All talk and no action

I know this is quite late on but I was particularly impressed with Diversity from 'Britain's Got Talent'. Not only because they were a phenomenally talented troupe of young men, but that they had been so focused and worked so hard for their success.
Talent shows - particularly televised ones, are littered with Scouse type wannabees who with no obvious talent say "It's my dream"... "I won'it so bad"... as though there is some given right to having this "dream" fulfilled.
I cheered at the TV when the choreographer of Diversity said "This is our dream" - and then Simon Cowell said "But you have worked so hard for this and you deserve to have your dream realised". Hooray!
Unfortunately talent shows give the impression that individuals can be an overnight success; it takes a great deal of hard work to be an overnight success! Remember those people at school that swore blind that they didn't do any work - yet in hindsight it is obvious they worked extremely hard.
You can 'talk' all you like, but you have to put in the work too; words alone aren't sufficient.

There's nothing like positive feedback from a client

I wanted to share with you an email I received from one of my private clients. The client was the Director of an SME with 90 employees. She is now retired and doing fantastic work as a trustee of two charities. Within this role, she is expected to do more media work: hence my involvement. I received this from her today.

"12 May 2009

Hallo Susan

Just had to write and let you know that I've done, not one, but TWO
telephone interviews; one being live! And I survived! Both came out
of the blue.

Yesterday just about an hour before the programme I was invited to
take part as a guest on Three Counties JVS Show as he was talking
about public toilets. I was the first speaker. Preparation time was
VERY limited because I had to pick my car up from the garage prior to
going on air. Nevertheless I made some notes. However being live I
was dependent on the presenter and he wasn't exactly the sympathetic
type, but I did it and even though it was only for a couple of [very
long] minutes I felt I'd done my best [although there were things I
wished I'd said, but I suppose everyone feels that] - especially when
a subsequent called agreed with what I'd said. Adam [my son]
listened to it today and said he was impressed and he must contact
you so that he can sound as confident as I sounded - wasn't that
sweet? It didn't sound like me though.

The second telephone interview was for the NHS Direct new carers
website. I had had time to plan and the researcher had primed me on
the questions she would like answered. She let me talk my way
through my notes, only interjecting on occasion and I felt that I'd
got my points across. It lasted 27 minutes and she said that she had
'more than enough material'!! I'm doing a video for them next week,
but am not sure what to expect from that; probably more of the same.

Thank you so much for giving me the courage to say 'yes'. I enjoyed
being asked but even when it came to the real thing I surprised
myself in being able to take time to think even though I'd had
limited preparation time - I just took things a little slower than I
used to - and did my breathing beforehand.

Warm wishes - and thanks again"

There is nothing like receiving such a wonderful email from a client and to see how one's training has made a huge impact!

Self Confidence disappears rapidly

This week I was at my book group. We've been going for 6 years now, and until recently, there was always a baby asleep in a carrycot in the corner. As a group of mothers: more recently parents as we have one father, we've been through the highs and lows of parenthood with young children. Our discussions always include support for each other as well as discussing the book!
Recently one mother: a fiercely intelligent Dr of Science lost her job. She is an eternal optimist and felt this was an opportunity to spend more time with her 4 children. She was chatting to another mother, who has been a full time mother since her child was born. Prior to that she was a very successful Human Rights Lawyer.
The conversation turned to discussing work, and both admitted that they'd lost their confidence. The mother of 4 said "The confidence disappears so quickly. I'm just so frightened about looking for a job - and don't believe I'll ever find one". The other mother said that she felt she was completely detached from her career and didn't have the confidence to pursue a job.
Self esteem is knocked when you are made redundant. It is also knocked when you have a career break. When you decide to look for work, it is even more challenging presenting yourself in a positive way due to your lack of confidence.
Our Training course "Vocal, Visual & VITAL" focuses on all aspects of interview skills, including creating a positive mind set and creating the appearance that you are confident.
For more details of the course go to: http://www.executivevoice.co.uk/vvv.html

The 'Accidental' Self Employed and Interview Techniques

This morning I read the article below in the Daily Telegraph.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/5249429/Jobless-in-Henley-Whats-in-it-for-the-accidental-self-employed.html


Being unemployed is tough: really tough. If you have had a professional career and suddenly find yourself made redundant or 'accidentally self employed' it has an effect on your self esteem and ultimately your performance when you are being interviewed for another position.

Executive Voice with two other outstanding trainers, have devised a two 1/2 day workshop called 'VOCAL, VISUAL& VITAL' focusing on all aspects of searching for a job, preparing, creating a positive mind set, body language, using your voice to make an impact in the interview room, negotiating terms..... and more. Unlike other interview skills workshops, we are working with the 'whole' person to identify weaknesses and provide tools to perform well at all stages of the job search and interview process.

For more details go to: http://www.executivevoice.co.uk/vvv.html

Copying is the finest form of flattery

I was very flattered to find that there is a Communications style blog (or blodger) copying my posts - but changing a couple of words. Yes: what I say is relevant, of value and good. It's great that other people think so too.

But Guys - I know you give 'Executive Voice' a mention. I'd be even happier if you put a link to my website!! http://www.executivevoice.co.uk

Cheers!

Children are being taught to 'speak better'

In the news yesterday was an article about school children learning to speak properly. As usual there were plenty of postings on the Telegraph - and particularly the Daily Mail websites, criticising parents, the Government and teachers. One post actually said that 'Most teachers were illiterate' (could I see the figures to prove this statement...)
There is a need to address the problem of children's lack of positive communication skills - and also that of society as a whole. One could argue that this ought to be the parents' responsibility, but since this is such a problem, they are clearly not doing this, so there needs to be a strategy for improving these skills.
By poor speech, I DO NOT mean regional accents - or indeed certain Public School accents that are incomprehensible, but speaking where grammatically the language is WRONG, and also the use of slang and phrases like "Oh - My - God" - which personally I find offensive and sloppy. There is a way to speak and communicate with your friends and peers: another when you are at work.

To me there are a couple of crucial points about current communication styles. One is that there are many more people who are 'voices' in the media, who have poor communication skills: in particular grammar and pronunciation. Celebrities, footballers etc. This gives the appearance of 'being the norm', when in fact they are dreadful. These people are role models for a lot of children and of course they mimic and believe this is totally acceptable. Not only are their speaking styles sloppy, but they use poor English.
Also, it is important for young people - everyone infact, to be able to recognise what type of speech is appropriate for different situations. I delivered some training to a company where the lovely employees were 'over friendly' and 'familiar' with their use of speech with clients. Clients were being put off by this. When the employees realised that there is an appropriate language style for clients and a different one for friends, the communication effectiveness in the office increased.
Rather like we wear work and 'home' clothes, we should adopt 'work' and 'home' speech.
Here is the article>
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/primaryeducation/5227625/Children-to-be-taught-how-to-speak-properly.html

Read more from Executive Voice http://www.executivevoice.co.uk

Preparation includes remembering your trousers

Over the weekend I am sure you read the faut pas the great International Opera Singer, Bryn Terfel did which created some 'titters' in the press. I have put a link through to the article below.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/5140272/Bryn-Terfels-night-at-the-opera-with-no-trousers.html

Bryn Terfel has been performing at an international level for over 15 years. He is highly respected, is a great colleague and a number of my ex-colleagues either know him or have worked with him, and do not have a negative word to say about him. He is a great singer, colleague and friend.

BUT, I was just rather surprised that he arrived at the venue of the concert quite late - there was no opportunity to go back to the hotel to collect his trousers, or to instruct either an assistant to do so. Presumably he had a run through in the afternoon, to check the balances, the venue etc. Normally artistes take their clothes at that point - to prevent any such error. They can go back to the hotel between the rehearsal and performance to collect anything they've forgotten. As a student I worked backstage at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, looking after the International Artistes such as Jose Carreras, Jesse Norman, Monserrat Caballe etc. This is what they did. They also had assistants who were available to go back to the hotel. Clothing was always put into their dressing room at the rehearsal time!

So what can we learn from this to prevent a "Bryn" occurring. Well, I don't want to preach: I do mention this to my clients regularly but...

• Arrive early. If there are problems such as something forgotten, there will be time to go back and get it.
• Have a checklist of what you need to take. Include everything from business cards to what you will wear. Check the checklist as you pack.
• Don't be tempted to skip the 'rehearsal time' at the venue. Not only does this provide valuable experience of learning the venue's characteristics, it could also alert you to anything you've forgotten.
• It is easy to blame your assistant for not packing something. In the theatre world, the buck stops at you - so check yourself!

Good luck. More information on our services is at http://www.executivevoice.co.uk