An essential communication skill in today’s workplace with increased pressures and ever-changing demands is the ability to be assertive. Being assertive enables you to explain yourself clearly, defend your views, stand up for others and speak your truth. Additionally, being assertive while being honest allows you to honor the rights and beliefs of others. It is important to understand that …
Feedback is vital to the health and culture of any organisation. When we are open to feedback, we become aware of our performance, and we learn and understand our behaviour and actions. This knowledge and awareness can help us understand and appreciate how our behaviour and performance may impact others. It is often the most powerful route to positive change …
We all know that Virtual Presentations (Zoom, Teams, Webex etc) can be difficult as a presenter. Audiences can be easily distracted, zone out, keep working on other projects, and basically disengage from the Virtual Presentation. As a professional speaking coach, I often get asked how I can better manage my Virtual Presentations so that my audience is involved, engaged, and …
Difficult conversations are a normal part of our working life, especially in management or leadership positions. We need to give feedback, say no, have performance discussions and be assertive at times. And when faced with these difficult conversations, we sometimes go softly, use gentle persuasion or even avoid the conversation altogether. However, sometimes, that is not sufficient. Sometimes we need …
One of the keys to being more influential, when you speak in public is to share your message in a way that highlights the benefits to your audience or your clients. When you are asking people to change, or to accept a new way of thinking, or to try something different, what are the benefits for them. A common mistake …
When you get asked to speak at a meeting, be a guest speaker at an AGM, or be asked to share your expertise at a conference, you may consider turning up and winging it without preparation. After all, you are an expert on the topic. This is something I often get asked about: “Is it OK to wing it?”, “Should …
