Let’s Be Clear is Bluestone’s blog devoted to topics related to media training, presentation and speech coaching, better investor and analyst calls and virtual presentations.
A while back I attended a breakfast at which a brilliant economist was slated to share insights on a growing industry segment. The topic was compelling and drew a large and captive audience. Unfortunately, our speaker was only half way through his remarks when eye lids began to droop and heads started to nod. The audience was trying hard to stay tuned in. But our speaker's weighty material, sing-song cadence and thick accent could have lulled the fussiest baby to sleep.
Read MoreImagine Lester Holt starting the NBC Nightly News with “We begin tonight by telling you about me. I was born in San Francisco, California…”
Once the shock of his unbridled narcissism wore off, we’d hear “click,” “click,” “click” across the country, as viewers registered disapproval with their remote controls.
Read MoreYears ago when I was the lead spokesperson for Boston Edison, the company went through a brutal six-month stretch during which it was pounded in the press for an unusually high number of power outages and accidents---and THEN suffered an ugly labor strike.
So when I heard that, in the wake of a series of Florida hurricanes, our crews were heading south to help restore power, we made a serious round of media calls. I wanted to be sure every local TV station and newspaper got the word that, in this case, we were the good guys, stepping up to help those in need.
Read MoreIt’s always nice to follow up with a reporter after a story runs or airs, especially if you’ve established a rapport and want to keep it going. But those “morning after” calls can be tricky and if you’re not careful, unravel a lot of good will.
Read MoreIn this age of digital technology, the rules of business etiquette seem to be relaxing. But lately I’ve seen some especially bad behavior involving public speaking and tech. A few months ago, I was at an entrepreneurs forum, listening to a panelist describe his business idea, when I was distracted by a man nearby, visibly scrolling through his cell phone. I know, you’re thinking, “Annoying. But not egregious.” Well, what if I told you he was the MODERATOR?
Read MoreA few months ago I attended a professional event at which I knew a well-respected and charismatic CEO would be speaking. Sure enough, he started things off with the stage presence of a stand up comedian and quickly had us all laughing and leaning in.
But then it started: The dreaded PowerPoint presentation.
Read MoreWhen I first started speaking in public, I had a rather lofty image of how each engagement would begin: I’d be summoned to the stage with thunderous applause as a beaming host detailed the many reasons I was perfectly qualified to be the day’s expert. Screeeeeeeeech. That’s the record player scratching as reality sets in. As well-meaning as hosts typically are, more often than not, they fall woefully short in priming the audience for their guest speaker.
Read MoreA while back I was at a friend’s baby shower, chatting with the other guests, when it became clear someone should say something to mark the occasion. This was a long awaited pregnancy and these women wanted an emotional outlet, a chance to shed a happy tear and at long last applaud our expectant friend.
Read MoreIf you’re like most professionals, you recognize the impact strong speaking skills have on your organization, your causes and your own career—and you’re looking for ways to improve. There’s one tactic above all others that can help you do that. But if you’re like most people you’re not going to like it.
Read MoreA few weeks ago a friend invited me to a lunchtime presentation his company was sponsoring to update existing customers and woo new ones. The company obviously had put great effort into a top-notch guest list, menu and lineup of speakers.
Read MoreI recently spoke to a group of executives about the importance of making every presentation count. I emphasized what a shame it is to win an audience with people who matter most to your business (customers, prospects, employees, etc.) and then squander it by being boring, off point or even “just OK.”
Read MoreWhether your organization is facing a crisis, or you’re just hoping to score some positive press, it’s smart to make sure the person talking to the media is prepared to look and sound great when the pressure is on.
Read MoreEver had a job interview, media interview or even a key meeting that seemed to go south before it started? Or perhaps strayed off topic mid-way and never got back on track? Whether it’s a radio interview that dwells on what your new product CAN’T do, or a job interview that focuses too much on your shortcomings, you can still pull it out of the fire with one simple trick.
Read MoreIf you're among the ranks who dread the annual gifting of bosses and employees, it's time to stop viewing this ritual as an obligation, and instead seeing opportunity. After all, when executed gracefully, holiday gift giving presents a chance to reinforce relationships and elevate one's professional image.
Read MoreA few years back, after weeks of shopping for a new car, I finally decided to pull the trigger and called a salesman with whom I’d been talking. I liked this guy: He had been persistent but never pushy, knowledgeable but not a know-it-all, and in the end he gave me the best price. When we finally inked the contract, we both smiled and stuck out our hands to shake.
And that’s when I almost called off the whole deal. Rather than delivering a warm, firm grip, that reinforced my impression of this successful and confident businessman, he awkwardly clutched my four fingers and lightly, well, squeezed.
Read MoreSeveral years ago I watched a governor deliver a State of the State speech, trying to shore up citizens during a difficult time for the state and the country. The address itself was mostly on target, addressing important issues and allowing the governor to showcase leadership and poise. That is, until a member of the audience sneezed.
Read MoreBluestone Friends,
Hard to believe it’s already time to plan for 2024! We know you and your team are looking (and budgeting) for opportunities to achieve even greater success in the coming year.
At Bluestone, we share in that mission! That’s why we’re releasing our 2024 Offerings. Click the button below to see what we’ve got planned for the new year.
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