Browse Communication Skills and Training

What is the value of Facebook over Twitter? Is there a difference? When do you use one or the other or both? In writing our book, The New Handshake: Sales Meets Social Media, Barb Giamanco and I discovered that some businesses prefer Facebook; some prefer Twitter and some use neither. We decided to take a look at the two platforms to help you distinguish which is best for you. As we’ve stated many times in the book, the ultimate decision about which social network to use lies with your company culture, goals and customer.

Have you ever noticed how your perceptions and those of others often don't match? It is said that we all hold “a piece of the pie.” This is why collaboration is necessary and usually advantageous at work: to gain access to unfamiliar territory and the new resources that live in other people. Indeed, to get things done, learn, and improve, your colleagues, yes, even your boss, it could come in handy from time to time. Collaboration is more than just working together cooperat

Cool Passionr There is a case for arranged marriages says Rehana Matri. “Arranged marriages, even if the couples get engaged and get to know each other, are not marriages of the heart but of the brain. And so they are missing that fire that love marriages bring with them from day one. Some fires that were really huge burn out very quickly after marriage. Arranged marriages often remain cool and without passion, but remain in good working order and without complication,” believes German-bo Rehana Matri.

How do you tell someone what not to wear? When it comes to looking professional, many factors come into play. We all recognize the need to be clean and pressed (right?), but what about our hair or our nails or the scuffs on our shoes? I remember years ago interviewing candidates for a CEO ...

The South has a lot to say about doing business the right way. Just what do I base my assertion on? Having spent my first 17 years living below the Mason-Dixon Line--my grandparents are all Southerners--and having lived a year in Atlanta as a professional, I come by this business advice quite honestly. For those of you from other parts of the country, let me share some phrases that have served me well throughout my career, especially during the three years since I started my company. I'll start with my all-time favorite:

There's no better way to improve the quality of information you receive from a potential customer than by asking short questions. We all can recall far too many times when we've sat across the table from a customer we're trying to help – and we know we can help, if they would just provide us information about their needs and goals. The problem is that no matter what question we ask, we get the same response: a big fat "I don't know" (or something along that line). Then, alm

It is a common problem; you are at a party or maybe some sort of formal or informal gathering, and you do not know what to say. People chat and carry on all manner of conversations; yet you seem to be left on the and are little more than an audience to others. Well, there are some ways to get over that issue and get to play a part in the conversation. If it is a dinner you are in, there is always the old joke of just asking people to pass you things. Of course, that is not m

MODERN MINDSET Do you have a questioning mind? Most people have heard of the adage that curiosity killed the cat. This means if you question too much it could lead to bad results. WHEN CURIOSITY IS GOOD However, it is good to have a reasonable level of curiosity because one of the meanings of this word is eager to learn and we need to be eager to learn if we want to develop more. NEW DEFINITION Curiosity killed the cat is a proverb that has been around for over 500 years, but in the IT and Information age needs to be modified to suit the contemporary world. OUT WITH THE OLDr

UP YOUR OPTIMISM QUOTIENT B: Benefit from being an optimist. Benefits and blessings are yours when you see the benefits and blessings that flow from a particular situation. Better outcomes are yours when you choose to look for all the benefits and blessings in each situation. L: Look on the bright side, the sunny side, the feeling that the future is rosy and you can make it rosy. May you reflect upon how you can up your levels of optimism. Language is powerful. Practice making it a positive force in your life by using the most optimistic language you can muser.

Self-preservation or the greatest respect for othersr I live by the words of Shakespeare – that nothing is good or bad except thinking makes it so. I also believe we need to assess a situation from all angles and not jump to conclusions, or if we do take the time to reflect upon those conclusions. We need to let anger subside before we come to a conclusion. MANY MOTIVATIONS We may act for self-preservation and we may act out of fear or we may act out of respect. THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLDr

Are you are a political prattler? Most people discuss politics in ineffective, counterproductive and illogical ways. How about you? Here’s a quick test to find out if you’re a political prattler. You’re at a party, and someone makes a stupid political comment. Do you… 1) Call them an idiot and blame them for all the e

It is common to be irritated by disruptive behavior. Whether or not the annoyance is intentional, the real problem arises when you must confront the person. Informing someone of their annoying behavior can be uncomfortable for many, and possibly insulting to the receiving party. Many avoid the situation completely, only escalating the frustration. Approaching someone delicately about their behavior is very feasible, using the right tactics. #1 Describe the Situation, Not What You Think When you address the situation, do your best not to judge it.

Have you ever received a memo and felt the sender really wasn't thinking about what you needed to know or hear? Maybe you have attended corporate presentations that have simply left you cold? Communication is something we do reflexively -- like breathing. We talk to our spouses, kids and friends without giving much thought to how we're doing it. There is not one "right" way to communicate, but you should be aware of what is appropriate and when. Your chosen method of communic

Picture this happening to you. Recently you made a major purchase, one that you hope to make only every few years because of the high price involved. During the time you talked with the sales professional, he made you feel very special. In fact, he greeted your spouse enthusiastically, and told her what a cute puppy she was holding. He asked: “Tell me all about this fur ball in your arms. I’ll bet she is the queen of your house.”

Have you ever noticed the thoughts that run through your mind the minute you wake up and the moment before you fall asleep? Unless you make mindfulness a daily practice, chances are probably not. Despite the fact that we live in an abundant world our usual daily reflections are those of lack, what we don't have and what we don't get enough of. Think about it. How many times have you woken up, pushed snooze on the alarm and your first thought is "I didn't get enough sleep." Interesting.

What is the very most important thing that I can say about your voice and about singing? Perhaps it is that, your voice is your birthright. Voice is the primary way that we relay information to others. As we speak, however, only a small percentage of what we actually “say” is in our words. There are worlds of meaning and expression contained in the actual sound of our voices – its pitch, timbre, speed, volume, variety and how it originates in our bodies. As babies we all have natural voices. When was a baby ever conce ed about how their voice sounded?

In 1993, I was in the prime of my singing/performance career as a featured soloist with Symphony Pops Orchestras. While performing in a Tribute to Irving Berlin with the St. Louis Symphony, I noticed that the last two notes in my upper register could only be sung when I moved to one side the lump on the right side of my neck. Upon my return home, I told my voice coach about the problem and he suggested I see his ENT (ear, nose & throat doctor) ASAP.

A popular assumption implies that a speaker should start his or her speech by telling a joke, to get listeners in an upbeat mood and grab attention instantly. Like many widespread assumptions, this one is wrong. Here are five good reasons not to start your speech by telling a joke. FIRST: Your joke could offend the audience. After all, don’t most jokes have a “fall guy,” who becomes the brunt of your ridicule? Often the fall guy is a group—geographic, ethnic, gender, or age related.

Identify and nurture the select group of people, the most valuable players (MVPs), who will breathe life into an initiative. They are culled from both the internal and exte al core constituencies who must be on board for an initiative to succeed. There are several MVP categories, including political leaders, policymakers, alliances, suppliers, competitors, and detractors. To reach them, hang out where they hang out, publish in their favorite news media, send word through their social networks, and whenever possible extend direct invitations, preferably face-to-face.

Pillars of Successr Action, right direction and creation are the drivers underpinning many of the entrepreneurial success stories. For Rehan Allahwalla and Muhammad Nasurallah, vision, passion, garnering experience and service have been the main supports of their entrepreneurial adventures. Hitting the markr

Want to quickly qualify your target audience? Get inside their mind by writing the way your target thinks. It’s easy to do with practice. When you write copy this way, you quickly connect with qualified prospects. Look at the keywords people type into a search engine box. Those words represent terms and phrases your prospects think. Write copy that sounds like your prospects. It quickly connects you to them in a good way. Men and Women Are Hardwired to Think Differently About The Same Subjectr

As coaches, we spend a lot of time helping people understand the distinctions between the six different Perceptual Styles. Why? Because these distinctions are essential to understanding conflicts that arise in the workplace (and everywhere else, too). A classic example is a corporate client we had that was in serious danger of bankruptcy. They hired a “turn-around” specialist who had the Goals Perceptual Style. His initial plan involved some severe “reductions in forceâ

Many businesses make the mistake of trying to be "all things to all people". And the Truth is that unless your a fortune 100 company with multiple divisions... you can't! You're better off choosing the markets you want to target and then focus exclusively on serving these segments better than anyone else. Learn the keys of niche marketing and targeting your prospects. The more closely you can define and pinpoint your target market, the more success you're likely to enjoy. Many businesses make the mistake of trying to be "all things to all people".

“Loosen the reins up, don’t hold her so tight!” yells my instructor across the arena. “You are absolutely nuts,” the frustrated voice in my head yells back. It takes more than a leap of faith to loosen the grip on the fantastically energetic quarter horse as I am watching the fence posts clip by at such a pace that they seem to become a solid wall of white. “She’ll only take off faster if I let go!” but I do as instructed and … bingo: she speeds up. “Isn’t this nice?

Have you ever noticed that some people do what is expected while others seem compelled to bend all the rules? And this is true, not only for people, but for whole cultures as well. What does the following riddle tell you about Canadian culture? Joke Alert! How do you get 25 Canadians to get out of a swimming pool? Ask them to get out of the pool! Yes, Canadians tend to do what they have been asked to do. What makes some people want to go around standard practice to find

What does it take to change the world or your world? Have you thought about this awesome concept. Or do you shrug your shoulders and give up? What do you have to do? Well firstly you have to tackle your thoughts. Only if you change your thoughts can you begin to change your world and then on to changing the world. Simple, but let us dissect the actual thought processes and actions needed to really make a difference. WILL A WAYr

Lament of Loss “The time we had spent with someone. The time we know, we are never going to get back.” (Muhammad Mohsan Zaki) May the Blessings Ber Oh this is sad and so true - I wonder why we spend so much time hoping when the other has made it so clear that they don't want you. And yet we do. A very sad aspect of life, or perhaps it is to our credit if we have good thoughts and wish the best for them. If only if should become may the blessings be. Stages of Lossr In a relationship break down – there are a number of stages. Stage Oner

It is a well known fact, that relationships lose their fire after a while. The romantic moments, the butterflies in the stomach, the obsessive thinking about the love object, all those exciting feelings that make you feel alive slowly dim down with time. Like a campfire that runs out of wood. ...

From time to time I have found myself watching ESPN’s coverage of the World Series of Poker. It provides an interesting look into human nature. Statistically, roughly 12 millio Americans play poker, but only 5% are consistently profitable. Some of these 5% make hundreds of thousands of dollars every year and all they do is play poker. The winner of the 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event… $12 million dollars in approximately six and a half days. Now, those of you who understand the game of poker, you know where that money comes from. That’s right, it comes from the losers!

4 Ways to Connect With Your Customersr By Susan Foxr Freelance Copywriter thesusanfox@gmail.com n© 2012 Susan Fox PO Box 421 Avon, Ohio 44011rn(740) 531-0400 24-hour message line These simple marketing ideas can connect you with customers and qualified prospects in a unique way: 1: Create An Event at Your Store That Interests Your Customersr

One thing we don’t think much about is the power of our words beyond the exte al, commonly defined meaning of the words. But, as you may know from your own explorations into sound, words also have an internal vibration from which they derive the core, or essence, of their meaning. This ...

SHAKESPEAREAN WISDOM IN THE RIVER THAMES The Blessings in every situation – be blessed always. PRIVATE START Life started for me in a private road a stone’s throw away from the tidal wash of the great River Thames. PRIVATE ROADS IN ENGLAND Private roads usually have gates that are tightly closed, but at the entrance of this private oasis was Pitsea Methodist Church and everyone was invited. INHABITANTS

I remember several years ago calling on a prospect in Califo ia. When I introduced myself over the phone, he asked, “Are you the guy who sings and plays the banjo?” My reputation preceded me, how cool is that? I smiled and said, “Yes, that’s me!” He said, “Uh, yeah, I saw you last year, I don’t think so.” and hung up. It felt like I got punched in the stomach. The Naysayer is everywhere, just waiting to say “NAY!” to your hopes, your dreams and your future. When other people disapprove of our best efforts we may feel deflated at best and at times downright debilitated.

Feel like you’re never going to stop those shaky knees and pre-performance nerves? Here are a few ideas to help you get past the debilitating effects of the jitters:

FIT FOR A KING Fit for an Emperor, Fit for a King, Fit for a Queen, Fit for a Princess, Fit for a Prince are all expressions that mean that you are making something so good that a member of the royal family would appreciate. Emperors and Kings are associated with the richest, most opulent living and the highest,wisest thinking as they think for a land, nation and people. We can think of the wisdom of King Solomon, the persistence of King Robert the Bruce, the quick-thinking of King Charles II and the never-say-die daring of Queen Scheherazade. Charles, Robert and Scheherazader

Note from Kate I don’t think that we can learn enough about communication. It's a tool that's essential to every part of our lives. The way we communicate has the potential to motivate people to action or to tears. It has the potential to mend fences or to put helpful fences in place. In fact, our ability to comfort ourselves and help people comfort us all comes from our ability to communicate. Throughout our lives, we're taught how to use language to talk about ideas. This

No matter what you do, trust is the most important asset that you can have. It's crucial for business. It's required for relationships. It's the foundation for self-confidence. We all know in some way or form how to build trust but it is often easy to commit the following mistakes when doing so: 1. Trying Too Hard to be Perfect

An important element of personal development and improvement is receiving feedback and outside opinions. There are often barriers that we do not see ourselves that need to be identified by someone else. Behavior that may be unproductive and hindering may go completely noticed on our own until it is pointed out by a friend or colleague who sees it and wants to help by sharing. Although feedback can come from the best intentions, many have difficulty receiving it and may take personal offense.

If a company does not fully understand the cost of its human capital, it leaves a large amount of expenses unmanaged. In order to fully understand the cost of human capital, direct and indirect labor costs need to be integrated. Integrating direct and indirect labor costs creates a more complete idea of human capital expenses. A human capital supply chain (HCSC) management program requires technology across "organizations, business units, and suppliers" to work together.

Almost two decades had passed since I last saw Leroy. So when we finally met to catch up no topic was off limits. We spoke about all kinds of things. Our conversation eventually steered itself towards the subject of perception and how it informs our beliefs and actions. I told Leroy about an experience a mutual friend of ours, Norman, had.

Communicating AuthenticallynBy Dr. Joe RubinonCEO, Http://www.CenterForPersonalReinvention.com nnnYou maximize your personal power when you exude an energy of authenticity. When you not only speak from the heart but walk your talk, others get the real you. Living authentically comes from closing the gap between who you are, what you do and nwhat you want others to get about you. Authenticity results when who you are being equals what you are speaking. In contrast, when you pr

Communication skills encompass a variety of strategies and techniques that aid interpersonal interactions. When you are communicating effectively, it facilitates information sharing, perspective-taking and genuine understanding.communicatio However, breakdowns in communication happen in all areas of our lives. People around the world are faced with communication issues every day. Organizations are constantly looking at ways to increase effective communication and the underst

Great Ideasr The greatest challenge to the greatest ideas is how to take your brainchild and make it real. An idea is just a thought – a figment of the imagination. How do we get it out there? We need someone to talk to. Asian Culturer In Asia, gurus are revered teachers and masters and life often resolves around the coffee shop. Thus in a friendly place, people with good ideas can get help from social media experts – entrepreneurs who have been there and done that! This is the aim of www.CoffeeShopGurus.com On the Drawing Boardr

Whatever the level of your communication or whatever your needs are, you will find communication skill builders suitable for you. Communication skill problems are the most significant and harmful difficulties to beset relationships. That is the case whether we are talking about a relationship with a spouse, your children, your colleagues or anyone that you have to deal with in your life. Some of the skills needed are specific to certain situations or at least have to be adap

NOTHING IS TOTALLY BLACK AND WHITE Lies in the virtual world and lies in the real world are a fact of life. The seriousness of such lies and how we react to them depends on our values and how serious we view the lie. Lying is never good and for some people totally undermines a budding friendship. MISREPRESENATIONr

Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in English typically know that the programs rarely focus on vocational training. They take courses in literature, writing, and criticism because they want to explore the work of some of the best thinkers and storytellers in the world. English studies programs, however, can help students develop skills that will help them succeed when they enter the workforce. This makes earning a bachelor's degree in English an important step towards secu

Goal setting is a very useful and interesting process. By spending some time to reflect on what you want to achieve in life and writing your thoughts down, you give direction to your life. Having gone through the process of determining how you want you future to be and recording your goals, you ...

Managerial Core Competence Manideepa Patnaik International journal of Management Perspectives http://www.ubiqusgroup.com/ijmp

Are you Macho? Not sure? Take the Macho Factor Quiz! One of the most irritating aspects of day-to-day communication is trying to convince someone who takes a Macho attitude. Close colleagues are often dismayed to find that while amongst ourselves we can build on and critique each other's ideas, it is sometimes much more difficult to do this when others are involved.

Allowing the audience to ask questions after your presentation is an excellent way to reinforce your message and to continue to sell your ideas. In addition, because listeners can ask for clarification, audience members are less likely to leave your presentation with misconceptions about the ...