Posts Tagged ‘effective communication’
10 Common Errors “Spell Check” Won’t Catch
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Great professional writing skills training article. The following is from the Yahoo Shine article entitled 10 Common Errors “Spell Check” Won’t Catch.
While we can rely on a spell checker to catch glaring errors, a computer can’t pick up on all careless mistakes, especially if the word could be correct in a different context. Often word misuse is our mistake. The English language is full of homonyms, or words that have different meanings but sound and look similar, which makes it easy to confuse proper usage. For instance, verbally, you might not even notice the difference between “your” and “you’re.” But in print, the error can lead the reader to perceive you as less intelligent than you are. For this reason, it’s important to spell check and proofread your documents, especially for the following common misuses, which are so easy to make, you might even have to check your document a couple times to catch them. Check out this article to give your powerful writing skills a boost.
Its versus It’s (and all other apostrophes): (more…)
Elena Kagan and her 4-Tiered Communication Strategy That You Can Use too
Monday, July 5th, 2010
NEW FREE STREAMING AUDIO: In our latest Professional Communication Tactics audio series, you’ll learn to use a simple but powerful professional communication strategy most recently used by Elena Kagan during her supreme court confirmation hearings.
Her strategy was a 4-pronged approach:
1-stay on message
2-use the broken record
3-don’t take the bait, and (more…)
- Tags: American Communication, communication podcast, Communication Tips, communication trainer, communication training, communications trainer, communications training, dealing with difficult people resources, effective communication, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, keynote speaker, motivational keynote speaker, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training, Power Phrases, Professional Communication
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
Professional Communication Training Tip of the Day–DANGER PHRASE: “In my opinion…”
Friday, June 18th, 2010
Here’s a quick and powerful professional communication skills training lesson from communication trainer and motivational keynote speaker Dan O’Connor:
DANGER PHRASE: “In my opinion…” POWER PHRASE: “I believe…”
When it comes time to give your opinion, don’t diminish the power of your message by prefacing it with something such as, “In my opinion….” Doing so tells the listener, “Well, it’s JUST my opinion, so take it or leave it….”
Sometimes, of course, this is exactly what you mean to say. For example, if you’re the boss, and your employee asks you for feedback, and you’re really not certain that your ideas are spot-on, you might say, “In my opinion,” and the effect is what you intended. However, many up-and-coming executives are uncertain and insecure, (more…)
- Tags: American Communication, Communication Advice, Communication Help, communication in the workplace, communication podcast, Communication Tips, communication trainer, communication training, communications trainer, communications training, Danger Phrases, effective communication, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, keynote speaker, motivational keynote speaker, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training, Power Phrases, Professional Communication, scripting
Communication Training: Danger Phrase/Power Phrase
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Here’s your professional communication skills training for the day delivered by motivational keynote speaker and communication trainer Dan O’Connor:
Today’s professional communication tip is simple but powerful. DANGER PHRASE: “Are you busy?” POWER PHRASE: “Do you have a moment?”
When calling a professional at work, never start the conversation with, “Are you busy?”
If someone is at work, we should assume they’re busy. To do otherwise would be insulting. Many people–whether they tell you or not–are offended when asked, “Are you busy?” Instead, try something such as, (more…)
- Tags: American Communication, Communication Advice, Communication Help, communication in the workplace, Communication Tips, communication trainer, communication training, communications trainer, communications training, Danger Phrases, effective communication, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, motivational keynote speaker, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training, Power Phrases, Professional Communication, scripting
The Trick to Giving Compliments–The Right Way
Sunday, June 6th, 2010
NEW FREE COMMUNICATION TRAINING AUDIO: Here’s your professional communication skills training for the day, courtesy of communication trainer and motivational keynote speaker Dan O’Connor:
When giving compliments–whether at work or at home–the goal is to make someone feel good, or activate the right-hand side of their brain. Many times, however, when giving compliments, we make the mistake of complimenting things rather than people. A savvy, polished, powerful communicator knows how to deliver a compliment the right way–which results in activating the right-hand side of the brain of the person receiving the compliment.
In today’s professional communication skills training podcast, Dan teaches you how to compliment people, not things, thereby increasing your personal communication power. Click here to go to our audio/podcasts page and listen to the streaming audio training for free. (more…)
- Tags: communication in the workplace, communication podcast, Communication Tips, communication trainer, communication training, communications trainer, communications training, effective communication, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, giving compliments, motivational kenote speaker Denver, motivational keynote speaker houston, motivational keynote speaker Texas, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training
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
The 2 Things Every Customer Wants to Hear From You–Do you know what they are?
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
NEW FREE ON-LINE STREAMING AUDIO:Here’s your daily professional communication skills training lesson from communication trainer and motivational keynote speaker Dan O’Connor:
Do you know the two things that every customer is waiting to hear from you? They want to know that they have come to the right place and they have found the right person. Are you able to articulate that? In today’s professional communication training lesson, Dan shows you how to tell each customer that they have come to the right place, and have found the right person. THAT is what everyone wants to hear, but almost no one says it. Click here to go to our audios page and listen for free instantly. (more…)
- Tags: communication in the workplace, communication podcast, Communication Tips, communication trainer, communication training, communications trainer, communications training, dealing with difficult people resources, Difficult People at Work, effective communication, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, motivational keynote speaker, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training, Power Phrases, Professional Communication, scripting
How to Add More Power to Your Exit Lines
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
Here’s your free professional communication skills training tip for the day from communication trainer and motivational keynote speaker Dan O’Connor:
Whether you’re hanging up the phone, leaving a meeting, or signing an email, remember that your goodbye will either leave a positive impression, or as it does with most people, no impression at all. Any chance we have as professionals to leave a positive impression should be maximized.
That said, let me give you some danger phrases: “Have a nice day,” “Thanks for calling,” “Have a good day,” and “Have a great day.”
Why are these all danger phrases? Because they’re so common. When people say these things to you, it leaves no impression, and when you say these things to others, YOU make no impression. Our words and time are too valuable to waste. (more…)
- Tags: American Communication, communication in the workplace, Communication Tips, communication trainer, communication training, Communication Training Denver, Communication Training Houston, communications trainer, communications training, Danger Phrases, effective communication, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, motivational Keynote Speaker Denver, motivational keynote speaker houston, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training, Power Phrases, Professional Communication, scripting
4 Danger Phrases You Should NEVER Say at Work
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010
FREE AUDIO PODCAST: Here’s your professional communication skills training lesson for the day, brought to you by communication trainer and motivational keynote speaker Dan O’Connor:
FOUR DANGER PHRASES YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY AT WORK (OR AT HOME):
.
- No offense but…
- Don’t take this the wrong way, but…
- Our computers are slow… (more…)
- Tags: American Communication, Communication Advice, communication in the workplace, communication podcast, Communication Tips, communication trainer, communication training, communications trainer, communications training, Danger Phrases, dealing with difficult people resources, Difficult People, Difficult People at Work, effective communication, effective communication skills, effective communication skills trainer, effective communication skills training, motivational keynote speaker, On-Site Communication Training, On-Site Training, onsite communicaiton training, Onsite Communication Training, Onsite Training, Power Phrases, Professional Communication
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