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communication design fun improv storyfinding

Lost Mittens & Lost Opportunities: The 3 Little Kittens of Business Emails

three kittens wearing pink hats and mittens sitting at a computer keyboard, typing badly
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I’m sick and tired of getting emails from what I call the Three Little Kittens.

You know the story of the three little kittens who lost their mittens?

Well, those three little losers are also in too much of a rush to hit “send” on their business emails. As a result, they’re missing three factors that make emails useful:

🐱The first little kitten sent me an email and forgot to do any research on me or my business. They made a clumsy pitch that didn’t align with my needs, wants, or values.

🐈 The second little kitten sent a vague email that didn’t have a clear call to action. I didn’t know what to do when I got this email, so I shrugged and moved on.

😹 And the third little kitten? They completely missed out on editing! The email was a wall of words without white space, bullet points, grammar check, or spell check. I wasn’t about to wind my way through that ball of yarn!

Don’t be a little kitten when you send emails. Be a professional.

Categories
Coaching communication content ideas design fun improv Presentation storyfinding

Five Little Piggies Wrote Business Emails: And So Can You

a black and white cartoon of 5 little pigs in business attire sitting at desks, working on computers
Hey, who's hogging the bandwidth?

The five little piggies were on a mission. They wanted to craft professional business emails that resonated with their recipients! Each piggy took a different approach:

🐷 The first little piggy went to market. It knew its purpose and got straight to the point! Its message was clear and concise. Like five toes, it ticked off five bullet points that led recipients step-by-step through the content.

🐷 The second little piggy stayed home. It wrote a professional out-of-office autoresponder that told recipients when it would respond to their emails, and who to contact in case of emergency. It also provided links to resources for answering common questions.

🐷 The third little piggy ate roast beef. Now that’s a specific personal preference! But was it tenderloin or bottom round? Before writing the email, that little piggy did research to learn more about the recipient’s preferences. Through personalization, they addressed the recipient’s specific needs and concerns.

🐷 The fourth little piggy had none. By the time it got to the fourth pig, it was exhausted. The poor swine’s inbox was swamped. Don’t overwhelm recipients with too many emails, or you’ll teach them to ignore yours!

🐷 The fifth little piggy went wee, wee, wee! A little humor can make your email memorable! Still, it’s a good idea to avoid unnecessary repetition. Make your message clear.

Each little piggy’s email had an outcome. Define your email’s goal—whether it’s generating leads, building relationships, or providing information.

And remember how the little piggies tickled and made you laugh? Inject a touch of warmth and friendliness into your emails.

Who knows? Maybe a playful tone can brighten someone’s day!

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Coaching communication improv PowerPoint Presentation public speaking storyfinding web meetings

How to Cope with Contrarians in Business Meetings

a black and white cartoon of a woman with a flower for a head addressing a diverse group of business people in an urban setting. Flowers are on the tables.
I don't do PowerPoint. I only do PetalPoint!

Mary, Mary. She’s quite contrary.

And we’ve met her in business meetings, haven’t we?

She’s the one who has been voted most likely to say or do something unconventional. She goes against the grain.

So what can we do about Mary?

With her “quite contrary” nature, Mary reminds us that diversity of thought in meetings is invaluable. We actively seek out varying viewpoints. That way, we can get contrasting ideas that lead to remarkable solutions.

In the rhyme’s bells and shells, listen to the symphony of voices in meetings. Encourage active participation, allowing each voice to chime in and enrich the conversation.

Like Mary’s magical garden, meetings can be fertile ground for ideas to bloom. Nurture creativity, diversity, and innovation. Then watch brilliant concepts grow! 🌷

Categories
fun Presentation public speaking storyfinding

Crack the Code: 5 Ways Business Presentations Are Like Humpty Dumpty

A black and white cartoon of humpty dumpty on a wall, talking to knights. There is horse on the wall with him
I'm not an egg. I'm a metaphor.

Once upon a wall, Humpty Dumpty attempted to deliver a business presentation that would leave a lasting impression. As we unravel the tale, we find remarkable parallels between Humpty Dumpty’s fall and our own presentation endeavors.

🥚 Fragile Beginnings! Like Humpty Dumpty’s delicate shell, presentations can make us feel vulnerable. Embrace this vulnerability as an opportunity to strengthen your content and delivery.

🔨 Build a Sturdy Foundation! Humpty Dumpty’s wall couldn’t hold him. Likewise, a weak foundation can topple your presentation. Invest time in research, structure, and ensure your message is solidly anchored.

🙃 Embrace Weirdness! Humpty Dumpty’s odd shape made him stand out. If there’s something unusual about you or your presentation: feature it! Use visuals, stories, and metaphors to make your message unique.

💬 Engage Your Audience! Humpty Dumpty had an audience of onlookers. Connect with yours by asking questions, using anecdotes, or involving them in the conversation. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men have insights!

🔗 Rebuild and Learn! Humpty Dumpty’s fall taught him resilience. Check your speaker evaluations. Embrace your mistakes as learning opportunities. That way, you can refine your approach for future presentations.

Like the fractured tale of Humpty Dumpty, business presentations present a story of vulnerability, balance, learning, and connection. Crack the code, and you won’t leave with egg on your face!

By the way – where in the nursery rhyme does it say Humpty Dumpty was an egg?

Categories
communication fun improv Presentation public speaking storyfinding

Presentation Lessons from the 3 Little Pigs

An architect pig presenting building plans to 3 little pigs, black and white cartoon
I know you're into straw, sticks, & bricks, but hear me out: concrete, steel, & glass.

When it comes to public speaking, are you a straw, stick, or brick presenter?

Once upon a time, there were three little pigs—business presenters on a mission to captivate their audience and secure their success. Each piggy had a different approach, though:

🐷 Pig 1 – the Straw Presenter: The first pig built its presentation hastily, relying on flimsy straw. Similarly, some presenters rush to put together slides without a solid foundation. Result? Their message collapses under scrutiny.

Lesson: Lay a strong groundwork—research, structure, and refine your content.

🐖 Pig 2 – The Stick Presenter: The second pig opted for sticks to build a presentation—sturdier but shaky. Likewise, some presenters focus solely on data and facts without weaving them into a compelling narrative.

Lesson: Infuse your data with stories, creating a memorable and relatable experience.

🐽 Pig 3 – the Brick Presenter: Ah, the wise third pig! Building with bricks, they crafted a robust presentation. These presenters strike the balance—strong content, supported by engaging stories, visuals, and delivery.

Lesson: Invest time in crafting a well-rounded presentation that leaves a lasting impact.

🐺 The Big Bad Wolf: The big bad wolf huffed and puffed, trying to distract the little pigs from their mission. In the same way, some audiences may try to challenge you.

Lesson: Anticipate questions and objections. Be ready to address them confidently and keep your presentation on track.

Your own story begins… Build your business presentation with care and watch it withstand any wolfish challenges!

Categories
communication fun improv public speaking storyfinding

How to Bop with Bangin’ Diction

Two Women Bop at the Bank Window

I strolled into my bank, ready to do some business. Little did I know, my diction was about to create a delightful moment!

As I approached the bank teller, I said:

“Since the Fed raised interest rates again, it would behoove me to open a money market account with a higher interest rate. Hence, I’d appreciate your assistance.”

The teller busted out laughing. She was all, “Behoove! Hence! Haven’t heard them two in a while. I’m surprised you could say ’em without stretchin’!”

So I started using the bank counter as a ballet barre to stretch while discussing interest rates and account options. Madonna played in the background, and we both started bopping while the teller conducted my transactions.

We got into the groove, boy, just her and me.

Though my word choices and head bops brought amusement, it got me thinking about the power of diction in business communication.

And Madonna bops. I also thought about old-timey Madonna bops.

Here’s what I came up with:

Vogue, vogue, vogue! Your diction is your word choice. You can elevate your message and captivate your audience using the right words at the right time. You can convey authority, build rapport, and make an impression. Strike the tone!

Papa Don’t Preach! And while a varied vocabulary is fantastic, consider your audience’s familiarity with certain words. You don’t want to sound too highfalutin when you’re hobnobbing with the hoi polloi.

Ray of Light! Choose words that precisely convey your message and evoke the desired emotions. Simple words can pack a punch, too.

Human Nature! A little humor adds charm and relatability. A well-timed wordplay or witty phrase can create memorable connections.

Express Yourself! Use words that reflect your personality. Be yourself, and your audience will appreciate the authenticity. “Behoove” and “hence” tumbled out of my mouth without forethought, but if they aren’t your bailiwick, it’s not got gonna land well.

Words can shape perception, influence decisions, and even evoke laughter. So, let your diction shine as you craft business communication that informs, inspires, and entertains!

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design fun PowerPoint Presentation public speaking

The Goldilocks Guide to Adding Detail in Your Presentations

a black and white cartoon of Goldilocks presenting to 3 bears on a slide projector
Trust me, this is the best deal you'll ever get. It's not like you have a lot of options in this forest.

Imagine Goldilocks preparing a business presentation. She doesn’t add too much detail. That might overwhelm her audience.

But she doesn’t use too little, either. She doesn’t leave her audience info-starved!

As usual, Goldilocks goes for that elusive “just right” amount of detail. So how does she do it?

✔ Goldilocks captivates with storytelling. She chooses concrete and relatable details that paint captivating mental images. A forest, a house, 3 bowls of porridge, 3 chairs, and 3 beds. Goldilocks also lets you know the sizes of the bowls, chairs, and beds.

✔ Goldilocks lets you in on her emotional state. First, she’s hungry. Then, she’s sleepy. But she doesn’t just say this with words; she describes her ACTIONS. She samples a taste from each bowl. She sits in each chair. She lays down in each bed.

✔ Goldilocks uses her tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language to emphasize the story’s emotional content. When she tells you how her first bowl of porridge was too hot, she makes a face. On her third bowl, she smiles and purrs, “Just right!”

✔ Goldilocks leaves room for engagement. She is all about having an interactive experience! She moves through her space, inviting you to emotionally engage with her actions. When you hear the story of Goldilocks, you relate to her experience.

But Goldilocks didn’t do everything “just right!” — did she? She made one serious misstep along the way….

❌Goldilocks didn’t read the room. She needed to find out where she was and what pitfalls she would likely encounter. The curious girl needed to uncover a few more essential details. A little audience research would have helped Goldilocks nail her ending instead of running screaming from the room!

Using the right amount of detail takes practice. It’s like putting cinnamon on your porridge. You’ll want to add flavor without overpowering your breakfast!

Aim for clarity, intrigue, and a touch of surprise. Your presentations and stories will resonate, leaving your audience well-nourished and eager for more!

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design PowerPoint PowerPoint Presentation Presentation public speaking storyfinding

Ditch Your Slides: Draw on the Power of Whiteboard Talks!

A New Yorker cartoon of a wise woman teacher talking to an excited class of students while drawing complicated and colorful concepts on a whiteboard

I went to a business meeting in a small conference room. The presenter whipped out a PowerPoint deck and started presenting at us.

It was odd. There was a whiteboard right behind him. Instead of presenting at us, we could have enjoyed a convivial and interactive whiteboard chat.

If you automatically think, “I must PowerPoint at people” instead of “I must reach people,” — it’s time to switch the default setting in your brain! Step away from your PowerPoint slides and embrace a blank canvas of possibilities!

Instead of PowerPoint, consider delivering a whiteboard talk (or chalk talk) for your next presentation. Here’s how a whiteboard talk can make a real impact:

1️⃣ Showcase Your Personality: A whiteboard talk allows you to showcase your genuine self. You foster a sense of connection and authenticity by speaking directly to your audience. It’s an opportunity to engage personally, capturing attention and building trust.

2️⃣ Amplify Engagement: Whiteboard talks invite active engagement from your audience. As you draw or write in real-time, it sparks curiosity and encourages participation. The dynamic experience breaks the presenter-audience barrier, fostering meaningful interaction and dialog.

3️⃣ Visual Storytelling: The simplicity of a whiteboard can be a powerful storytelling tool. Use it to visually illustrate your narrative, creating a transparent and memorable journey for your audience. Combining spoken words and visual cues enhances comprehension, making complex ideas more accessible and powerful.

4️⃣ Flexibility and Adaptability: Whiteboard talks provide the flexibility to adapt on the fly. You can adjust the pace, dive deeper into specific topics, and respond to real-time audience questions or insights. This adaptability creates a dynamic and tailored presentation experience that resonates with your listeners.

Presentations are not limited to slides alone. Reimagine the way you captivate your audience!

If it’s been a while since you delivered a chalk talk, it’s time to give it a whirl!

Laura Bergells teaches classes and workshops. Hire Laura.
Or you can take Laura’s communications and public speaking classes at LinkedIn Learning – Free to LinkedIn Premium Members!

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Coaching crisis public speaking

Unlocking the Power of Paralipsis: Say More by Not-Saying It

A teacher shows a class a banana. Black and white cartoon drawing.

Decades ago, my community decided to ban teaching contraception in grade nine sex ed classes.

My sex ed teacher was a pretty crafty guy, though. He used a clever rhetorical device called paralipsis to teach us the necessary material.

Paralipsis allows you to bring attention to something by pretending to ignore or omit it. In the case of my sex ed teacher, he started his class by saying,

“You probably heard this, but a new law says I’m no longer allowed to teach contraception. For example, I can no longer tell you about condoms, the pill, diaphragms, vasectomies, and….”

And then, he would tell us how he couldn’t explain what each was, how they were used, or their effectiveness rates. Naturally, we eagerly took notes on everything he wasn’t saying!

Paralipsis can be an extraordinarily effective technique for gaining and keeping the audience’s attention! Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Creating intrigue and curiosity: Paralipsis piques interest and captivates your audience by hinting at something without directly stating it. It creates an air of mystery and intrigue, making them lean in and actively listen to uncover the implied message.

2️⃣ Addressing sensitive topics: Paralipsis can be valuable when broaching sensitive or controversial subjects. You can acknowledge the issue indirectly, acknowledging its existence and even dare to dive deeper into it. This approach allows you to navigate tricky waters while still recognizing the importance of the subject matter.

3️⃣ Sparking audience engagement: Using paralipsis strategically invites your audience to actively participate in deciphering the hidden message. Your audience is encouraged to fill in the gaps. This fosters engagement and creates a more interactive presentation experience.

Paralipsis is a delicate art. Use it sparingly and purposefully to amplify your message. It’s a powerful way to say more by saying less, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Heck, I remember my teacher’s message, and it’s been DECADES.

———————————

Laura Bergells teaches public speaking and business communication classes and workshops. Hire Laura.

Take Laura’s communications and public speaking classes at LinkedIn Learning.  – Free to LinkedIn Premium Members! 

Categories
Coaching communication improv Presentation public speaking

Yes, You Can Rehearse Spontaneity: The Power of Improv Games

A colorful abstract drawing of the concept of spontaneity
Yes, you can rehearse spontaneity -- and it's fun!

Rehearsing spontaneity might seem like an oxymoron at first glance. But spontaneity is a skill. And like any other skill, it gets better with coaching and practice!

It’s why I often play improv games in public speaking classes, workshops, and consults. They can help us rehearse spontaneity and become more effective communicators!

Here’s how:

  1. Building confidence: Improv games create a supportive environment for us to explore spontaneous communication. Practicing in a low-stakes setting builds confidence in our ability to respond spontaneously without feeling self-conscious or anxious in high-stakes communications.
  2. Developing adaptability: Unexpected situations and questions often arise in business. Improv games teach leaders to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Regularly engaging in these games teaches us to embrace the unknown, think creatively, and respond in the moment.
  3. Improving communication skills: Effective communication is a dynamic & interactive process. Improv games let us practice spontaneous communication by engaging with others in a playful and unscripted manner. We learn to trust our instincts, express ideas clearly, and adapt messages to suit different situations.
  4. Enhancing active listening: Improv games require active listening skills, as participants must pay close attention to their fellow players’ words, gestures, and emotions. By sharpening our listening skills, leaders can better pick up on cues, understand their audience, and respond effectively in real time.
  5. Fostering creativity: Improv games encourage executives to tap into their creativity and generate ideas on the spot. This spontaneity of thought helps them explore new perspectives, generate fresh insights, and deliver innovative messages when speaking publicly.
  6. Managing fear of failure: One of the biggest barriers to spontaneity is the fear of making mistakes or looking foolish. Improv games provide a supportive environment where executives can experiment, take risks, and learn from their experiences without judgment. This helps them overcome the fear of failure as they become more familiar with thinking on their feet.

While rehearsing spontaneity may initially sound paradoxical, the essence lies in developing a set of skills and mindset that enable us to respond naturally and confidently in unpredictable situations. Improv games offer a structured platform to practice these skills, helping us build our spontaneity strengths over time.

By embracing the playful nature of these activities, we can cultivate our ability to adapt, create, and connect with our audiences in an authentic and engaging way.

Get ready to unleash your spontaneous brilliance—your next captivating speech awaits!


Laura Bergells teaches public speaking and business communication classes and workshops. Hire Laura.

Take Laura’s communications and public speaking classes at LinkedIn Learning.  – Free to LinkedIn Premium Members!