival Tips For A Last Minute Speech

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:24:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

It happens…we hear it from a number of VoicePro clients. You walk into a meeting (business, service club, community), and one of the organizers asks, “I know this is short notice, but could you say a few words about the project…the plan…the new product?

Even someone who’s a regular public speaker will feel the heart skip a little beat. And the rest of us? A wave of panic may ensue. It doesn’t have to.

Here’s an emergency checklist of pointers to help you not only survive the extemporaneous experience, but make the most of the opportunity to share ideas and shape opinions.

First, remember, you’re the expert.

That’s why you were asked to say a few words. Breathe, settle your mind, and focus on the information you know.

Second, what’s the most important takeaway?

You’ll only have a few minutes with your audience, so make them count by focusing attention on the single most important idea. Save the details for another time. If you’re having trouble separating the wheat from the chaff of your information, jot down a few possible key phrases. Imagine people will walk out of the room repeating one of them. That process can help clarify your thinking.

Make a quick outline of your message.

You want just a few bullet points – and the most important ones. You can’t pack a 3-page memo into 2 minutes. Ask yourself: what’s the best evidence, strongest story, most important background to support the message? Now organize the 3 or 4 points into a logical order.

Write it down, it’ll give you confidence.

Just note the main message and bullet points. You need no more than would fit on a 3x5 index card…or a cocktail napkin. Don’t read from it, don’t memorize it. Use it simply as a mental checklist of your message. It also serves as a confidence builder. The fear of “brain freeze” is actually one of the major causes of it. Your outline serves as a safety net.

Channel your nerves into energy.

Stand strong, but relaxed. Speak your first sentence with confidence and you’re on your way. Remember that the visual you present and the sound of your voice communicate as much as the words you speak. Keep in mind, too, that your nervousness about your speech can come across as nervousness about the project or program you’re discussing. Don’t let that happen.

What do you want people to do? Embrace a new program? Watch for a memo? Volunteer? Talk to customers? If there’s a call to action, make it clear.

Finish where you started. A final restating of your main message helps reinforce it.

It’s ok to ask for questions.

That can be an excellent way to be sure nothing was missed because of your abbreviated prep time. You can also offer to answer questions after the meeting.

What if I mess up?

You will sometimes. Everybody does, and, by the way, that’s why audiences understand. Take comfort in that fact. Simply correct a misstep, bring it back to the topic, and, as the Brits say, “Remain calm and carry on.”

With this simple step-by-step approach, there’s no reason to fear the extemporaneous speech. In fact, with a little practice, you may start looking for opportunities to be a last-minute agenda addition when you have an important message to share.

Let’s talk more about programs that can help you be a stronger communicator – whether it’s with an audience of 500, your work team, or one on one.

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Improve Your Communication Skills With Power Listening

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:37:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

Remember this feeling? You’re at a conference or a networking event, having a conversation with a colleague. Suddenly you notice his eyes have wandered away from your face, over your shoulder, to scan the room for other contacts.

Or try this scenario. You’re sitting across the desk from your supervisor to discuss a project. Every time the email alert sounds, she glances away to check it.

Or this one. You finish explaining a plan to a team member, who simply nods, then launches into describing his own plan.

I’ve experienced these all too common situations with “listening impaired” colleagues. I bet you have, too. Is there any clearer proof that great communicators start by listening? Until we’ve truly heard what colleagues have to say, there’s no common ground for progress.

I call this kind of concentrated listening “power listening”. And the truth is, it’s not easy to do. Distractions abound in our time-starved world. We want to cut to the chase because we’re convinced of our rightness. Or maybe we have doubts about the speaker’s credentials.

That’s where would-be communicators go wrong – and organizations suffer. Shallow listening actually closes minds. Power listening opens them.

Keys To Power Listening

-Power listening is the basis of persuasion. It’s not until you’ve truly heard someone’s questions about or problems with your ideas that you can provide the answers that could resolve them.

-Power listening creates an honest, empathetic relationship. It’s the glue that binds a team together, the fuel that drives better outcomes.

-Power listening leads to better decisions and innovation. Surprise! You may actually hear information you didn’t know or creative ideas that change everything.

-Power listening turns conflict to strength. Not every decision is going to make every team member happy. Still, when people know their thoughts are heard, they’re better able to move forward in a positive frame of mind.

So how do you practice power listening?

-Turn off the distractions. Start with the externals ones -- silence the email and text alerts and the cell phone. Then turn off the internal ones. Don’t be thinking about your next meeting or worrying about the stack of papers on your desk.

-Turn off the judgment. If your mind is at work stacking up objections, it’s building a wall against new ideas. Dig in to what’s being said and you may find a gold mine of possibilities – or at least a few nuggets.

-Turn on the listening signals. Keep eye contact, respond, maybe take a few notes – this helps the speaker open up. By the way, don’t confuse physical signals with real listening. We’ve all sat in front of someone who was nodding and smiling, but was obviously just going through the motions. No one is fooled by that hollow ruse – and it does more harm than good.

And let me repeat this one final reminder: power listening is hard. Really hard. Unbelievably hard. Everything in our busy days and get-to-the-point mind works against us. But I promise you this: it’s the only way to become a successful communicator. And it will pay dividends for your team, for your organization and for your career.

Let’s talk more about how VoicePro programs can help you and your team achieve more by building stronger communications skills.

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3 Ways To Always Sound Original (Even If Your Presentation Isn’t)

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:40:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

Some public speaking topics are easier than others. If you’re talking about a breakthrough in modern medicine the new idea can carry the presentation. However, if you’re trying to convince a room full of potential clients to purchase your product, chances are you aren’t the first person to tell them about a very similar product. In these situations you need originality to stand out. Since your presentation topic may not stand out, here are three ways to make your presentation original.

#1 Your Word Choices

A couple years ago I was speaking to some colleagues in a group setting. I began to tell a story about my weekend and my coworkers were responsive. Halfway through the story, one woman in the back started chuckling. I asked her why she was laughing. She replied “You sound like you’re from the Middle Ages.”

Though, I’d argue using “yee” once in a conversation isn’t grounds for a medieval comparison, I can almost guarantee that very few people use the word in common conversation.

While you should always keep your audience in mind when choosing your words, don’t shy away from some of your favorites. As long as “plethora” makes sense within the context of your presentation you can sound like yourself and stand out.

#2 The “Way” You Speak

In an effort to mimic successful speakers, many new speakers attempt to imitate them. While learning lessons from the greats is a great strategy for new speakers, direct imitation has one glaring problem: it sounds (and feels) fake. Unless you’re a well-trained actor or frighteningly skilled liar, mimicking a famous speakers speech patterns will sound forced and the audience will write you off as disingenuous and unoriginal.

Much like your word choices, your “way” of speaking is unique to you. So view your speech like a conversation. You’ll be more comfortable using your natural speaking rhythms and body language and your audience will feel like they’re interacting with a human being.

#3 Your Experiences

If you want to tell a story your audience has never heard before, look at your own life. Stories from your own life are excellent ways to stand out for a number of reasons. First, they’re truly yours. Even if you’ve shared an experience with someone your perspective, insights and reactions are all your own.

Next, stories are great way to connect with your audience. The crowd may not have been frightened by a human Scarecrow on Halloween, but they will certainly remember their own Halloween experiences. Finally, once again you get a chance to show the audience your humanity and your personality.

Crafting an original presentation doesn’t have to be a chore. Frequently speakers spend so much time trying to find a new way to present their material that they forget the easiest way to sound original: be yourself. Your audience may have heard everything you have to say before, but they haven’t heard it from you!

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3 Ways To Avoid The Communication Panic Switch

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:36:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

My best friend got her dream job in July. It was a perfect fit to her expertise, yet still stretched her beyond her current comfort zone. She would have the opportunity to make a difference in an organization that was growing by leaps and bounds – a big difference from her previous job that caused her to spend her day in complete boredom.

Fast-forward three months…all hell seems to be breaking loose in the dream job. There are new leaders in the organization, and their names are Chaos, Stress and Tension. The reactions from the employees are classic – poor communication, hurt feelings and panic. Actually, I heard that a mutiny is in the works. My friend asked me, “What am I supposed to do?”

My advice to her, and to anyone else facing a challenging situation, is this:

#1 Don’t Get Hooked

The easiest reaction to have when the people around you are in panic mode is to get hooked into their emotions too. It’s the classic “push-push back” reaction. “If you come at me, then I will retaliate back,” or “You can’t treat me like this, so I’ll show you!”

If you get emotionally hooked, you are likely to give up your strength and personal power. Instead (and this is far from easy), stay calm, get grounded, breathe and focus the big picture (your vision, goals, values, etc.) Now is the time to ask questions, clarify, and listen. Start to consider actions that will meet the needs of the situation and move you in the direction of the big picture. See the pattern? Turn off the reactionary auto-pilot, or else you will be knee deep in the mess along with everyone else.

#2 Show Some Compassion

When smart, experienced and fair people change their behavior and become raving lunatics – it’s a pretty fair assumption that they are under incredible pressure from another source. If they are yelling at you to do your job, chances are they are getting yelled at from higher ups to do their job. What would happen if you acknowledge the pressure they are feeling, validate their pain, and show some empathy? It might change the behavior coming your way. Or, at the very least, it will be remembered that you took the time to notice what was going on with them. Just think, wouldn’t you like to be acknowledged for a job well done when all you hear is criticism? Do you think you are the only one who hopes for this?

#3 What Do You Want Others’ To Say?

When you don’t know what to do in a challenging situation, it is a good time for some personal reflection. Ask yourself, “How do I want others to describe me?” If you could be a fly on the wall and could hear how everyone else talked about you, what would make you smile at their description? Do words like hard worker, professional, level-headed, even fun, come to mind? If so, all you need to do is behave in a way that demonstrates or supports these descriptors. It may not be easy, but it is simple and powerful. Your actions follow your thoughts. So, when you think “open” you will show up more “open.”

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Do Words Really Matter in Effective Communication?

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:02:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

In the communication development field, these statistics are often quoted: 93% of communication is non-verbal. 55% of impact comes from body language and 38% is tone of voice. Your words make up only 7% of the impact.

We hear those stats at VoicePro. We’ve even repeated it on occasion. But the fact is, it’s not true. Or, more precisely, it’s not accurate. There’s a lot more complexity below the surface that’s worth a closer examination.

The Study

Maybe we should start at the beginning. Albert Mehrabian, a UCLA professor, did communications research in the mid-1960s. He had subjects take two tests. In the first, they listened to nine words, spoken in various tones of voice, including some which contradicted the word, such as a positive reading of the word “don’t”. The findings showed that people’s response to the words was affected more by the tone of voice than the word itself.

The second test had subjects listen to a word read positively, negatively and neutrally, then view photos of three facial expressions conveying the same emotions. Respondents were better at accurately identifying emotion based on photos than sound.

Crunch the research numbers, and out comes the formula: 55/38/7. So we’re done, right? Not so fast. In the 40+ years since the research, legions of communications professionals have disputed the findings…with some fairly down-to-earth arguments. If words don’t matter, how does radio work? Why do we need to learn foreign languages? Will I understand driving directions if I roll up my car window so I can’t hear the person giving them?

Even Dr. Mehrabian himself has offered this clarification: “Please note that this and other equations regarding relative importance of verbal and nonverbal messages were derived from experiments dealing with communications of feelings and attitudes (i.e. like-dislike). Unless a communicator is talking about their feelings or attitudes, these equations are not applicable.”

So where does that leave us – as communicators and communication professionals? Anything goes? Are there no reliable guideposts?

The Reality

Not at all. Let’s start here: WORDS MATTER. If they didn’t, the likes of Shakespeare, Thomas Jefferson and Mark Twain would be forgotten. The words, though never heard aloud, have impact. And, I think you and I are having a pretty interesting conversation right now without benefit of sound.

So what about the rest? I believe – I know – that body language and tone either help to drive home spoken words or interfere with them. It’s an either/or situation. Here’s why:

Dissonance between word, tone and body distracts. It can even create distrust. Mehrabian’s own research fits here. When words say one thing and the face or tone “says” another, we notice. Humans are hardwired to watch all those elements. If they’re not aligned we wonder if the person is insincere or not clear on the facts. In any case, it’s not helping the message get through.

Conversely, tone and body language can – and do – elevate the impact of a message. Your confidence conveys mastery of the information, which predisposes the audience to give it credence. A comfortable poise is likable, and likability helps create open-mindedness. And, of course, enthusiasm is infectious.

So parse the percentages any way you like, but the bottom line math is clear: We need all three elements to add up to powerful communication. We need to craft the best words we can find into meaningful content. We need to use our voices like a fine musician. And we need our body language to add the 3-D visual power to our message.

Let’s talk more about programs that give you the foundation theories and the real-world experience to be a strong communicator.

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3 Reasons To Talk To Yourself

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:21:00 GMT

Posted by Lisa Ihnat

The Quotable Coach Series

"When the mind is thinking, it is talking to itself." ~Plato

We have all muttered a few words to ourselves when there was no one around to hear it. Maybe it was dinnertime and you were poking around the fridge for that elusive butter container “I thought I bought more butter, I know it was on the grocery list.” But what about those times when you talk to yourself and it remains unspoken, as if someone cranked the volume on your own inner stereo? That voice in our heads, or our self-talk, can sometimes get pretty loud.

It turns out that self-talk is powerful and using it positively to help ourselves is a skill that can be taught. Plato says that when we are thinking, we are talking to ourselves. Think about how often you have inner dialog with yourself in an hour, in a meeting, or a day. The self-chatter seems ever present. Understanding how to manage that chatter, instead of quelling it, is what positive self-talk is all about. Take a look at these three reasons to talk to yourself:

#1 Get What You Want

Increase your chance for success. The more you tell yourself how to get what you want in positive terms, the more likely you are to get it. Maybe it is confidence you are after, try saying to yourself “I am confident, I know I can do this.”

#2 Feel Like a Rockstar

Become your own biggest fan! If you are stressed out and telling yourself you have too much to do, change it up to positive self-talk and try: “I have done this much before, I know I can do it again, I know a plan will help me.” You’ll be on the right track in no time!

#3 Make Your Colleagues Jealous

Outperform others! For those of you with that competitive nature, positive self-talk can give you that needed edge. Sports trainers use it all the time with their athletes as well as other mental focus tools. So the next time your boss does a drive-by and dumps more work in your lap, use positive self-talk as your guide. Say “I know I can get this done. I can delegate this part and finish the other on my own.”

Because it is easy to take self-talk for granted, we have to become more intentional about managing it. We have to learn to hear and listen to that chatter in our head. Awareness is step one. So begin to eavesdrop on yourself, and little by little make sure the messages you send to you, are positive ones.

Think back to your childhood and picture The Little Engine That Could, chugging along on the tracks to a tune of “I think I can, I think I can!” Remember, the more you think that you can, you will! Go ahead and give it a try; after all you are your only audience member when it comes to this speaking skill. Don’t worry about what they say about people who talk to themselves, because in this case no one will hear you but you, and you will be helping yourself to success.

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3 Public Speaking Skills From Fantasy Football

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:57:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

As the NFL® prepares for week 4, I’ve noticed many of my friends rushing to their computers and smart phones at seemingly random intervals. Why? They are updating their fantasy football rosters. The level of obsession demonstrated by some fantasy football leaguers is astounding. On an hourly basis they check for injuries, look at the best match-ups and free agents. Anything that will give them the extra edge.

Fun? Sure. Scary? A little bit. But after watching the strategy that goes into the game, I began to see some lessons for speakers.

#1 Do Your Research

The amount of research that goes into a fantasy football draft is impressive. What were the players’ statistics last year? What teams are they playing? Are they prone to injury? Did they just get a new contract? Fantasy owners ask themselves all of these questions before picking their team.

Research is also important for public speakers, and sadly is often neglected. If you’re speaking to an unfamiliar audience, learning as much as possible about them will help guide your presentation. How many people will be there? What are their jobs? What are their potential questions or concerns? The fewer questions you have about your audience before your speech, the better.

#2 Avert Disaster Ahead of Time

During the NFL season, every team gets a bye week, or a week off, to rest before they begin playing again the next week. This can spell disaster for a lazy fantasy owner. If you’re not aware of the teams that have the week off, you could end up starting a quarterback who’s not even playing. Clever fantasy owners usually memorize said dates and have their backups or second backups ready to go in case of emergency.

Too many public speaking mishaps could easily be avoided with proper preparation. Any technical issues can be sorted the day before just by testing your equipment. You’re far less likely to trip over yourself if you practice walking up the steps to the platform. Even a simple microphone adjustment is good to know about before you take the stage.

#3 Be Ready To Adapt

Much like real NFL teams, fantasy football teams need to adjust for unthinkable injuries, unexplained declines in performance, and even suspensions. Your top performer might be a star running back, but if he injures his ankle or ends up suspended for the season for performance enhancing drugs, you’ll have to find a way to make up for the decline in productivity.

Because there’s no such thing as a perfect performance, it’s a safe bet, that something will go wrong during your presentation. You might stumble over your words, an audience member might say or do something that interrupts your concentration, or the time allotted to you could be unexpectedly reduced. Whatever the crisis, don’t panic. Take a moment to breathe, collect your thoughts, and adjust to the situation with poise and confidence.

Fantasy football owners and speakers have a lot in common. They're slightly obsessed over details, they constanty worrry, and some of them are a bit superstitious. They also prepare, know their players/audience, and adapt when disaster strikes. Though you're next business presentation may not be in front of thousands of screaming fans or give your bragging rights amongst your fans, you can still prepare like a real, or fantasy champion.

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Communication Skills To Create The Happiest job in America

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:57:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

Ever dream about your perfect job? It’s a topic that comes up with VoicePro clients regularly. What’s your perfect job look like? What do you do all day? How much do you make? Who’s sitting at the next desk?

Well, the good folks at a company called CareerBliss, an online career community, have done some light research on the topic. Based on over 100,000 employee-generated reviews, they’ve released a list of the 10 happiest and unhappiest jobs in America. The full list is interesting. But I was more fascinated by their underlying factors for happiness. Why? To start, I like the breadth of info. There are 10 factors measured, including work-life balance, one's relationship with the boss and co-workers, the work environment, job resources, compensation, growth opportunities, company culture, company reputation, daily tasks, and control over the work one does on a daily basis. What jumped out at me?

High salary doesn’t make people happy.

The average pay of the unhappiest jobs was $10,000 more than the happiest lists. And while security officers rated unhappiest at $29, 641 average salary, bank tellers are Top Ten happy and make $2,500 less. And, the highest paid job, Program Manager, at over $94,000, is in the Bottom 10 Unhappiest Job list.

If we’re really honest, we know money isn’t the most important factor to job satisfaction. And that’s the good news! While most of us have limited control over how much we make, we can impact many of the other items on the list. My top three? Relationship with the boss and co-workers, the work environment and growth opportunities. Let’s take a look.

How do you find a job where the relationship is better with your boss and co-workers?

The best way to have the relationship you want is to take the lead in creating it.

Are you being honest with yourself – and others? Examine situations in the light of all the facts and the good of all involved. Is your point of view based only on what works for you?

Really listen. We can become so sure of our opinions that we simply quit hearing what other people say. Be open to new information or a different point of view.

Feedback is not the same as criticism. If you’re in a leadership role, remember your responsibility is to help people improve, not simply tell them what is wrong.

What about a better work environment?

In so many, a work environment is simply a reflection of workplace relationships. The stress of short deadlines or tight budgets may not be under our control, but the way we respond (and help others) can change the atmosphere.

Check your own communication style. Are you expecting a fight? Do you display a negative attitude or a get-it-done approach? Even with difficult people or situations, simple courtesy and respect can improve outcomes.

Enthusiasm can be as contagious as negative emotion. More often that you think, it’s simply a matter of choice.

How can you get the new work opportunities you want?

You need to grow opportunities yourself. This one is never a sure thing (what is?), but taking a strong, prepared approach can make the difference.

Know what you want. Go to your supervisor with clear options about strengths you’d like to be exercising, challenges you think you’re ready to take on. Have a fact-based rationale to support your viewpoint. Be sure you’ve thought through development you might need to be successful.

Remember to give and take. Maybe you’ll get exactly the response you’d like, but be ready for this to take some back-and-forth. Really listen to your supervisor’s feedback – good, bad or in between. Then take next steps – whether it’s writing up a new project description or reworking your plan based on the new information.

The truth is, on any given day, every one of us has the happiest job in America. Or the unhappiest one. In fact, if you compare the 2012 CareerBliss list to the 2011 one, you’ll find a lot of flip-flopping among categories. But is that any surprise? In the end, the highest predictor of career happiness is the person making the prediction. Which one are you choosing?

Let’s talk more about programs that can help you achieve the career success you want and take a leadership role in creating a better workplace for your whole team.

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The Insane Pursuit of Perfection

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:47:00 GMT

by Carolyn Dickson

Being a perfectionist will make you crazy. Nothing you do is ever good enough. No matter how hard you try, you never reach that pinnacle you’ve created in your mind where you can be comfortable, contented, and satisfied with your achievements.

How do I know all this? Because my own perfectionism has been both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because, driven as I am, I’ve actually accomplished some things in my life that I can be proud of (founding and growing VoicePro® is one of them). But my need to be perfect is also a curse, because sometimes I feel I can never rest until I achieve the unachievable.

I share this unfortunate trait with master guitarist Robin Bullock. Known the world over, Robin is, according to Classical Guitar (UK), "a musician whose technical skill and stylistic expertise are second to none." I had the good fortune to spend time with Robin this summer at the Swannanoa Gathering, where he was an instructor and I a lowly student. I was amazed to hear that although he is arguably the best guitar player in the world, he suffers the same perfectionist affliction so many of the rest of us do.

Here’s how Robin tells it: “Any missed note is a disaster. It’s right out there. It haunts me. Sometimes I wouldn’t sleep for days. At one point, my need for perfection was so great I almost quit performing. Then I asked a friend who is a fine performer and great teacher to listen to a performance of mine where I had made one very obvious mistake. He listened to the recording—and didn’t hear the mistake. Clearly, I was wildly overreacting.”

“So, what did you do?” I asked. “You’re still performing. How did you get past your fears?”

Here are the three things Robin said that could change the way you think about yourself whenever you find yourself in the spotlight and all eyes are on you.

#1 There’s no such thing as a perfect performance.

This is the big one. You have to let go of the mental concept of perfection. There is no such thing. There are only varying degrees of “almost nailed it.” The need for perfection doesn’t help you do better; it only causes you to tighten up and then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Whether you’re playing a musical instrument, making a business presentation, or negotiating a high-stakes contract, your audience is not looking for perfection. They’re looking for humanity.

#2 The Secret Is: Don’t Want

When doubting thoughts pop into your head—What if I can’t do this? What if I make a mistake? What if I look bad?—stop. Ask yourself, “What is it I want?” If you’re looking for praise, fame and glory, you will come to grief. For Robin Bullock, it’s not about look at me. It’s about sharing the music in a spirit of love. At VoicePro®, clients tell us that they’re always more nervous in situations where the stakes are high. Those are the moments when the focus tends to switch right back onto yourself. So, tell yourself, “Don’t want.” Give other people something of value and stop thinking about yourself.

#3 If It Was Someone Else’s Mistake, You Wouldn’t Care.

On a different night at the Swannanoa Gathering, I listened to another virtuoso guitarist play a difficult piece. His fingers flew over the strings, and everything was going well until all of a sudden he hit an enormous clunker. Unfazed, he smiled out at the audience and remarked casually, “Well, if you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying.” The audience laughed with him, we all settled back, and he went on with his performance.

If you have made an error and you feel your face getting red and your body tensing up, ask yourself, “Would I care if someone else did this?” Your answer is likely to be no. Keep in mind that your audience will forgive your mistake, but they will not forgive your obvious embarrassment over it. So, lighten up, fix the problem, and move on.

The ability to relax under pressure and not take one’s self too seriously is an ongoing journey. Robin Bullock is on that journey. I am on that journey. And we invite all you long-suffering perfectionists out there to stop beating up on yourselves and join us on our way.

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3 Public Speaking Survival Skills

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:08:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

A couple of weeks ago I participated in an urban obstacle course through downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Run by the WooHoo Foundation, a group dedicated to helping the local breast cancer community, the course runs a little over nine miles and features eight obstacles including a run through Progressive Field (home of the Indians), and section that has to be completed with a tire on your back, and a climb over a semi. A week and a half before the race I won a free registration through my gym. Not exactly an ideal amount of time to train for a daunting event like this.

Considering my rushed training schedule and inexperience in such races, my initial goal was simple: FINISH. If you have a speech coming up your goal may be quite similar. Just get through it at any cost. Thankfully, my run through downtown Cleveland taught me three skills to survive and thrive in a grueling race or a business presentation

#1 Preparation

There’s a lot more preparation to running a race than just showing up. First, you need to train to get your body comfortable with the effort demanded. Next, be sure to eat a reasonably sized meal at an appropriate time before your race. Finally, you have to plan your run. At what pace do you want to run? Are you aiming for a fast start or a strong finish? If you don’t make these decision ahead of time, your body may give out and you won’t cross the finish line.

A quality presentation needs a similar amount of preparation. Your material must be organized in an audience-accessible fashion. You need to check your speaking space and technical equipment beforehand. And practice until your ideas flow smoothly from one to another. It may be uncomfortable at first, but practicing at a performance level is a great way to develop muscle memory and create comfort onstage. You can then focus on your audience instead of trying to remember what comes next.

#2 Positivity

As I ran through the city, I was encouraged to keep going by the other participants, by cheering volunteers, and even by the policemen who were keeping the streets clear. The positive reinforcement was marvelous, and I noticed an increase in my speed every time someone cheered. This, combined with my own positive self-talk, gave me the strength to keep going when my entire body was screaming for me to quit.

Aside from a normal rush of adrenaline, one of the leading causes of pre-speech stress is negative self-talk. Whether your go-to phrase is “I’m going to screw up” or “I hope I don’t fall on my face,” negative statements prepare your mind and body for failure. Embrace positive thinking instead. Find a positive affirmation to repeat, picture yourself nailing your speech, and if you can, get encouragement from a friend or loved one. Armed with positivity and confidence you can muscle through your doubts.

#3 Flexibility

Before the race began my goal was simple. I wanted to finish without stopping. As it began to wind down, I found a new reason to keep going. I wanted to catch the people in front of me. Then, once it was clear that I wasn’t going to beat out anyone else, I made sure no one would catch me from behind with a mad dash to the finish line. Thanks to my ability to adapt, I was able to achieve my ultimate goal with a much faster time than I expected.

If you’re a business presenter, your speech probably has a clear objective with a step by step plan. So what happens if step two takes too long? The ability to adapt is crucial in such situations. Whether your equipment explodes or your audience begins asking questions you need to be ready for the unexpected. Adjusting accordingly will make you a more effective presenter.

As I barreled through the finish line drench in sweat and water, I could barely stand. However, once I caught my breath, downed some water and snacks I began to feel something else: pride. Your next presentation can have a similar feeling once the adrenaline wears off. Prepare, stay positive, and be flexible to deliver a presentation you can be proud of.

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The Quiet Power of Introverts

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:02:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

The classic Hollywood image of a leader is that gregarious extrovert in the middle of the group, tossing out ideas a mile a minute, brainstorming, “spit-balling”, and cajoling the group to a neat solution for a weighty problem before lunchtime.

Only trouble? It doesn’t seem to be the truth – at least not the whole truth – about introverts and extroverts.

A recent article in The Atlantic magazine by Susan Cain, reported on research by Adam Grant, a management professor at Wharton, who found introvert leaders generally achieve better outcomes from their teams than their extrovert counterparts. The reason? Introvert leaders are more likely to give team members a challenge and then turn them loose to pursue solution. The extrovert may actually inhibit the initiative of proactive team members, though teams identified as “less proactive” do tend need an extrovert’s energy to get moving.

Einstein, Warren Buffett and Dr. Seuss

That brings up the next question. Could it be that extrovert leaders are under-utilizing their introvert colleagues? Maybe, says Cain, an admitted introvert and the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking. There’s research that indicates introverts show strength in the persistence it takes to untangle tough problems. That often requires some quiet thinking time. Other studies show that creative minds often find solutions in solitary deliberation.

Here are three pretty good examples of the potential. Albert Einstein, Warren Buffett and Dr. Seuss, aka Theodore Geisel. They’re all self-proclaimed introverts or acknowledge their use of solitude and singular focus as key to success.

When Extroverts Should Embrace Their Inner Introvert

For starters, just remember that your natural approach may not be the best one for your whole team. Of course, today’s world always requires collaboration, but if brainstorming sessions and group projects are your default approach, you may actually be setting up roadblocks to good solutions. Build in both collaboration and solitary thinking time to see what your introverts can bring to the table.

Think about how your extroversion might be inadvertently reinforcing a lack of initiative in your team. The Wharton study Cain references notes that extroverted leaders do outperform introverts when they manage a team described as “less proactive workers” who turn to their leader for direction. I’m wondering if there’s a self-fulfilling prophecy here. If a leader fosters an expectation of “you run with it” instead of “I’ll call the group together”, everyone may benefit.

When Introverts Should Masquerade As Extroverts.

Imagine a best-selling fiction writer in a cavernous auditorium at a national book festival. You could hear a pin drop as she read a moving section from her best-selling novel. She then talked about the writer’s process of turning the story into a script for a play. During the Q&A session, someone asked if she’d be playing a role in the play – noting her beautiful reading.

The author laughed. “I’m an introvert who sometimes masquerades as an extrovert to sell books.” While a quiet studio may be her Comfort Zone, she learned some ways to get beyond it for her own good. You’ve read about many of them here. Breathe. Smile. Take a strong posture. Prepare. Concentrate on what your audience needs, not your own discomfort. By the way, I can vouch for this one first hand…turns out I’m an introvert myself, but a measure of extroversion goes with a CEO’s job description.

Want to talk more about introverts, extroverts, how to get the best from (and be the best of) both? Let’s talk! VoicePro offers workshops and private coaching that can make a difference.

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3 Dangers of Generational Generalizations

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:19:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

As a member of Gen-Y, or a “millennial”, I’m sensitive to articles with tips for “Managing Gen-Y employees”. Even if the articles offer decent leadership advice, most of them have three things in common. First, the authors are not millennials, they merely manage them. Second, the tips could be applied to all employees, not just the Gen –Ys. And finally, they contain at least two to three negative stereotypes about the entire generation, including: they’re incapable of receiving criticism; they believe they’re entitled, and they don’t like rules. Needless to say, such articles make me spew fire at my computer screen.

My generation is not alone. Countless blog posts and articles across the web are dedicated to managing strategies for specific generations. The advice is well-intentioned, but stereotypes in any form are dangerous, especially if managers take them to heart. Here are three reasons every manager should avoid generation generalizations.

#1 There Are Always Exceptions

One of my favorite retail experiences involved an eighty-year-old woman. As she entered her local electronics store, she asked where she could find the latest Call of Duty video game. In the spirit of the small talk, a staff member asked, “Is this for your grandson?” The woman floored everyone by announcing, “Oh no, it’s for me. I love those games!”

This woman’s surprising response is a clear demonstration of why there are no universal truths in business—or leadership. Every employee is different. This is why Voice Pro®’s leadership courses help business leaders learn how to communicate with specific individuals, not stereotyped groups.

One way to discover the management styles your employees love or hate is to simply ask them. If they like structure, give it to them. If they do hate rules, explain why those rules are necessary and make sure they’re fair. If you find you’re in constant conflict with an employee, take steps to reconcile the differences. The answer to your questions might mean an adjustment on your part, but a happier, more productive workforce will be worth it.

#2 Assumptions Lead To Anger

It’s not hard to see why negative assumptions are irritating. If someone assumes you’re incompetent with technology because you’re over forty, it’s insulting. Positive assumptions can be dangerous as well. Just ask a seven-footer if he’s good at basketball. You’re almost guaranteed to get a negative response.

You will be a stronger leader if your actions are based on knowledge, not assumptions. Acting on an assumption means you ask your youngest employee for help with your computer based on her age alone. Acting on knowledge means you ask her for help because her resume lists experience in IT. As long as you make your reasoning clear, acting on knowledge will compliment your employees’ talents without offending them.

#3 Embracing Stereotypes Hinders Learning

Stereotypes are dangerous for a number of reasons. They strip away individuality and they can lead to uniformed opinions and decisions. As a manager, embracing generational stereotypes can blind you to legitimate critiques.

If an older employee complains about a lack of structure you can chalk it up to Baby Boomer stereotypes. Likewise, a Gen X employee that's skeptical of the new company policy and a Gen Y employee who questions the rules can be attributed to generational differences. Trouble is, your employees may need structure, your new company policy may lose business, and rules in place may be arcaic and unnecessary.

Don't let stereotypes devalidate legitimate gripes. Instead, opt for discussion and take your employees reasoning into consideration. You may not agree but now you have a better understanding of your business and your employees.

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3 Steps For Fair Firing

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:21:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

In a recent interview with Harvard Business Review, Gilt Groupe CEO Kevin Ryan details his keys to developing a quality team: recruiting and managing talent. Ryan says that, although never fun, terminating people who haven’t panned out is crucial to creating a quality team. If left unchecked, underperforming employees will bring a company down, and it’s a manager’s job to make sure every individual pulls his or her weight.

Since firing leaves an empty position to fill, not to mention the pain of actually doing the deed, here’s a three-step process for letting someone go.

#1 Make It Clear That It’s Do or Die

Getting fired should never be a surprise. From an emotional standpoint, unpleasant surprises can lead to angry outbursts. On the practical side, they don’t allow the employee to prepare for what’s coming. To prevent a firing fiasco, let an employee know when he or she is under pressure with three quick steps.

First, detail your expectations as clearly as possible, i.e. sales targets, project results, etc. General statements such as, “You need to put in more effort,” lack direction and can easily be misinterpreted. Next, note the need for improvement and make him aware of the consequences if your expectations aren’t met. Finally, provide hope. Let her know you have faith in her abilities and that you expect her to rise to the challenge.

This step puts intense pressure on an employee and should not be undertaken lightly or used very often. So be sure it’s necessary before you begin.

#2 Get Assessments from Top to Bottom

Unless it’s a very small company, firing should never be in the hands of one person. It’s far too easy to lose good talent or hang onto bad talent because of personal preferences. Instead, develop consensus. Talk to as many people as possible about the employee’s contributions. You may discover untapped abilities or even less productivity than you imagined, but either way you will have more useful information.

This is also a great way to evaluate your managers’ eye for talent. If four of five managers disapprove of the employee while one sings his or her praises, you may need to have a conversation about the approving manager’s evaluation skills.

#3 Fire with Honesty and Humanity

Finally, the moment you’ve been dreading comes, the firing itself. Terminating an employee takes an emotional toll on both parties, so it’s particularly important that you take enough time to prepare. Think about what you’re going to say. Plan for how you will handle emotional outbursts. Take a few minutes before your scheduled meeting to breathe, reiterate your goals, and focus on your vocal tone.

During the meeting, understand that tap dancing around the issue at this time won’t help anyone. Remember, the individual has already been warned, so be direct and to the point. State the bad news, briefly reiterate your reasons, explain the exit process, and end with best wishes for success in the future. Don’t be swayed by tears or allow yourself to be diverted into an endless repeat of discussions you’ve had before. Stay focused on the final result, and end the meeting on your terms.

Throughout, hold onto your sense of humanity. Maintain eye contact, keep your body open, and speak in empathic tone of voice. By keeping your cool and remaining empathic, you can make a very difficult situation more compassionate.

Firing someone is generally not pleasant. However it’s a necessary evil for any business. By balancing logic and emotion you can make an unpleasant experience much easier for you and your soon-to-be ex-employee.

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Caught In A Lie

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:31:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

KABLAM!

That’s the sad – but unmistakable – sound of best-selling author Jonah Lehrer’s credibility imploding.

A recent Wall Street Journal article reported that Lehrer, whose book Imagine: How Creativity Works inspired a recent VoicePro blog post, had fabricated quotes from Bob Dylan, a key character in his New York Times bestseller. But it gets worse. When initially challenged by Michael Moynihan, the Journal reporter, Lehrer lied about the source of his quotes. He claimed they came from materials supplied by Dylan representatives.

Of course, the truth eventually came out. Lehrer’s book has been pulled by his publisher and he’s resigned from his staff writer position at The New Yorker magazine.

How did it all fall apart? I want to start with a line from Lehrer’s public apology. “This was a lie spoken in a moment of panic,” he said.

A Moment of Panic

That’s when emotions hijack your brain and overpower your better nature. It’s physiological, actually. When we perceive a threat, the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls the “fight or flight” reaction, is instantly triggered, and adrenaline floods the system. The threat alert is also traveling to the cerebral cortex, the seat of logic, but by a slower neurological path. For our prehistoric ancestors that meant being ready to fight off a predator without giving it a thought – literally. Then it was an advantage, but today we generally need our brains for fighting battles, not our hormones.

Let’s hope you never put yourself in Lehrer’s position, but you can be sure you’ll have your moments when your amygdala will try to take over. We all do. You’ll stumble in front of an audience. Someone will challenge your decision. You’ll get a question you can’t answer.

You can’t prevent a hardwired emotional response, but you can control it. Or, more specifically, you can wait it out. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Give your cerebral cortex time to catch up. It takes only moments for your mind to clear and give you back the thinking power you need for the situation.

The Road To Panic

Now consider this. I can’t help wondering if Leher’ “moment of panic” wasn’t simply the final one in a series that stretched back to his first draft. He had a point of view, a hotshot reputation and deadlines looming, but not the hard facts he needed. He allowed his amygdala to lead him down the slippery slope.

There’s a lesson in that for all of us, too. It’s not The Big Lie we have to guard against so much as a pile-up of small deceits. All of us can be tempted to present the facts that support our argument while failing to mention the weaknesses. We may want to point a finger at a coworker to deflect blame. Or look the other way when we could have made a difference.

You can be sure colleagues will know it -- no Wall Street Journal expose’ required. And the result? Lost credibility that blunts leadership, broken trust that poisons relationships. That’s one of the reasons why, at VoicePro, our philosophy includes the principal of personal responsibility: "I bear the responsibility for communicating who I am and what I stand for, so people don't have to guess."

How could you strengthen the sense of trust that can empower you and your organization? Let’s talk more about programs that can help you learn to lead, guide and influence others in the best possible ways.

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3 Pre-Speech Tips From A Dancing Sprinter

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:56:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

How do you calm pre-speech nerves? It’s a question we get from a countless number of VoicePro®’s Speak Present Influence® participants. We offer our advice and tips but it’s always difficult to simulate the actual experience. Then along came Michelle Jenneke’s viral video.

In case you haven’t seen the video, Australian sprinter Michelle Jenneke has recently grabbed media attention for her warm-up routine at the Barcelona IAAF World Track and Field Championships. The most famous version of the video puts her dancing to eighties dance music. We however will give you the video in the context of the race.

While the video is fun to watch, we were shocked to notice how her routine mirrored our advice. Here’s the three warm up tips you can learn from Michelle’s pre-race dance routine.

#1 Loosen Up

While many of her competitors barely move or briefly shake their arms and legs before a race, Michelle bounces up and down, shakes her hips, and even waves her arms and hands around. This is an excellent way to get rid of nervous energy. In a race, you’ll avoid a false start. In a presentation, you’ll get started on the right foot.

The surge of energy that comes before a speech is hard-wired into us, even if we’re experienced speakers. To make sure it doesn’t cripple you, shake out your body and, if the moment strikes you, dance around a bit. Combine that with deep breathing, and you’ll feel the nervousness flow out of your body, leaving you with just the right amount of energy to get the task done.

#2 Get Focused

Since her killer dance moves are so noteworthy, many viewers have neglected to notice how focused Michelle is before the race. With a few minor exceptions, i.e. a quick wave to the crowd, she never takes her eye off the finish line. Even in the midst of easing her nerves Michelle, is consistently focused on her ultimate goal.

Inexperienced speakers often get distracted during their warm-ups with technical details, a perceived need for memorization, or concerns about their appearance. However, the true focus should be: What am I trying to achieve? How can I reach and touch my audience? Remember your goals; then think about your audience instead of yourself. This healthy mind-set will give your presentation focus.

#3 Have Fun

Let’s be honest. Michelle’s video would lack value as entertainment if it weren’t for Michelle’s bright smile. Just from looking at her face, you can tell she’s happy to be in the thick of things, she’s ready, she’s confident, and she’s enjoying the moment. She’s intently focused during the race, but once it’s finished, her smile returns almost immediately as she rushes to hug and congratulate her competitors.

It’s very easy to spot speakers who can’t wait to get offstage. They avoid eye contact, they rush through their material, and they’re obviously physically uncomfortable. It’s also painfully evident that they’re not having any fun.

While you may not bounce around or wave during a sales pitch or presentation to the board, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Your enthusiasm for your presentation will shine through from the very beginning, and your audience will be won over.

With the Olympics in full swing, we look for inspiration from gold medal performances, world records, and heroes. Turns out inspiration can come from a preliminary heat at a track championship. Remember Michelle's fun video before your next speech and once again, don't forget to get loose, get focused and have fun.

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3 Leadership Lessons From Tina Fey

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:54:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

In real life, Tina Fey is an Emmy winning writer, actress, and producer. This can be difficult to imagine given that her 30 Rock character, Liz Lemon, is completely clueless, especially when it comes to leadership. Once I began listening to Fey’s autobiographical audiobook, Bossypants, imagining Fey as a strong leader was nearly impossible. The more I heard Tina speak about her experiences, the more it seemed like Liz Lemon was a conduit for Fey’s personality.

Despite describing her own book as “tales of cowardice”, Fey still offers some valuable leadership advice she learned from Saturday Night Live (SNL) producer Lorne Michaels. While these tips might seem TV specific, Lorne’s advice is applicable to leaders everywhere.

#1 Leadership Is Often About Discouraging Creativity

Considering the level of creativity required for a show like SNL, the idea that Lorne Michaels would turn down creative ideas seems counter-intuitive. That is, until Fey explains. One sketch, for example, called for a plain muffin on a white plate from the props department. Instead of accepting the simple design, the props department went wild and made a giant Santa muffin. Lorne then had to explain that what the scene needed was a simple muffin on a white plate.

Lorne’s advice is a call for balance. If your office is full of creative people, you will have to temper their wild ideas and maintain a practical point of view. On the other hand, an office that focuses entirely on productivity and ignores innovation will stagnate and fall behind. It’s up to the leader to maintain a sense of equilibrium.

#2 “We’re Ordering Dinner”

Using herself as an example, Tina explains Norm’s gentle style of critique. During an anthrax scare at NBC, shortly after September 11th, Fey happened to be working in the building. When the story broke on TV, she escaped to her home, presumably to live out her final hours. There was no indication that anything was wrong with her. A couple of hours later she received a call from Lorne: “We’re all here…we’re ordering dinner.”

As Fey is quick to point out, Lorne never said she was acting irrationally or told her she was being stupid. He simply offered her a guilt-free way to get back to work (She readily accepted).

Shaming your employees after truly foolish behavior is overkill. Unless, they’re completely oblivious, the guilty ones are already busy criticizing their actions. Instead, throw them a lifeline. Let them know their mistakes are forgivable and they’ll be able to rejoin the group without judgment.

#3 When Hiring, Mix Harvard Nerds With Chicago Improvisers. Then Stir

Every workplace needs a diverse staff, especially the writers’ room of a sketch comedy show. Lorne Michaels has perfected this technique by grabbing the best from the famous Second City improv company in Chicago and comedy writers from Harvard University. The end result gives Saturday Night Live its famous blend of ridiculous characters and clever satire. Fey has followed suit in 30 Rock’s writer’s room by filling it with the aforementioned Improvisers and Nerds and even “two dirtbags.”

If the success of both shows is any indication, a diverse staff is not only crucial for a balanced office but also diverse ideas. Fey explains what SNL would be like with nothing but Second City alumni:

“To generalize with abandon….If you have nothing but improvisers, the whole show would be loud drag characters named Vicki and Staci screaming their catchphrase over and over, ‘YOU KISS YOUR MOTHER WITH THAT FACE!?”

Just like a successful TV show, a good company needs employees who balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Though her signature character may blurt out phrases like "aw nerds" and "blerg," Tina Fey's life in showbusiness has given her some unique and powerful insights about leadership. So learn from Lorne, just like Tina did, and start leading more effectively!

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Choking: 5 Lessons From Olympic Losers

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:54:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

In the gold medal rush of the Olympic games, we love to see the historic victories, the powerful stories, and the come-from-behind finishes. But experts tell us there’s a lot to be learned from the losers – as painful as the lessons might be. A book called Choke by Sian Beilock, which was recently reviewed in Smithsonian magazine, is a study of why athletes choke. Simply put, the stress of high expectations interferes with the winning mindset of their long, hard training. According to Beilock, top athletes literally think too much. Here’s how it works. Through the physical practice, athletes have trained their mind to bypass the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain where much of our conscious thought – and nervousness -- takes place. Instead, they’ve developed a sort of “muscle memory” of the mind. Under pressure, the rattled athletes revert to “normal” thinking patterns and lose that edge.

Sound familiar? It should. It happens to many of us in presentations, the work world’s performance sport. The crowd gathers, all eyes are on us, the stakes feel higher and higher and higher…just without the international judges and scoreboard. It’s so similar, in fact, it got me to thinking about strategies for fearless presentations that mirror athletes’ choke-proofing concepts.

#1 Train hard.

If you’re going for the gold you don’t – you can’t – wait until the night before the games to get started. Allow plenty of time to get your presentation ready, look for ways to sharpen it and then practice to get comfortable with your message. You’re helping develop that mental muscle memory we talked about.

#2 Let go of the defeats.

The Smithsonian article recounts the story of Dan O’Brian, the odds-on favorite to be American decathlon winner in the 1992 Olympics. He choked in the trials and didn’t even make the team. O’Brian reports that he watched the video of his defeat over and over as his way of putting the past behind him and moving ahead. In 1996, O’Brien won the gold medal. The same is true for all of us. A win starts with a decision not to let past performance hold us back.

#3 Check your stance.

Like golfers and runners, speakers need to find their form. A sturdy, open stance makes you feel as strong as you look. When you’re hunched and drawn up small it’s a sign of – and an invitation to – the “yips”.

#4 Run the game in your mind.

A reporter who saw the great American athlete Jim Thorpe relaxing prior to the Olympics asked him what he was doing. Thorpe replied that he was practicing the high jump in his mind, and he’d just seen himself clearing the winning height. In the actual completion, he did.

#5 Don’t overthink it.

According to Beilock, golfers are told to distract themselves from stress by focusing on the dimples on their golf balls. I recommend concentrating on your audience and what you want them to take away – not what you’re going to do.

Next time you step up to the presentation arena, remember this gold medal game strategy: a winning presentation is all in your head.

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The Amazing Spiderman: 3 Tips For Updating Your Speech

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:39:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

Over the Independence Day weekend, audiences around the globe flocked to see the new incarnation of America’s favorite wall crawler, Spider-Man. Before the movie was released, however, critics and fans alike asked if a new Spider-Man film was even necessary. A fair question, considering the previous incarnation of Spider-Man had already been completed, granted somewhat disappointingly, only five years ago. Would the material feel fresh? Could a new cast and crew produce the same thrilling experience of years past?

Speakers and business presenters have similar problems. Unless you’re unveiling a new product or announcing a scientific breakthrough, the chances are good your material isn’t all that new. How can you hope to engage your audience if they’ve heard it all before? Take some lessons from Spider-Man’s latest adventure.

#1 Keep the Core

There are some things you cannot change about Spider-Man. He’s a teenage nerd who was bitten by a spider that gave him superhuman strength and the ability to stick to walls. He swings around New York using rope-like webs, and he embraces the life of a hero after personal tragedy. These are all familiar aspects of the character. They’re also the core of Spiderman’s appeal.

If you change your core message or tried-and-true selling points, make sure the change is a necessity and not an obligatory change. In VoicePro®’s Speak Present Influence ™ workshop, many of our clients believe critiques of their presentations are a call to start from scratch. Not, so. Unnecessary change is an easy way to lose your target audience. Instead, try honing in on your central theme (at VoicePro® we call this a Throughline) and build around it. This way your message remains not only intact, but fresh at the same time.

#2 Put Your Own Spin on It (Pun Definitely Intended)

With critics already geared up to declare this Spider-Man movie superfluous, director Marc Webb (perfect, right?) and company knew they’d have to make it their own. To do so, they gave Spider-Man a sarcastic sense of humor, put him on the run from the police, added a new villain and love interest, and delved into the mysterious past of his parents. It’s still a Spider-Man story, but it’s certainly a departure from the previous films.

When you’re speaking in front of a group, personality is the easiest way to stand out. Take Rory Sutherland, a British advertising executive and successful TED speaker. For those unfamiliar with the conference TED is a nonprofit dedicated to spreading worthwhile ideas from entertainment to scientific breakthrough. Participants now speak on a variety of issues at conferences around the world and earning time to speak is considered a great honor. Although his speeches are filled with powerful data about the power of perspective, Rory stands out because of his excellent use of humor and storytelling abilities. The end result is speeches that are likeable, memorable, and effective. If you want a more memorable speech, don’t look for statistics, look for humanity.

#3 Don’t Forget To Have Fun

Portraying an iconic character like Spider-Man isn’t easy, especially if you’re British. Although nobody doubted his acting prowess, fans were concerned about the British born Andrew Garfield donning the red and blue spandex. Thankfully, Garfield won over nay sayers during his public interviews. At the San Diego Comic Con (a huge convention that focuses on all things superhero), he entered a panel discussion as an audience member in a store bought Spider-Man costume and gushed about how he looked up to Spider-Man as a kid. On the Daily Show, Garfield revealed a photo journal he made of himself doing comical things while in costume (i.e. using a public restroom). He needed to cut loose, he told Jon Stewart, because, “no one wants to hear you complain about being Spider-Man.” He even acknowledged that he too would be concerned if a Brit were cast in this iconic American role.

Garfield’s PR was brilliant because it revealed his love for the character. He fearlessly addressed criticism right up front and displayed a great self-deprecating sense of humor.

A stiff speaker is difficult to watch or get excited about. So set the tone and let your audience know it’s okay to have fun. One way is to tell a story where you’re the butt of the joke. The audience will realize you don’t take yourself too seriously and that your presentation will have its lighter moments.

Whether you're touching up a sales pitch or refining your latest speech, you don't need to start from scratch. Instead try for a Spider-Man inspired reinvention. Add humanity and humor to infuse your presentation with memorable new life.

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The Body Chemistry of Successful Leaders

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:27:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

It’s intuitive that comfortable, natural body language is the strong foundation for presentation skills and executive presence. But now it seems proven by science – as seen in the work of Amy Cuddy, a Harvard Business School professor. Her research, which I saw in Wired Magazine, suggests that body language doesn’t just convey power to an audience, it actually makes you more powerful.

Let’s review the biochemistry. Strong leaders (men or women) exhibit high levels of testosterone and low levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol. Taking control of a leadership position, raises the first, lowers the second.

Now here’s the surprise. When Cuddy’s research subjects stood tall, with arms and legs stretched out instead of hugging close to the body, their testosterone rose and their cortisol dropped. They felt more powerful simply by striking a more powerful pose.

The truth is, we’ve known the power of body language all along. VoicePro® Clients experience the transformation every day, even those who are skeptical in the beginning. Now there’s data to explain it. Here are a few more ways to use body language to be a more effective speaker and leader – and I invite Professor Cuddy to get started on the biochemical foundation for the observable facts.

When sitting, own your space. Don’t slump and keep your body open. Spread your meeting materials in front of you. It conveys that your confident and ready to engage.
Breathe deeply. It will calm and focus you.
Be aware how hand gestures betray your emotions. Wild movement betrays nervousness; clinched fists signal anger or frustration.
Make eye contact. It will help you engage an audience when speaking and focus your attention on others when they are. Remember that a smile or nod in response to a speaker signals that you’re hearing.

Are you ready to strengthen your presentation and leadership skills? First, strike a strong pose for two minutes. Then give VoicePro a call and we’ll talk more.

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3 Ways To Lose Your Audience in 30 Seconds

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:58:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

Making a good first impression is important, especially for speakers. This is an easy explanation for why beginning a speech is so nerve wracking. You want to introduce your topic, get the audience’s attention, and maybe, just maybe, get the audience to like you. Though, we’ve made it clear how forgiving audiences can be, starting your speech the wrong way is a great way to kill their enthusiasm.

Here are three ways to lose your audience in thirty seconds. Avoid them at all costs.

#1 Apologize For Your Inexperience

Sometimes a speaker should share information with the audience. If you’re sick and unable to speak loudly, it’s courteous to let your audience know. That way they will understand if your voice is soft and not take it personally.

New speakers believe this same logic applies to them and will apologize for being inexperienced. The logic being if I tell them I’m new at this they won’t expect much. Trouble is, the audience hears “I’m not worth your time” and immediately checks out.

The audience is there for you, so don’t take anything away from what you have to offer. If you are inexperienced, practice until you are truly comfortable with your material. You may not be a ground breaking speaker your first time, but your expertise and dedication to your audience will show.

#2 Start Up The Slides

Considering the fact that I suffered through fifty minute Power Point presentations in high school & college, I dread any speaker that opens with a slide. If the projector starts up within the first minute, I gear up for a boring note taking session with a slew of bullet points to write down.

Slides can be an effective way to enhance your presentation. It’s a great way to represent data or post relevant images to make sure your point hits home. Starting with slides, however, immediately puts distance between you and your audience. Your next presentation can have slides as long as you connect with your audience beforehand.

#3 Don’t Dress The Part

In the days leading up to Facebook’s Wall Street debut, Mark Zuckerberg was under unusually intense scrutiny for wearing a hoodie during a high profile meeting. Though it’s very easy to argue that the Wall Street types were being close minded and judgmental, Zuckerberg’s ridicule happened for one reason.

He failed to match the Wall Street culture.

If a speaker doesn’t look like the expert they claim to be, it’s very difficult to take them seriously. Imagine taking medical advice from a new doctor dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. The doctor in question is likely competent and knowledgeable but that’s difficult to remember when you assumed they’d be wearing a white coat or scrubs. To avoid a fashion faux pas, research your audience’s typical attire and dress slightly better. Remember severely overdressing is just as bad as underdressing.

Don’t make your next presentation an uphill battle. Think like your audience. If any part of your presentation would bore, offend, or anger you, it’s a safe to say the crowd will react the same way. It’s not difficult to earn the audience’s respect but it’s insanely difficult to win it back.

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Pixar's Brave Take On Leadership

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:14:00 GMT

by Leslie Dickson

Note: We recently discovered that Jonah Lehrer, who inspired this blog post, has recently admitted to fabricating quotes used in his book, Imagine: How Creativity Works. Details are provided in the Wall Street Journal story. We apologize for any misrepresentation. Please read our reaction article here.

Have you read Johan Lehrer’s new book, Imagine: How Creativity Works? Team collaboration is a hot topic with VoicePro clients, and this must-read book does a powerful profile on the process at Pixar, the production company that brought us Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and their newest movie Brave.

The book’s focus is on creativity, but isn’t out-of-the-box thinking part of what makes any organization successful? His premise – and Pixar’s – is that success is more than one person having a brilliant idea. It takes a team to create something special. Sound familiar? And, in case you’ve forgotten, one of Pixar’s early leaders also took this process to his next company. That leader was Steve Jobs, and his next company was his return to Apple.

Here are some ideas of Lehrer’s, ideas that struck me as particularly insightful.

#1. Engineer casual interactivity.

Great thinking doesn’t always happen in meetings -- or in solitary effort, for that matter. At Pixar, they wanted computer programmers and writers and animators to bump into each other regularly and casually, breaking out of the constraints of meetings and conference reports. To promote interaction, they moved all the mailboxes to a big, airy atrium. Then the cafeteria. And the coffee bar. And the gift shop. And finally the building’s only bathrooms. Maybe you can’t renovate your offices, but consider what you could do to build engagement. Regular lunches? A bulletin board? Turn a conference room into a gathering space?

#2. Hear all the voices.

When Pixar is making a movie, there’s a daily team session to review the previous day’s work. All the disciplines are there – writer, editor, computer graphics artist, software engineer. Anyone can bring up an issue, agree or defend. And, most important, they work together on a solution – because in Pixar’s business, that could require new words, new music, or even new technology.

#3. Brainstorming isn’t enough.

Author Lehrer piles on the research findings that say pure, freeform brainstorming awash in positive feedback doesn’t lead to the most creative ideas. Criticism and debate (not to be confused with cynicism and defeatism) within the group hone the ideas. In one study Lehrer cites, the groups required to brainstorm and debate generated almost 25% more ideas than the pure brainstormers.

#4. Focus on improvements, not mistakes.

Of course, it’s important for team members to feel safe within the critique-and-debate scenario. That means the focus is on improving the work and not demoralizing the people who did it. At Pixar, they’ve coined the phrase “plussing”. A criticism should contain a new idea, a “plus.” Do people’s feelings get hurt? Sure. But that’s where the regularity of critique comes in – everyone makes mistakes, everyone plusses. That regular casual interaction in the Pixar atrium (and cafeteria, mailroom and bathroom) also helps keep relationships on an even keel.

How could stronger team collaboration shape your organization? Are you ready to lead it? Is your team ready to try? It’s not magic – it can be learned. Let’s talk more about ways to change, think differently, and communicate more powerfully.

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3 Horrifying Bosses

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:33:00 GMT

by Scott Danielson

What’s the one thing you’d like to change about your boss? Don’t worry, this isn’t a setup. Realistically, most employees want to change at least one of their boss’s undesirable habits. Usually, this improvement is something small. But if small faults are left unchecked, they can overtake a boss’s positive qualities and turn an otherwise praiseworthy leader into an ugly caricature. Here are three bosses you never want to be.

#1 The Hunter

Hunters are constantly on the prowl for mistakes. Regardless of size, any and all mistakes must be discovered and critiqued with a shotgun blast of reprimands, reviews, and condescending tips for improvement.

Victims of the hunter are defined by their shattered confidence, strong feelings that nothing they do is right, and loss of interest in their work.

If you believe you have hunter tendencies, do the following. Compliment more than you criticize. Treat mistakes as learning experiences instead of “gotcha” moments. Finally, own up to your own mistakes. Most hunters are too busy tracking down the mistakes of other people to notice their own.

#2 The Spy

Spies are not overtly terrifying, but they trust no one and expect deceit and sabotage from those around them. They monitor every project, anticipating disaster. They demand constant progress reports and scan basic assignments for the small sign of treachery.

Spies create fearful and frustrated employees who move at a snail’s pace to avoid being suspected of doing something horribly wrong.

If you think you’re a spy, you must let go of your need to control. Like it or not, your employees hold the key to the success—or failure—of your business. The only way to get the most out of them is to trust them to do their jobs and guide them along the way. You can’t do it for them.

#3 The Police Chief

“Get into my office right now!” The call of the police chief can only mean one thing: someone is in trouble. Even though they oversee an office, or a division, or an entire company, these bosses run things like a precinct of loose cannons. Employees are constantly called in for scathing critiques that echo throughout the entire area. It’s also a common police-chief practice to threaten an individual’s job as a “motivating tool.”

Police chiefs fail to recognize three things. First, if everyone is scared to death, no one will be honest with you. A project could have major pitfalls, but if people are afraid of being fired for disagreeing, they’ll keep quiet. Second, employees want praise. Competent leaders balance praise and criticism so the people under them are motivated to improve. Finally, public shaming kills morale. No one likes to watch a coworker receive a tongue lashing. In all likelihood, the entire office will come to a grinding halt. So to keep productivity and morale alive, ditch the angry police chief routine.

Though workplace gripes may not indicate it, most bosses are competent leaders with good intentions. Therefore, don’t let one aspect of your personality or management style turn an entire group against you. Be mindful of your faults and work to balance them with your good qualities. Then, if you ever need advice on how to improve, I’m sure your employees will be willing to help.

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