Speaking

In which we open to a random part of a 2,500-page old-school dictionary to discover etymological gold.

Words, Words, Words: October ’17

September 27, 2017 Categorized in: Speaking

Write it right, say it right, spell it right.

How to speak to executives

September 7, 2017 Categorized in: Personal DevelopmentSpeaking

Executives are people just like you, and they appreciate being spoken to as you would a colleague. It’s time to shed your nervousness and realize that’s going to be you someday!
Steel yourself—we want you to put your upcoming talk through this aggressive 12-point test. Our goal is to poke, nitpick and annoy until you have all your bases covered and can come off like an awesome leader, not a text reader.Let the tough love begin!

Ditch these overused words at work

July 6, 2017 Categorized in: Speaking

Three words to delete from your vocabulary.

Time for you to speak up in meetings

July 6, 2017 Categorized in: MeetingsSpeaking

Introverted? That’s just fine—but making your presence known in meetings is both important and totally doable.
It’s necessary to promote yourself as competent and confident in your job, but beware of turning people off with exaggerations. Here’s how to avoid sounding arrogant when you’re trying to sound confident.

Ditch the jargon at work

March 3, 2017 Categorized in: SpeakingWriting/Editing

Buzzwords and jargon have infiltrated nearly every aspect of business, but these words and phrases frequently complicate messages rather than simplify them.

How to make instructions clear

February 2, 2017 Categorized in: Speaking

Ever given someone instructions for completing a task, only to have her do something totally different? Follow these guidelines for more clarity.
Write it right, say it right, spell it right.
Life would be simpler if we all spoke the same language. Not only do many of us speak completely different languages based on culture, but we also speak different languages based on gender. Neither style is better than the other; they’re just different.

5 phrases you should avoid saying

December 12, 2016 Categorized in: Speaking

Being an effective admin requires stellar communication skills. By paying attention to language and words that could undermine your reputation, you build influential relationships, writes Lolly Daskal, president and CEO of Lead From Within. Here are five phrases to avoid.

Caution: Co-worker under stress

November 3, 2016 Categorized in: Speaking

When speaking with a stressed co-worker, you should be aware of statements to avoid and others that can help calm them down and get them thinking of their situation in a new light.