Public Speaking Basics: Building confidence and competence
Most of us fear public speaking more than we fear death. Which is ironic because it’s an easy-to-learn skill that can greatly improve your life. Strong speaking skills will enhance …
What’s more important than goals? Enjoying the pursuit.
In my work I meet a lot of people in transit—people on their way to becoming the best version of themselves. Whether it’s a new career or advancing within one, …
Saying No: A beginner’s guide
No, non, nada, nyet—how we say no in different languages. Nein is the German word for no. Nein sounds the same as the English word nine, which means one less …
Public Speaking Basics for Presenters
Most people fear public speaking but it’s surprisingly easy to learn. Follow these tips—and practice 10 times—and you’ll look and sound professional. Good luck! (Learn how to master your Shame …
How to Write Clear Instructions: 6 easy steps
Use lists where possible. Use a separate point or sentence for each action. Make the text large enough for visually impaired readers. Know your audience—who will be reading these instructions …
Activate Your Verbs!
Active verbs make speaking and writing clear, efficient, and more interesting. Active verbs are usually easier to understand, which is important for international audiences. Wordy and inactive: Better: They made a …
Promising Useful Content: 5-second cheatsheet
No one reads anymore. We scan a website or document, deciding in about 5 seconds if it merits attention. Does Your Document Pass the 5-Second Test? Physical elements such as formatting, colors …
WAIT What? 4 Wrong Reasons to Speak (& 4 good ones)
There’s a great acronym that makes me look smart and wise. It’s WAIT, and stands for Why Am I Talking? What a brilliant question to ask yourself. You might decide …
4 Traits of Successful Speakers, Leaders & Conversationalists
I recently attended a speech contest. Despite a variety of styles and personalities, the best speakers shared four traits: 1. Honesty The best speakers were themselves. They didn’t project false …
4 Questions To Stop Asking
1. Are You Sure? This negates everything the speaker just said, which is rude and hurtful. You might ask this question because: You want to know if you can believe what …
3 Great Speaking Tips (and my dad for free)
You know how, um, like, the kids talk these days? Sadly, it’s not just kids—many of us undermine ourselves with speech habits that make us seem uneducated, unprepared and unsure. …
Business Writing: The 3 Cs (a quick & easy method)
Is writing at work a challenge? You want to seem professional and competent but with so many other tasks competing for your attention, it’s hard to find the time to …
18 Words At A Time: How to talk so kids will listen (and possibly do what you ask)
This post will help you talk clearly and kindly to the kids in your life. You’ll learn how to stay calm and retain authority while having wonderful relationships with magical …
Negative Feedback: How to receive & respond to harsh responses
It’s easy to offend people—look at social media. Even if you’re not a puppy-kicking troll, chances are good that you will offend someone at least once in your life. Perhaps you purposely or accidentally …
The Power of Words
My heart broke as I watched a young dad yelling at his crying two-year-old. I wanted to swoop in, rescue the kid, and teach the dad how big and scary …
Navigating Negative Feedback: How to fix problems and get what you want
Someone messed up. An employee mishandled a project; your new car is a lemon; the waiter forgot your meal. From big to small, problems can be solved—and often fixed—if you …
You Might Like To…
A famous teacher and community leader (Thich Nhat Hanh) gives instructions framed as “You might like to…” What a transformative concept. Saying “You might like to” instead of “You must” is …
Secrets to Successful Communication
The art of communication is the language of leadership. James Humes Leaders need to speak and write well. No matter how brilliant you are, if we can’t understand you, your …
Communication Skills for Creative Professionals: How to attract & manage clients
You’re a designer, artist or developer. You’re not a writer and never claimed to be one; your clients hire you for your unique vision, not your ability to write. But …
Is Your Document Clear? A Checklist
This is a brief checklist to help you make sure that your document is easy, enjoyable, and rewarding to use. Layout—does this look readable and informative? __ Easy to see where …