Soft Focus: A new way of extraordinary listening

Can we resist proclaiming “what it is” long enough to authentically ask:  “What is it?”  When we use soft focus to look at someone, something or someplace, we allow the information about the selected person, thing or place to come toward us.  We reverse the...

Tell ‘em, Tell ‘em, Tell ‘em

The Tell ‘Em Outline: Prepare, Deliver, Make Sure When Colin Powell spoke, people asked themselves “Is he always this good?” Skills bring structure to experiential knowledge, which means a wise person will formalize accumulated knowledge into a series of steps...

Five Enemies of Exquisite Presenting

When our intention is to provide clarity and impact in our message, what can get in our way? These five foes: Anticipation Distraction Repetition Confusion Competition How do we combat these adversaries? 1. Anticipation. In your opening remarks, provide all the right...

Nice Guys Finish First – with Grace and Elegance – Rafa!

When they embraced at the net, Rafael Nadal momentarily rested his head on Novak Djokovic’s shoulder. This was classic Nadal, killing another opponent with kindness. Nadal snatched the United States Open from Djokovic just when his opponent thought he was in control...

PLAY for Creativity and Innovation

Did you know that serial innovators such as IDEO, Google, Apple and others regularly use Play to generate better ideas?  “Play is the highest form of research.”    Albert Einstein “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of...

Where's the Magic?

I have the great privilege of living in New York City where I have access to really tremendous free art exhibits and installations. I am constantly blown away by the inspiration and creativity of the artists. It’s nothing short of – Magic. Last week, I...

Expressivity

How do we become successful in our roles? We master our communication. The very masterful communicators have a core of energy, and one that radiates to capture our attention. What if we could easily possess a quality of energy that stimulates our audience’s...

Focus and Eye Contact

Focus is using your energy – turning on the current, physically and psychologically. Focus and concentration: Focus is the external communication of concentration.  The use of focus provides the signs of concentration. Why Eye Contact? The eyes, more than any other...

Evoke your Inner "Rock Star" – Learn from The Boss

I’m preparing to run a session called Own the Room. People who want to stand and connect authentically to their audience can join me. It has me reflect on the clients I work with that are serious “rock stars” in their roles, in their firms and in...