Shh! Quiet Down Before You Speak Up

Shh! Quiet Down Before You Speak Up

Have you ever noticed how quiet it is after a snowfall? I’d always assumed it was because the buzz of activities comes to a halt. But I recently read that there’s more to it: a few inches of freshly fallen snow actually absorb sound. Nature’s acoustics!

I’ve been going out West snowmobiling for years. It is a time for me to unwind and experience the beauty of snow-capped mountains and endless fresh powder on trails. One of my favorite things to do after riding a loud sled is to turn it off and soak up the silence of nature.

Silence is so powerful in nature and in public speaking.

As we kick off a new year, remember that you can’t be an effective public speaker if you don’t understand the power of silence—a well-timed pause, the proper pace and the space around your message. Good speaking depends upon good listening. The best speakers allow for the quiet to listen really well. They hear important feedback and take it into account.

I hope you can enjoy all that the season of winter provides.

Six Ways to Convey Stable Leadership

The stock market has been volatile in the early days of 2023. Sometimes you can trace a company’s performance to its CEO’s performance. Have they been making headlines? Erratic behavior from the top executive can slash a company’s value in half.

Stability is a crucial but underrated characteristic of good leaders. We tend to focus on charisma, vision and intellect. But being stable—day after day, week after week—ensures a company’s lasting success.

Here are six ways to convey stability as a leader:

1. Communicate regularly. Your team should hear from you on a regular basis.
2. Be consistent. Do what you say you’re going to do. End a meeting early when you promise to at the start. Host a coffee meet-up on the first of each month. Become predictable.
3. Highlight your leadership team. Salute your board members and leadership team. Demonstrate that you regularly seek their counsel—you’re not flying solo.
4. Express a single-minded passion. There’s being well-rounded and then there’s being spread too thin. Reassure your customers of your laser focus—that this field is your passion, and that you’ve always got your eye on the prize.
5. Follow up. Check-in on a project. Follow up on a concern. Show that the issue is still on your mind.
6. Rest. Stable leaders are well-rested. They know when to turn off work. They are grounded, healthy individuals.

Recommended Reading

Here’s a brand-new release to energize the new year! In “The Fun Habit,” Mike Rucker reminds readers that fun is an action you can take in the here and now—it’s not an elusive goal or the luxury of the less busy. This book will inspire you to build fun into each day—including the workday. It’s easier than you think, and it’ll boost productivity while fostering bonding among coworkers.

Learn More Here >

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2023 Public Schedule

IN-PERSON

Leadership Presentation & Image Skills 

April 18 & 19 – Cedar Rapids

June 7 & 8 – Des Moines

August 16 & 17 – Des Moines

October 10 & 11 – Des Moines

November 28 & 29 – Des Moines

VIRTUAL

Virtual Communication Solutions

May 15–18

October 23–26