The Secret to Finding Your Executive Voice
Posted On October 6, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
We recently finished an intensive workshop with one of our top clients. The topic was Executive Communication Skills, and the goal was to coach a small group of about 10 rising executive stars in the art of persuasive, executive-level communication skills. We covered a lot of ground over the two days, but one topic worth […]
3 Simple Tips for Speaking to a Global Audience
Posted On September 28, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
In the 21st century business world, very few things are NOT global in some way, and successful professionals and organizations have no choice but to be thinking about how to reach and connect to a global audience. There are a few things we encourage our clients to do when they are speaking/presenting/meeting with a global […]
The Most Important Word to Remember for Great Communication
Posted On September 26, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
My colleagues and I always talk about the five ingredients for great communication. And those five things are as follows: Clarity, brevity, context, impact and value. Now, as you think about the last line I just wrote above, which word do you think is most important? Clarity, brevity, context, impact and value. Which of those […]
Three Levels of Communication Success
Posted On September 14, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
Clear, persuasive communication skills are a source of competitive advantage in the workplace. The people who can get make their point clearly, get to the point quickly, and make a persuasive case will get noticed and be in demand. Period. But not everyone communicates at the same level of skill. Some have natural comfort or skill, […]
Vulnerability and Strong Leadership: The Connection
Posted On August 8, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
I had a great chat this morning with a partner of The Latimer Group’s. She and I discussed a number of components of great leadership in the 21st century, and one of the ideas we kicked around was the concept of leadership “vulnerability.” I was struck by the idea enough to write a quick post […]
The Best Presenters Use PowerPoint Like This…
Posted On July 8, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
Let me know if this sounds familiar… you have a presentation to give. You immediately begin thinking about your slide deck. You pull out the last presentation you gave on the topic, you dust it off and realize that some of the same slides will work. So you are on your way. Then you look […]
3 (First) Steps to Delivering a More Memorable Message
Posted On July 6, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
Do you want to be an effective communicator? Be more memorable? Do you want people to follow your lead, support your idea, or buy your product or service? Of course you do. When I say “be memorable,” I’m not suggesting that you do something outrageous so that they remember that crazy person who did “x.” […]
The Next Step Beyond Clarity and Brevity
Posted On June 22, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
We have shared many past posts here on the need and importance of clarity and brevity in your communications. Clarity and brevity are often the price of admission to be heard in the 21st century — table stakes — the cost to simply be able to play in the big leagues and have people listen […]
What REALLY Matters Most in Business Communication
Posted On June 6, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
I just returned from my 25th college reunion this past weekend, and yes… it was fun and exhausting, and a wonderful walk down memory lane. I spent time with great friends who I see regularly, occasionally and almost never, and all of it was amazing. Every reunion contains countless “so what have you been up […]
Persuasion as Both Art and Science
Posted On May 23, 2016 BY Dean Brenner
Last week, during a series of workshops with one of our best clients, a fascinating topic came up for discussion. As we were reviewing the themes of The Latimer Group’s Model for Persuasion, one of the participants commented that “this seems more art than science.” The conversation paused for a few moments, we all thought […]