Persuasion

We recently wrote about a powerful storytelling technique called Problem⇒Solution. It is a “cause and effect” technique, where you lay out the problem first, quantify the problem, and then share the solution and the benefits of the solution… and you do all of that as part of the OPEN in your presentation, conversation or meeting. […]

I spent a little time this past weekend capturing some thoughts after a heavy stretch of client work and travel. We have been delivering workshops to our clients at a brisk pace, and every once in a while, I like to pause after a big stretch and capture what I am learning. One of the […]

Speaking well can be pretty hard. Speaking in a way that captures attention, and helps you achieve your business goals can be intimidating for lots of people. It is hard, in many ways. But the keys to success can also be pretty simple, if you think about it the correct way. So let me make […]

In our communication skills workshops, there is a theme that always comes up that seems to surprise first-time participants. We talk about many of the most important aspects of great business communication: clarity, brevity, being memorable, setting context, communicating value, staying “on message”… all of the things that are required in the 21st century business […]

The “Information Age” unofficially began in the early 70’s, and with the growth of the internet, the amount of information we gather, process, and share continues to grow exponentially. Until recently, competitive advantage in the workplace has been determined by how well we use and manage all that information. However, at The Latimer Group, we […]

We’ve been writing a lot lately about “the new communication age” and life in a “post-PowerPoint world.” Communication skills have never been more important than they are right now. And one of the best ways to communicate in a powerful way is through the use of story. Story can be used in lots of ways. […]

When you stand up to speak in a professional setting, there are three primary ways you are interacting with your audience: the message you have developed, the slides you have created, and the delivery skills you exhibit. All three matter, because all three impact your audience’s experience. Many people think about their work presentations this […]

(Originally posted on April 9, 2012) I came across something  worth sharing with you, that I think will help you refine your leadership vocabulary. If you want to be a good leader and set a good example for your team, the most important six words you can utter are “I admit I made a mistake.” […]

Originally posted on Sept 3, 2013 Asking people if they “get nervous” when they have to stand up and speak is almost not worth asking. For most of us, the answer is a resounding “yes.” As we all come back from summer holidays and get straight back into the post-Labor Day sprint, many of you […]

In our coaching and training, we end up discussing the interview process all the time. Many of our clients interview regularly for promotions within their company. And almost all of our clients have to conduct interviews with others, for positions they are trying to fill on their own teams. Part of our coaching process is […]