For businesses to succeed, English is a must
May 16th, 2012
According to an article entitled A Language Strategy Is A Must for Global Companies, “English is the common tongue of the global economy.”
- Tsedal Neeley, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
The article’s author, Tsedal Neeley, states that in order to remain competitive proficiency in English is not a matter of choice. This is true for multi-national organizations as well as for enterprises that compete in global marketplace.
The article goes on to indicate that proper training is necessary for companies that are considering the implementation of an “Englishnization” strategy.
Click on the following link to read the complete article that was published in the May ’12 edition of the Harvard Business Review:
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Oh, comma now
April 17th, 2012
Who says punctuation is not powerful? This humorous example from www.facebook.com/grammarly will illustrate the point.
An English professor wrote the following sentence on a chalkboard and asked the students to punctuate it correctly:
“A woman without her man is nothing.”
All the males in the class wrote:
“A woman, without her man, is nothing.”
All of the females in the class wrote:
“A woman: without her, man is nothing.”
P. S.-The guys’ version did not require commas after the words woman and man.
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Timeless Inspiration
April 17th, 2012
Recently, I came across a very interesting perspective about effective writing.
In a letter written in 1956 to a young American fan, the children’s literature author, C. S. Lewis, provided several very useful writing guidelines. What is amazing is how over the generations these ideas remain valid and can be added to any business writer’s list of best practices.
Click on the link http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/04/c-s-lewis-on-writing.html to review the gems contained in this brief letter to an aspiring writer.
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Actual feedback from recent Business Presentation Skills Workshops
April 9th, 2012
Here’s what you can expect from CMI -
“Joe was awesome. He showed a way to overcome fears, be confident and deliver effective presentations. I wish I attended this class five years ago.”
“Loved it. Lively!”
“(Joe) Taught! Led by example by practicing what he preached.”
“I will be better able to deliver important material and more likely to get buy-in.”
“This will allow me to be more confident in presenting my ideas and findings to mixed audiences.”
“Made me aware of strengths and weaknesses. Recording the exercises really brought this to life.”
“I do not think the class would have felt the way we did about each other if it wasn’t for such a wonder facilitator like you!! You engaged us to comment (well not engaged but forced us to step out of our comfort zone and feel comfortable to comment on what we were feeling.) Thank you once again for our two day AMAZING training!!”
“Enthusiastic, realistic and truly held our interest–and had our best interest in customizing the course content”
“In the years that I have been at (my organization) this has definitely been the best class ever. You completely engaged us and hooked us to your charismatic personality. I have let my coworkers know that this is a class for everyone since we are all ‘Sales Professionals’.
I hope to meet again in another class.”
“I was able to see what changes I needed to make to give better presentations, especially with the videos.”
“Loved looking at the video of myself and hearing what the other associates had to say”
“Tremendous, since my team delivers presentations often”
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Now hear this…
February 15th, 2012
James Garner, one of my favorite actors, wrote an article, The Key To Life Is Listening. Mr. Garner explained that the most important part of acting is listening and provided some concrete examples of how this skill contributed to his successful career. 
Over the years, I have emphasized the most important skill in presenting information and selling ideas is the ability to listen. Effective presenters have to be good listeners because they help audiences with the job of gathering and responding to information.
Keeping engaged in the conversation and engaging others are critical skills for presenters…and everyone else who is a part of this world.
Click on the link below to read Mr. Garner’s short, but informative piece in the February 2012 issue of Reader’s Digest.
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/all-i-really-need-to-know-i-learned/#slideshow=slide3
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