How to Develop & Deliver an Effective Pitch (with Slides)
Recently I gave a short seminar at TechSoup, located in the CSI (Centre for Social Innovation) building here in Toronto. TechSoup had asked me to speak about developing and delivering an effective pitch, with a slide deck. Their target audience is non-profits who want or need to build their technical skills to help improve efficiencies […]
The Art of Small Talk and Deeper Conversation
My friend and fellow Communication Expert Mark Bowden was recently on the TV show The Social, and revealed some great verbal and non-verbal communication tips for us to use or avoid when in conversation. Many people have a difficult time with the art of small talk, not only with getting the conversation started, but with […]
Negotiations Are Easier With the ‘3 Ls’ Technique
On April 30th 2015 an organization I am proudly a part of, YEDI – York Entrepreneurship Development Institute, held its inaugural alumni meeting at York University (Toronto, Ontario). As a Program Advisor and Business Communications Specialist I was asked to partake in the Panel Discussion along with the other YEDI Program Advisors to share insights […]
Books I Read and Recommend for Improving Communications
I love to share information and recommend resources to my friends and clients, and love hearing about books and authors that have made a difference in their life too. Like many I have an Amazon page that lists the books I use in my coaching and training to help clients and teams improve their skills. […]
The Old Bait and Switch? – Not the Best Idea for Good Customer Service
My wife and I went to a restaurant recently and experienced something that I think is all too common, at least in Toronto. If you are not familiar with the expression from the title, a ‘bait and switch’ is when you hook someone’s interest with something that is very enticing, and then switch it to […]
Tips to Help You Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day
For those that may be new to the countries where this holiday is celebrated, or for those who would like to know a bit more about the beginnings of this day, please read on. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th in many countries, especially Ireland, England, Canada and the USA. It is a […]
Repeat Favourite Phrases to Improve Conversation
One of the things to remember when you are looking to improve conversation skills, especially if you are using English as a second language and you really want to speak English better, is that English is just one part of language, and language is just one part of communication. A quick way to build rapport […]
Key Interpersonal Skills Help When Travelling Abroad
Here’s a story from my business trip in 2008 to Moscow, Russia, where I trained managers at an oil services company in Western business communication and English language skills. The story does not take place in the office, but rather during my free time. I coach and train relationship building techniques, like the art of […]
Confidence Booster Exercise
Some experts say a great way to boost your confidence is to keep a confidence diary for a month. It is a smart tool to remind yourself just how good you really are and what you have to be thankful for, and pleased about in your life right now. By writing (or typing) answers to […]
Successful Networking Top 10 Tips
To be successful at networking first of all you cannot allow yourself to be a wallflower. Here are my personal tips for success at a networking function so that you can be prepared (which will help combat any anxiety you may have about going and meeting strangers) and come off looking and sounding smooth and […]