• Get your ideas heard
• Get the message. What's a message?
• Get your speaking skills to the next level
• Get charisma

Many good, even brilliant, ideas get ignored because they're delivered poorly, which means that no one hears them the right way (And some pretty lame programs are tried because they sound good, no doubt). Some of the behaviors that can make your idea sound flimsy are so common that we don’t think of them as the sabotage that they are.

• Thinking out loud, developing the idea as you talk along. Great for a working or brainstorming session, but at a board meeting or when presenting to decision-makers, prepare by articulating your thoughts ahead of time.
• A questioning tone is so much in the culture at the moment, people may not hear it in their own voices. But it shreds credibility and sounds weak. "My name is Joe Jones? I'm a civil engineer?" I always want to ask, "Are you sure?"
• Using PowerPoint when it doesn't add to the conversation. Confidence in your idea is closely tied to confidence in you. Don't use PowerPoint or any visual aid as a crutch. Keeping the focus on yourself conveys to listeners that you know your stuff—and the project or next steps will be safe in your hands.

This is no time to play it cool. Think about how enthusiastic and positive about your idea you want others to be, and model that in your own voice, gestures and words.

Recently, we provided a private client workshop on Message Development. A few highlights of the material:

• What is a message? A message is a short statement, value-based, conveying a positive concept for a specific audience.
• A good message is clear and direct, with a contrast or comparison implied or stated.
• A message is not information, issues or instruction.

To better develop your messages (you likely need several), look closely at what sets you apart, identify whom you're addressing, and consider what you really want them to know and remember about you.

Speaking Skills Workshops: Confidence and Credibility

Our new small-group workshops have accomplished big things for participants. In them, you get:

• Tips you can use immediately
• Strong coaching tailored to your strengths
• Consultation on your message
• Supportive listeners—the best way to practice
• A chance to learn from the progress and practice of your group members

The effective, fast, affordable way to take your speaking skills to the next level.

Two ways to do it:

Join a scheduled workshop - limited to 5 participants Click to register

• Friday, January 8, 9:00AM-Noon
• Thursday, January 14, 2-5PM
• Friday, January 22, 9:00-Noon
• $69 fee includes our book "T is for Talk," a follow-up phone session, and special rates for future private coaching.

Schedule a private workshop for your own group of any size, call Maureen at 707.544.7286

Thoughts for the season:

• Use the holidays to re-create. Celebrate what you've accomplished this year, and congratulate those around you for what they've achieved. Choose goals for 2010 that excite and challenge you.
• Resolve to give as much consideration to your personal image as you do to preparing your home for visitors. Dressing well lifts your spirits, shows respect for the people around you, and adds value to the visual environment.*
• Charisma comes from energy. Energy comes from inner aliveness. Inner aliveness grows from a heart full of appreciation and optimism.

-Maureen Merrill

*We recommend CARO's, the new high-quality consignment store in Windsor.