I want to tell you a story about the importance of connecting as humans at the start of a meeting.

In May of 2022 our executive team gathered to talk about budgets. I was so deep in task mode when the meeting started, that I dove immediately into the topics at hand.

As more Fortune 500 companies issue sweeping edicts making a return to the office mandatory, I confess, I’m surprised—and disappointed. 

What is it that makes us decide it’s time to rethink our professional or personal goals? An unsatisfying job? A career that no longer feels “right”? A nagging sense that we’d like to contribute more to solving community—even global—issues?

The world is changing, and so are stakeholders’ expectations for communication from the C-suite. Today, employees, customers, and partners demand a new level of authenticity, transparency, and engagement from business leaders.

“The real power comes from a position of pride ... in who you are.  When you have that, you become more effective in job interviews, showing up at meetings, and speaking up.” 

 — on embracing your introversion, by Susan Cain, author of "QUIET: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking"

 

“Focus more on learning than on succeeding. Instead of pretending that you understand something when you don’t, just raise your hand and ask a question.”  Michelle Obama

 

Many of us shy away from asking questions, despite how invaluable they can be in clarifying and creating understanding.

We worry that we’ll ask the wrong question and be perceived as incompetent. Or we believe we already know the answer—whether it is right or wrong.

We've all been there: wanting to ask a question but are hesitant because we don't want to appear as if we don't understand. But that's why you should ask. If you have a question, more than likely, someone else has the same one.

"What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say." —Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you’re preparing to make a presentation or give a talk, it’s likely you do what most people do: focus solely on your content. While what you have to say is definitely key, how you say it—through nonverbal “language”—is a lot more important than you might think.

As a matter of fact, there’s a lot of research out there that says anywhere from 50 to 90% of the impact you have on people is a result of nonverbal communication. Your posture, gestures, facial expressions, and the tone and cadence of your voice, play a huge role not only in getting your message across to an audience, but also, in engaging them, building trust, and increasing your credibility.

So, what can you do to bring your nonverbal delivery to the next level? 

If there’s one thing the past two pandemic years have taught us, it’s to be grateful for what we have.  Never to take our lives, our relationships, our life’s work, or our good fortune for granted.

Speaking of good fortune (and yes, a lot of creative, committed, heartfelt work), I’m beyond thrilled to share our latest news: PowerSpeaking, Inc. made the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s 2021 “100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies” list, ranking at number 38! The recognition was given to private companies that met or exceeded a certain earnings level for the years 2018 through 2020.

We couldn’t be more proud—and grateful. 

“According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” Jerry Seinfeld

 

We hear you, Jerry. While most of the people we've trained in public speaking over the years wouldn't opt for death over the stage, "stagefright" is common. We often see the signs: trembling, shaky voice, nervous pacing, and sometimes, freezing into a stony silence from fear.