How speaking Jargon can reduce the impact you have when you speak

I read the following article in the Sunday Times yesterday and had to comment!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6493420.ece

Different groups do have their own jargon; I know that there is syntax and specific words for music; some of which are universally used to describe how to perform a particular piece of music. This vocabulary and the signs are part of the knowledge a young musician learns as part of his or her musical development, so that s/he can interpret music and composers. However, the music profession has been very good, in recent years, to 'demystify' this aspect of music, to ensure it isn't viewed as being 'elitist'.

Likewise the medical profession; which of course requires high levels of knowledge and expertise, has 'jargon' and a language appropriate for it's profession. Visiting the GP as a child was an extraordinary experience with GPs speaking to you as if you were an alien. Times have changed; again, the profession has addressed this issue and GPs and medical students are trained to communicate clearly with patients.

Why then does the Government: and Local Government speak in a more 'jargon filled' way? Speaking to teachers, they feel that they require an interpreter for some of the directives they receive from the Government. Not only does it add additional stress but it devalues their status as professionals and experts at teaching.

Possibly the Government is trying to 'put wool over our eyes' so that we don't fully comprehend what is being said. By making simple issues appear complicated, it adds power to them....

My message to you, readers, is that if you wish to engage with customers, audiences and clients, try to speak their language, or modify your existing jargon, so that they will understand. Certainly at Executive Voice, we have modified complicated technical language, and created easy to understand models and analogies to support clients. Good luck.

For more information contact Executive Voice http//:www.executivevoice.co.uk

The Impact of a new photo on Ecademy

Yesterday I received a couple of messages from contacts on Ecademy. I don't use Ecademy very much; I have a 'quiet presence'. Whilst I was checking my messages I decided to change my photo whilst I was there. Now as you can see, it is hardly "Russian Bride Catalogue"but it has generated a flurry of interest from gentlemen on Ecademy who want to "Get to know me better". I was astonished that the new photo created this rush (at the last count 33 requests after 12 hours).
Given that Ecademy is an online business tool, any visual image is particularly powerful. We have photos on websites and marketing material that create an image of the person and also one makes decisions on this.
I remember when I was offered my first teaching post in Kenya, the (appalling) headmaster admitted that his staff had chosen me because of my photo; they didn't consider my cv or interests.
A good photo can get you an appointment, or be one other method by which people make a decision about your company. It could be you have already contacted them and spoken by telephone - where an opinion has already been made, and a photo could reinforce an opinion.
Of course we are manipulated by digital enhancement, and on one level we know that it is not 'real' (sound samples of music and videos of my musicians are only an indication of the quality of their performance, but clients are able to make a quick decision on whether or not they wish to receive more information), but it is a tool for drawing in potential custom.
It is a challenge to create the right image; perhaps my image isn't right for Ecademy given the response.... but perhaps a combination of different styles of photos; portraits and action shots would be powerful.
Find out more about Executive Voice on http://www.executivevoice.co.uk

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!