FYI – In Japan

Do you know this shorthand? FYI? It means “For Your Information.” It’s a great way to save time and space in text mail and email. We even can use it in actual speech! E.g. “John, I’ll see you at 6pm for dinner, and FYI, it’s your turn to pick up the tab!”  (Pay the bill). […]

Simplify Your English ok?

Today’s mini-lesson is simple. Be simpler. Is simple a bad thing? No. (See? A simple answer!) As a communication and career coach I have seen resumes and cover letters that are too ‘wordy’ and absolutely unclear. This little advice is not just for resumes and CVs, it is also for presentations, speeches, meetings, etc. or […]

The Rule of 75%

I had a fantastic time training the wonderful, energetic group of participants over the last weekend, at our 3V communication course. The first day focused on interpersonal skills and the second more on professional skills and public speaking. Anyway, unfortunately due to my over-zealousness to try to give the group all of my best information, […]

Talk to Trusted Friends and Mentors

As a Communication Coach I get the opportunity to meet and work with people from all walks of life. Sometimes what they are lacking, in addition to “ideal” interpersonal or professional communication skills, is a person or two in their life who they can ‘bounce things off of’, before they go ahead and make a […]

Confident Verbal Communications

Here is a sample of what was taught at a previous public 3V communication skills workshop to help our participants communicate their confidence: Even though only 7% of our communication is verbal, which is our word choice, phrases and expressions used etc. we still need to acknowledge the impact of what we say on others. […]

“What is NLP and how can I use it to improve my communications?”

This was a valid question given to me recently by one of my coachees. At first NLP can seem (and sound) daunting and scientifically complicated, but I can help you simplify it and use it everyday. First of all, NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. If you are thinking “brain-language training” you are correct. NLP assists […]

Are You on a Confidence Tightrope?

Do you know how confident you should act in your presentations? Robert Herjavec (one of the angel investors from the TV show “Dragons’ Den” and “Shark Tank”) was recently asked this question: “What’s the most common fundraising flaw you see in entrepreneurs?” His answer: “Overconfidence, bordering on arrogance. Or lack of confidence, bordering on insecurity.” […]

Are You Afraid of Phoning?

Have you ever had the chance to call someone, but you didn’t? Maybe you sent an email instead, or maybe you said to yourself “Oh, I don’t need to call, he/she knows what I am thinking.” It is strange but true, many people, not just ESL students and immigrants, have a fear of phoning (in […]

Is a Fear of Phoning Killing Relationships?

A couple weekends ago I was involved in a training course in downtown Toronto and had to be at a particular hotel for the event both Saturday and Sunday slightly before 9am. Saturday morning I left my home late and decided to take a taxi, to ensure I was not late for the event (first […]

Identify Yourself Sooner Than Later

I recently received a phone call from a nice man looking at maybe doing a joint-venture and/or sharing space for workshops and seminars. Although it was a pleasant-enough conversation I would like to remind him and everyone else out there that you must identify yourself at the beginning of your phone call! He confirmed who […]