June 3rd, 2009
When times are challenging and transitions looming, effective teamwork can be a turnkey for success. My workshops on teamwork are in demand these days, along with personal change management and communication. Teamwork, change, and communication are synergetic. The common denominator is ‘Trust’. Trust is the glue that holds the team together, keeps communication honest and transparent, and makes successful transitions possible. Feedback from a recent workshop underscored the importance of trust. Once the participants learned the critical need for trust they suggested that we could have easily dedicated more time on the topic and definitely needed to include it in future meetings. Trust can take years to build, and only minutes to lose.
TRUST FUNDAMENTALS
1. Be consistently reliable. This means not occasionally; it means always.
2. Deliver on promises. Words can be cheap; the value is in the action.
3. Accept accountability. Mistakes are made; how we rectify them is the important thing.
4. Communicate truthfully. The truth may be difficult to express and to receive; it is always the best choice.
5. Keep confidences. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to about their fears, needs, and concerns and often they don’t even expect a response. They have confided in you because they trust you.
6. Be inclusive. If you work as a team everyone needs to be included in every communication in matters that involve the group.
View video of Lorraine speaking on the topic of Trust
Tags: accountability, collaboration, reliability, synergy, teamwork, trust
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May 7th, 2009
I have written articles and best practices on how to engage audiences of all sizes. This entry addresses factors that can alienate the audience and cause them to tune out the speaker or presenter. Whether I am coaching emerging speakers, or watching a more seasoned presenter there are recurring actions which contribute to audience detachment.Many of these are simply due to lack of preparation. Most people know that being prepared is fundamental to the success of their speech or presentation yet all too often it is ignored. If you are fortunate to be given a platform to share your ideas then you have a responsibility to respect the time and attention of the audience.
TURN OFFS THAT CAUSE THE TUNE OUTS
1. Reading your notes rather than connecting with the audience. I don’t mean referring, I mean reading. There is a recognizable difference. How can you make a connection if your focus is on your paper? Reading verbatim is also one of the primary signals that you have not made an effort to learn your material. It also begs the question, ” If you are an expert on the topic, why are you reading?”.
2. Over used and overwritten slides. This is a similar crutch to notes. Instead of actually taking the time to learn the key messages and flow of your content you let the slides do the work for you. Audience immediately respond to this dependency as weak and uninteresting. Particularly if your slides do not offer compelling and unique visuals. We are all familiar with the term ‘Death by PowerPoint’ – specifically by the bullets!
4. Using larger words when smaller ones will do. No need to impress the audience with your cleverness. Obviously you are an expert in your field or you would not be invited to speak. Words that require a dictionary can be patronizing and off-putting. Be selective, limit technical jargon. Speak conversationally not academically.
5. Rushing through your content. Trying to keep up with the rapid pace of the speaker is extremely frustrating. You send the message that you are in a rush and want the experience to be over with ASAP. It also appears that you really don’t care if the audience is able to keep up with what you are saying. Audiences shouldn’t have to catch their breath to catch up with the speaker.
6. More bells and whistles than content. Video clips, photos, music can all add dimension and engagement to the presentation if used strategically and sparingly. However, if used in excess it looks like you have padded your presentation with filler rather than quality content. People are there to hear your ideas not watch a mult-media show.
7. Lack of customization. If you have delivered a presentation you are likely aware of how important it is to ’know your audience’. A little customization goes a long way to making the connection and building credibility. Show the audience that you have cared enough to learn about them and their specific needs and environment.
Tags: attention span, coaching, communication, conversation, engaging, presentations, presenter, speaker
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April 15th, 2009
I sense a new meeting trend is emerging. My recent engagements and pending requests involve clients who want a speaker to have the ability to lead workshops and facilitate meetings in addition to delivering a keynote speech. The client wants to build on the fundamental messages and practices of the keynote. A speaker who can train as well as entertain.
This combined offering has great value.
- The keynote content can be taken to the next level whereby the participants can dive deeper into the learning and development process while the ideas are current. There is immediate opportunity to put theory into practice.
- The participants build a deeper relationship with the speaker thereby increasing their willingness to embrace and implement ideas.
- The continuity of themes and practices come from having the same person deliver the keynote and workshop or facilitation.
- If you are holding your meeting at an off-site venue with a smaller group consider inviting the speaker to participate in social and recreational activities. This inclusion fosters camaraderie and teamwork and can build trust and connectivity which is essential for a successful meeting.
- Engaging the same person to be a keynote speaker, workshop leader, and facilitator may allow for a cost saving opportunity.
Tags: camaraderie, connectivity, facilitator, keynote, meetings, relationship, teamwork, trust, workshops
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March 2nd, 2009
I always enjoy my speaking engagements and meeting the interesting and diverse people who attend the events. My recent engagement was an extra special experience. I’ve spoken at other conferences sponsored by CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) and this time an extended opportunity allowed me, in between my keynote and seminars, to hear the remarkable stories of the attendees. The experience touched me so deeply that I am motivated – compelled – to share on my blog.
The participants at this conference were New Canadians who are teaching Newer Canadians English and to help with their transition to this country. They were from all parts of the world – Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Eastern Europe, Asia. Many left their relatives and homeland to flee war and oppression. They all love their countries and miss their families greatly. But they took the biggest leap of their lives in search of safety and peace. What better country to choose than Canada? Many were professionals who now do two or three jobs a day to survive. Yet they are grateful – they do not complain. They have a strong belief in freedom and the future, and trust that better times are on the horizon as they build safer and more opportune lives for their children. Their reasons for immigrating and their journey from homeland to the new land, is both heart wrenching and uplifting. They simply tell their story – no dramatics, no pity, no bitterness – simple fact. They do not see themselves as heroic – simply mothers and fathers protecting their children. Mostly the women in the audience were the ones to approach me with their stories. I knew from my Mother, who was a New Canadian 50 years ago, the challenges she and my father faced and overcame to bring their three children to freedom. Sometimes I take for granted their bravery and hardship. Listening to these stories restored my gratitude for my parents, my country, my blessings.
I was the motivational speaker in the front of the room at the conference but the people in the audience held the truly remarkable stories of opportunity, resilience, and success. These stories need to be written, recorded, and shared as a reminder to all of how fortunate we are even during times of uncertainty. We have the fortitude within us to survive against all odds.
The groups which helped with the organization and participated in the conference, and for the valuable work that they do: Chatham-Kent Adult Language and Learning; College Boreal; Greater Essex County District School Board LARC program; LINC (Language Instruction for New Canadians); Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County; New Canadians’ Centre for excellence; South Essex Community Council; Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women; Women’s Enterprise Skills Training; YMCA of Windsor and Essex County.
Tags: bravery, Canada, Canadians, fortitude, motivational, New Canadian, opportunity, resilience, women
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February 26th, 2009
Frequently I am asked to include a segment in my communication keynotes and workshops on how to give and receive feedback. Critical feedback can sometimes be difficult to give, and sometimes even harder to receive. However, we all need constructive feedback for personal and professional growth. High achievers and successful people thrive on feedback – they welcome it. I learned from my days in the theatre that when a director did not give a certain actor ‘notes’ (theatre speak for ‘feedback’) it meant that he or she likely lost interest in the person’s performance. Why? Because when the director previously gave ‘notes’ the actor either got defensive, refused to listen, or didn’t know how to implement. So if your boss or colleagues never give you feedback that may not be a good thing. It is said that the four deadliest words in business are, “I know that already.” There is always more to learn, always!
Here are a few suggestions on giving and receiving critical feedback:
Giving Feedback:
- Choose words carefully
- Express your ideas with conviction
- Be mindful of your tone and tact
- Present factual observations
- Suggest solutions
- Describe benefits of implementing solutions
- Specify consequences to ignoring solutions
- Anticipate questions and concerns
Receiving Feedback:
- Listen carefully and patiently
- Do not interrupt
- Control defensive response
- Communicate receptive body language
- Inquire for details and examples if feedback is vague
- Ask for help or suggestions
- Express your appreciation whether you agree with feedback or not
- Compare the feedback with people you respect and trust
More communication best practices
Tags: criticism, feedback, growth, professional, solutions, theatre, tone and tact
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February 10th, 2009
Recently I was hiking with friends along the Bruce Trail in Niagara on a picture perfect winter day. The conversation was as invigorating as the exercise. The top of mind subjects were the economy, global unrest, and the relentless exposure to gloom-and-doom media. As many others have expressed in their blogs, we agreed this incessant negative bombardment was not good for the human spirit. Negative thoughts attract negative events and foster toxic energy. We made a pact that we would help shift the collective mood and mindset one person at a time, and we would advocate a ceasefire of negative chatter in our homes and our workplaces. Our conversation soon shifted to The Golden Globe Awards, Wii games, and the iPhone versus the BlackBerry. We gave thanks for the air we breathe and the fact that we were still breathing.
Life was Good!
As a motivational speaker, I am fortunate to have a platform on which to communicate my messages; however, every person can create a portable platform and have an impact on friends, family and colleagues. The sky is not going to fall. We will overcome these challenges, as we have so many times through history. And we don’t have to be miserable or fearful waiting for these turbulent times to settle. I am not in denial, nor am I burying my head in the sand – I simply don’t want to work and play in gloomy surroundings until it all passes. Do you?
What are you doing to elevate your spirits? Help others to elevate theirs.
View Lorraine helping to elevate your humour
Tags: colleagues, conversation, family, friends, humor, humour, motivational speaker
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