‘Communication Tip of the Week’
3 Power Phrases + 1 Theory = Communication SuperHero (YOU)
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
In today’s professional communication skills training podcast, Dan teaches you how to implement one of the most important and powerful business principles: You are not here (at work) to teach other people lessons; you are here to learn lessons from other people. How can you implement that? Using simple Power Phrases often, and with everyone. And if you want to be a SuperHero father or mother, and SuperHero partner–practice this principle at home, as well. Today Dan helps you practice three Power Phrases that will help you implement the principle: You are not here to teach other people lessons; you are here to learn lessons from other people.
Get all of our communication training audio podcasts instantly–for free–on our podcast page. Could your organization use professional communication skills trainer? Check out expert communication trainer Dan O’Connor’s Keynote and course schedule. Looking for a motivational keynote speaker specializing in communication or dealing with difficult people? Contact us today to see how you can get the speaking or on-site training you need while staying within your budget.
10 Great Ways to Ruin Your Professional Image
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Here’s your visual communication skills training for the day brought to you by on-site communication trainer and motivational keynote speaker Dan O’Connor:
Wouldn’t it be nice if we lived in a world where we were judged–and promoted–solely on our professional ability?
Well, we don’t, and “Professional Communication Skills” does not refer only to words.
Everything you say and do communicates some message about who you are and how you think. That said, some of us care very much about our jobs and professional reputation, and are simply unaware when we are sending the wrong visual message. If you’re truly concerned with your professional development, never underestimate the power of image. This doesn’t mean that you have to conform to the norm; it does, however, mean that you have to pay attention to–and take pride in–your professional image if you expect to get ahead. Some people are very vocal about not caring about what they look like at work, because it’s just work, and it should be their skills that matter. These are generally the same people who complain because they are passed over for promotions, fired, or otherwise struggling in their career. The truth is–like it or not–image can make or break you.
Below you’ll find the top 10 professional image-destroyers. If you find that you have committed any of the following offenses, it’s time to take a professional image training course. Sooner rather than later.
TOP 10 PROFESSIONAL IMAGE RUINERS:
1: Flip-flops–under no circumstances–ever–not even at a company picnic. Yes, this includes things such as Birkenstocks. Crocs are still up for debate…but to be safe–No!
2: Just putting your hair up in a scrunchie/pulling it back–If you don’t have time for personal grooming, (more…)
- Tags: communication in the workplace, communication trainer, communication training, communications trainer, effective communication, effective communication skills, effective communication skills training, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training, Physical Communication and Body Language, professional image, workplace dress code
Three Golden Rules of Cell Phone Etiquette
Friday, June 4th, 2010
Here’s your professional communication skills training for the day delivered to you by your favorite communication trainer and motivational keynote speaker Dan O’Connor.
What does your cell phone–and the way you use it–say about you?
Follow these three golden rules of cell phone etiquette to avoid making the most common cell phone faux pas:
1) Your cell phone is not a fashion accessory. It should always be concealed somewhere such as in your breast pocket, in your briefcase or purse, or a desk drawer. Adding fancy “skins” or designer/sparkly cases signals one of two things: you are foolish with your money (therefore less credible as a professional) or you are an elderly lady who likes bedazzled trinkets. Neither of these images will boost your professional or personal power.
2) Turn your phone off–not on vibrate- (more…)
- Tags: cell phone etiquette, Communication Advice, communication in the workplace, Communication Tips, communication trainer, communication training, communications trainer, communications training, effective communication, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training
2-Steps to Developing Knock-Out Power Phrases
Monday, May 10th, 2010
One of the goals that all professional communicators must strive to achieve is staying in the response mode and staying out of the reaction mode. Today, I’m bringing the on-site communication training right to you. I’m just that kind of trainer.
The reaction mode is: First thing into the brain=first thing out of the mouth. As we mature and grow professionally, we learn that first thing into the brain is generally the worst thing that can come out of the mouth.
But how do we stay in the response mode-which honors the other person while honoring ourselves-ALL the time?
That’s what MAGIC POWER PHRASES help us do.
A MAGIC POWER PHRASE has two parts:
1- An affirmation such as, “Interesting…You don’t say…Wow…” to show you’re listening and engaged.
2- A question or request that throws the ball back into the other person’s court, such as, “Why would you say that? Why would you think that? Why would you (more…)
- Tags: American Communication, communication in the workplace, communication podcast, Communication Tips, communication trainer, communication training, communications trainer, communications training, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, Magic Phrases, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training, Power Phrases, Professional Communication, scripting
6 Steps to Handling a Cry-Baby at Work
Monday, March 15th, 2010
NEW FREE AUDIO PODCAST: Do you work with people who start to cry when you have to deliver a difficult message to them? Do you work with people who use crying as a tactic to avoid taking blame, accepting responsibility, or communicating assertively? Click here to listen to Dan’s free professional communication training audio podcast. In “How to Handle a Cry-Baby At Work,” you’ll learn how to handle a crier at work using the following 6 tactics:
1) HAVE YOUR TOOLS AT HAND:
Place 1-a box of tissues and 2-a bottle of water within easy reach.
2) DO NOT MAKE PHYSICAL CONTACT: (more…)
- Tags: Communication Advice, communication in the workplace, communication podcast, Communication Tips, communication training, communications training, Danger Phrases, Difficult People at Work, effective communication, effective communication skills, Professional Communication, professional communication podcast, scripting
The One Magic Power Phrase that Never Fails to Defuse Emotionally Charged or Difficult Customers
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
NEW AUDIO PODCAST: If you deal with emotionally charged or difficult people at work, you need power phrases to help you navigate through those difficult professional communication situations. Power phrases such as the one in today’s virtual on-site professional communication training podcast helps you immediately increase your communication power, deal with difficult people, and communicate with confidence, power and finesse. Click here to go to our podcast page and listen to today’s professional communication podcast.
The 4-Step “Disengage to Stop the Rage” Process for De-Stressing at Work
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
NEW AUDIO PODCAST: HELP ME DAN! I get WAAAY to stressed out at work. My customers make me crazy… ANSWER: There’s a reason why Zebras don’t get ulcers. Their brains stop releasing stress hormones as soon as the stress factor is gone (according to Robert Zapolsky, author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers). Our brains, however, keep releasing stress hormones and toxic chemicals long after the stress factor has left us. This is why we need a systematic approach to “disengaging” from stressful people and situations. This 4-step process is the best I have found. Remember to get the accompanying quick-reference card in our customer resources section of the library. Click here to listen to the podcast.
The 1 Interview Question Job-Seekers Must Ask Every Time
Saturday, January 30th, 2010
NEW PODCAST/AUDIO: Above all else, your professional communication skills will land or lose you the job you seek. This is why the first thing you do while seeking a job is hone your interviewing skills. Access to effective professional communication training has never been easier. In today’s communication training podcast, Dan gives you the one question (and the number-one question) that anyone who’s looking for a job must ask in the interview. Increase your chances of landing that job by listening to this quick and powerful podcast. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO DAN’S COMMUNICATION TRAINING PODCAST. Click here for the accompanying PDF.
5 Communication Tactics for Landing That Job
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Communication training isn’t just for those in the workplace. It’s for everybody, and without it, you may never land that job in the first place. The article I am suggesting contains five communication tactics–though they are not necessarily called that by name–that will make you shine during the interview. (more…)
10 POWER PHRASES YOUR CHILDREN SHOULD HEAR YOU SAY OFTEN
Monday, December 28th, 2009
Use these phrases constantly. You can’t say them enough. Say them to your kids right now as soon as you finish reading this, and never stop saying them.
Communication skills are not just about business. The most important place you can exhibit effective communication skills is at home. Here are some power phrases you can use at home in abundance. Use them all the time, every day.
1. “I love you so much–no matter what–always.”
2. “You can always count on me.”
3. “You’re beautiful just the way you are.”
4. “Your job is to dream as big as you can. My job is to help you achieve your dreams. I’ll do my job if you do yours.”
5. “You can do it. You can do anything.” (more…)
Tags: communication in the workplace, communication podcast, communication trainer, communication training, Danger Phrases, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, keynote speaker, motivational keynote speaker, On-Site Communication Training, Onsite Training, Power Phrases, Professional Communication, professional communication skills podcast