from Lange’s communications thought leaders
In the days of 100% in-person work, there would be jokes, small talk, and chit chat as we walked the halls or found our seats around the conference table. There were group dinners and happy hours and coffee runs. Plenty of opportunities for interaction and connection.
Today, if you manage to get a face-to-face meeting, the stakes are higher than ever. It’s on – you better use that time wisely, make an impression, close business, and get it done. Here’s how.
Read MoreLooking at the headlines recently, it’s easy to see that leaders—especially those in the tech sector—are having tough conversations right now. Managing conversations about org changes, layoffs, budget cuts, travel restrictions, and more—all the while, trying to manage a healthy relationship with their team, and keep them inspired. A tall order!
As an executive communication coach and consultant, I hear about good and bad outcomes from these high-stakes communication moments. Those leaders who have difficult conversations, provide hard-to-hear feedback, or talk through layoffs in a way that is emphatic, respectful, and poised usually use some, if not all, of these five strategies.
Read MoreYour ability to connect with your audience is the ultimate scorecard of whether you've succeeded or not. Presentations, keynotes, breakouts, board meetings, speeches, and even team meetings – are meant to get business done. But that is best accomplished when your audience connects to your agenda. This is where emotion comes into play, where storytelling is paramount, and where humility and reflection reign.
Read MorePreparation for any presentation – live or in-person – is critical. So, yes! Put in the time and PRACTICE. But here is what to practice. Practice transitions. Practice your opening. Practice your close. Know your three main ideas - but don't practice and memorize so much that you can’t loosen up and speak naturally.
Read MoreStanding up in front of a room full of people is back! It’s time to dust off some of the old tricks. Presenting in person is a VERY different experience from our home office stage. Not only do we need to think about wearing real pants and shoes – we’ve also got to remember our stage presence. What makes an engaging and connected experience for a live, in-person audience?
Read MoreAcross the tech industry, in some of the world’s biggest companies, there’s a simmering concern among leaders: how do you communicate with your employees when they are absolutely exhausted? How do you continue to push for results and performance from those who feel like they have no more to give?
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