AWFUL or EXCELLENT Cover Letter?
The decision has been made – time for a new job! The résumé has been spiffed up, and you have found the perfect new position for you. Now it is time for the cover letter. This is your chance to speak in your voice and tell this company why they want to hire you. The question […]
Happy New Year from the People at Improving Communications
Well lookie here… the Earth has revolved around the Sun once again! Three hundred sixty-five days have elapsed (or as the cast in the musical Rent would sing, “525,600 Minutes”). A year is a good marker for progress made. Once it’s completed, it all starts again. Happy New Year. Two thousand seventeen has been Improving Communications’ best year yet. We owe […]
Listening: One Cohesive Unit (Rod Morgenstein)
NOTE: As you read, apply Rod Morgenstein’s message of listening to your profession by substituting the discussion of “music” with “work,” and terms related to “musician” with “colleague.” Listening is the practice of being in the moment, in touch with my surroundings, and fully aware that I am part of a creative process that involves […]
Majuscules and Minuscules – The Art of Using Capital Letters
Using capital letters properly is a sign of respect for your audience and subject. By not using, or misusing capital letters, your readers may think that you don’t know what’s correct (or even worse, don’t care). It may send a message to others that makes you look thoughtless. None of us would want that. If […]
You Don’t Say (an Oldie, but Goodie)
Usually the Improving Communications emails and posts focus on what you CAN DO to improve your writing or your speaking. But today we are going to focus on what NOT TO DO. But do you know the things that should be on the You Don’t Say list? When my daughter came home from her first day […]
The Best Books to Read When Preparing a Presentation
Preparing a presentation can involve a lot of solo work time. There are hours spent planning out the structure on paper, as well as moments spent practicing to an empty room. During preparation time, it’s common to ask for help. That is often done by practicing in front of colleges or friends for a round […]
Beyond Writing and Speaking is Body Language
Communication is not always verbal. Although unconscious, the audience pays attention to body language. Speaker body language must tell the audience that s/he respects their personal space and is not negative, intrusive, or hostile. Body language (the physical elements of communication) includes: eye contact, facial expressions, posture, and gestures / movement. EYE CONTACT A United States audience translates […]
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Make It Happen – Erin Bagwell
It’s impressive when you encounter someone who turns dreams into reality. This week, we shine the spotlight on someone whose mind was sparked with an idea that was brought to fruition last year. Filmmaker Erin Bagwell did just that, and she’s got an inspirational story. After having founded a storytelling blog called Feminist Wednesday, she […]
ME First! ME First!
Me first? A service professional has to care about the experience of the customer and work at enhancing it.