Small Talk from Successfully Speaking
Many people worry over their ability to initiate small talk. Non-native English speakers have added challenges. Do you ever find yourself at social or business events anxious to make contact with strangers? What do you say?
Good vs. Well, Bad vs. Badly?
One of the challenges in correct grammar and communication is the appropriate use of adjectives and adverbs, such as good vs. well and bad vs. badly. When writing an email or greeting someone, what sounds more common or widely-used may not always be the correct choice.
Executive Presence: The Power of Emotion-Guest Blog
In an effort to convey “executive presence,” many people adopt an attitude of rigid aloofness or inaccessible stand-offishness.
Word Fillers & uh..What To Do About Them
Word fillers or verbal tics are often the nemesis of many speakers. Unfortunately, they detract from our message and create unnecessary noise.
Successful Hygiene for International Professionals
It is important to be aware of American customs if working in the American workplace. Many customs that are routine in one’s native country might be awkward or unacceptable in the USA.
2014 in Review from Successfully Speaking
Our inboxes have been inundated with a plethora of communication tips for 2015. Let’s take a step back and see some pointers we have learned in 2014.
Use Your Voice Successfully When Speaking
We often focus on what we should say in challenging situations in order to communicate successfully. However, our voice can support or conflict with our intended message. In fact, when listeners observe incongruent voice and words, they tend to rely on the nonverbal, vocal messages.
Active Listening Skills
Do you demonstrate good listening skills? Listening is a critical component of effective communication…whether it is at work, in an interview, with friends, family, or even on a date.
Successful Communication During Grieving
In the past two weeks I’ve had the unfortunate experience of witnessing the passing of a very dear family member.
The Voice-Successfully Communicating with the V’s
Many of you may be fans of the NBC TV show, The Voice. Aside from the phenomenal talent in this singing contest, we can appreciate the impact of the vocal and visual aspects of communication.
Effective Telephone Skills from Successfully Speaking
In today’s global workplace, we often conduct business by telephone and never meet our client or colleagues face-to-face. Numerous preliminary job interviews are conducted on the telephone; some with web cameras and some without.
What Does Your Eye Contact Say About You?
The eyes are often referred to as the “windows to the soul” and they play a key part in face-to-face communication. They can create a powerful connection between the speaker and listener.
Can You Remember? Networking Tips
You may be attending many holiday parties and end of the year events this month. Amidst all of the frenzy, will you remember peoples’ names…will you remember your keys… will you leave the house without important items…will you remember important meetings?
On-Line Accent Modification Group Class
We are excited to introduce our Online Accent Modification/Accent Reduction Classes to help you achieve excellence in communication.
The Handshake: A Key to Effective Communication Skills
You are at a networking meeting, a job interview, or just meeting someone for the first time. Of course, you want to make a great first impression. Do you know that the basis of effective communication skills is the way to approach another individual as you first meet them?
Take Good Care of Your Voice
We often take our voice for granted and first realize its importance when we encounter difficulties. As the months get cooler and winter season approaches, be aware of some of the situations that impact your speaking voice and learn ways to address them.
Where there is smoke, is there fire?
On a recent vacation to Bar Harbor, Maine, we rented a car in Portland and drove three hours up to Bar Harbor. As a non-smoker, I am very sensitive to the smell of smoke. Unfortunately, our non-smoking vehicle reeked of cigarettes!