“To remember people’s names, create a New Contact—Saving someone’s name shortly after meeting will help you retain it longer. Whether it is on a piece of paper, your cell phone contacts, “friending” him on Facebook, or inviting him to join your LinkedIn network, adding the name to your contacts will make it easy to remember him for a long time into the future.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, introduce a “Just-Met” to someone else—Introduce your newfound acquaintance or friend to someone else. As you share her name with another person, the name will become locked into your memory.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, Pay Attention—Minimize distractions and focus on what they are saying. Making a concerted effort to concentrate will help you improve your memory.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Make a Connection to remember people’s names, —Connect their name or a feature on their face with something you already know. This connection will help anchor their name in your mind for future recall.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, “Write it Down! —Whether you write their name down on the back of a card, a receipt, a handout, or in a notebook, this simple act will help you remember.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To remember people’s names, wash, rinse, repeat—Repeat a person’s name upon introduction, throughout the conversation, and as you bid farewell. Try it both in your mind as well as out loud. Avoid nicknames unless otherwise invited.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The Words You Think
“Your thoughts lay the foundation for your life’s experience. Are you utilizing your thoughts for your highest good or are they harmful to you and others? Are your thoughts building you up or tearing you down? Notice the quality of your words and ask yourself these questions.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Conversation starters. Icebreakers. Openers. However you choose to label them, that moment when the first words come out of your mouth can make or break the outcome of your entire conversation. Been there, done that, right?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Meeting someone for the first time has significance, but for some people, the awkwardness can be so great that they avoid a conversation altogether. The person who may be shy, introverted, or afraid of sounding stupid may just choose to remain silent rather than take the risk of engaging in embarrassing dialogue.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The space between meeting a stranger and making a new friend can be a short distance or a gaping chasm. By understanding how to open a conversation well, you will be better able to bridge the gaps and build rapport more successfully.”
“How do you minimize the awkwardness in that moment? What are some of the conversations starters you've used to open, encourage, and support enjoyable and beneficial conversations?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“10 Conversation Bridge Builders
1. Simply say hello with a smile.
2. Ask them what they love about their work.
3. Ask natural questions out of genuine curiosity.
4. Get a person talking about what’s important to them.
5. Compliment something positive which you’ve noticed.
6. Engage them with questions which are easy to answer.
7. Introduce them to someone whom you think they’ll enjoy meeting.
8. Ask them if they have any trips or vacations planned.
9. Look for something you may have in common so that the conversation begins with shared interests.
10. Think of questions that begin with how, what, when, why and where.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Add a fresh twist of creativity to make a stellar impression which people won’t soon forget. Granted, your venue will determine how far you can stretch and how creative you can be. Making small tweaks to your conversation starters can make a memorable impact!”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“14 Awesome Conversation Starters
1. What do you do for fun? Hobbies, recreation . . .
2. What are your super powers? Gifts, talents, strengths.
3. Good morning! It’s great to see you!
4. What is your story? Tell me about yourself.
5. What brought you to __________?
6. Do you have anything special happening in your life (or your business)?
7. What’s the best thing that’s happened this week?
8. Are you living your life purpose or still searching for it?
9. What gives you passion and makes you happy to be alive?
10. Do you have any pets?
11. How do you know the host?
12. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
13. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
14. What's next on your bucket list?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Being 100 percent in the moment and focusing on the person you’re with is one of the finest compliments you can offer. One of the most respectful and considerate things you can do for another is to truly be with them in the here and now.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Just be Nice. Nice—this little word has a big meaning. Use it generously. Being nice helps people feel emotionally safe, allowing for more authentic, trusting, and happy interactions.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Be Brave. Bravery takes fortitude—put yourself on the line, even if you risk failing, falling, being embarrassed, or looking stupid—if being brave were easy, more people would be. Just try it!”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Take the Initiative. Be proactive. If you want to rock your relationship results, it is going to take action, effort, initiative, and choosing to get in the game—so, step up, step out, and show up!”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“When you begin conversations with confidence and listen attentively, you will become more flexible and adaptable in most any situation.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“When you are "off somewhere else" people notice. Have you found yourself in conversations in which you’re so concerned about what you are going to say next, that you don’t even hear what the other person is saying? Guilty as charged, right?”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“A lack of engagement sends the message that you may not care, are not interested, are too busy, or that the other person does not matter to you. Even though this is rarely your intention, it can happen when you’re not being mindful and deliberate to connect in the moment.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Employee Engagement
“Employee Engagement” has become a very hot topic in recent years. The escalating statistics for disengagement are alarming. In 2015, the Gallup Polls’ “The State of the American Workforce” survey found that only 32.5 percent of the U.S. Workforce is engaged and committed where they work, and 54 percent say they would consider leaving their companies if they could receive a 20 percent raise elsewhere. Disengagement not only lowers performance, morale, and productivity, but it’s costing employers billions of dollars a year. It's a growing problem, which has many companies baffled.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Why is this disengagement epidemic becoming the new norm? A few reasons I have witnessed in speaking with companies across the country include . . .
• Information overload
• Distractions
• Stress/overwhelmed
• Apathy/detachment
• Short attention span
• Fear, worry, anxiety
• Rapidly changing technology
• Entitlement
• Poor leadership
• Preoccupation
• Social media
• Interruptions
• Multitasking
• Budget cuts
• Exhaustion
• Boredom
• Conflict
• Social insecurity
• Lack of longevity
These challenges not only create separation and work dysfunction, but we are seeing it happen in relationships and personal interactions.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“When you are fully present and engaged in your workplace, you will demonstrate that you care about the success of your organization, are a team player, have a can-do attitude, and will go the extra mile to fulfill and exceed expectations.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“These qualities make a great impression on your boss, your teams, and your customers. You will be more respected, noticed, and appreciated in the process.
As your own "CEO of Self," projecting this positive level of engagement furthers your own personal reputation and interests for healthy communication, networking, and positive first impressions. An added bonus is that YOU will receive great benefits from putting forth this type of effort. Whether it be self-esteem, new training, cooperation, experience, or a raise or bonus, the rewards are extensive and many.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“11 Ways to Be More Engaged
1. Care about others.
2. Be 100 percent in the moment.
3. Keep focus on the person you are serving.
4. Try to get involved, engaged, and interactive.
5. Show interest in what matters to other people by listening, acknowledging, and responding.
6. Arrive in the moment anticipating creating a valuable interaction for yourself and others.
7. Move towards the things that inspire you and provide a sense of joy and connection.
8. Reconnect with the essence of yourself and be grounded in that essential relationship.
9. Maintain eye contact and deliver the non-verbal cues that you are fully with the other person.
10. Limit distractions— close the door, silence your phone, hold calls, put tasks aside, etc.
11. Show up to the moment being your best and giving your best.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Manners Matter. Courteous behavior is the hallmark of healthy relations and human interaction. Manners ensure you will be more respected, admired, and appreciated. Thank you!”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Polish the Gold. Be an optimist; look for the best in others, the best in situations, and focus on what is working rather than what is not. It's golden!”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Service Beyond Self. Value others; have a heart of service and generosity. Rise above self-interest. Ask what you can do for others, not what they can do for you.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Mix, Mingle, Glow. Stretch beyond your own comfort zone to speak with, sit with, and start conversations with people whom you do not know. Take the initiative to help other people capture the spotlight and shine.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Since we are all unique and individual, being cognizant of different personality styles will help you better recognize where others are coming from to minimize barriers, build trust, and catapult your newfound communication skills into meaningful connections. The savvy socializer knows this all.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Communicating negatively (gossiping, bragging, bullying, and criticizing) can be disastrous to your reputation, cause you to lose the respect of others, and leave a terrible impression. Why leave this essential expertise up to chance when it can make or break the success of your relations?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The Art of Communication shares insights to help you communicate with a higher awareness and focused intention and meet people on their level to increase clarity and understanding.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Does your tone match your intention? Is your tone of voice confusing or clarifying? Are you coming across to others as you had hoped? Once you begin to notice your tone, you can adjust as needed to make it work in your favor.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Heed Your Speed. Are you a fast or a slow talker? Be mindful towards the person with whom you are speaking to ensure that your message is being comprehended, understood, and absorbed. If they are listening at a slower rate than you are speaking, disconnect can occur.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Align your voice value with the tone, pace, and pitch of your listeners will help you connect on all levels.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Have you ever paid notice to the full sound range of your voice? If you have ever been in a chorus or a singing group, you already know that they will separate the group based on each singer’s pitch and assign their roles accordingly. While my speaking voice has a soprano pitch, my singing voice is a lower alto.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“A high-pitched voice may sound less authoritative, more youthful, and less experienced, whereas, a lower pitched voice may be perceived as being more authoritative, confident, and credible. It is unfortunate that listeners will make assumptions based on these differences before even knowing the depth and value of your message. Play with your ranges and find a comfortably low pitch. Practice it to see if it makes a difference in conveying more authority and brilliance.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“When your speaking style is clear, confident, and concise, your listeners will perceive you as such.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Developing your eloquence and enunciation will reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation and misunderstanding, making your delivery more powerful.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“By speaking in a competent and confident way, your message will sound more relevant and appropriate, reflecting you in a favorable light.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Variety is the Spice of Life. Voices come in all shapes, tones, and sizes. Some are compelling and effective, while others are grating and agitating.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The list below begins to illustrate how different personalities can be assigned to different vocal qualities . . .
• Warm
• Loving
• Breathy
• Gravelly
• Dull
• Nasal
• Rough
• Hoarse
• Gruff
• Melodious
• Whiny
• Sultry
• Twangy
• Energetic
• Shrill”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Neen James (NeenJames.com) is an eloquent and successful international speaker who stands at four-feet-eleven with a rich Australian dialect and a high-pitched voice. For years, fellow speakers with good intentions told her she needed to take voice lessons to lower her pitch to give her more depth for a compelling stage presence. With complete confidence and loyalty to her uniqueness, she ignored the naysayers and her amazing signature voice has become a powerful brand.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Most people are familiar with the rich, resonant tones of James Earl Jones and Morgan Freeman. Their signature voices bring strength, authority, and lyrical enjoyment. Are there aspects of your voice that you can capitalize on to make a great impression and be simply unforgettable?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Think of the times that others remembered your name and used it kindly. How did it make you feel? When you use someone’s name it makes him or her feel recognized, appreciated, and special.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“A Sign of Respect. As our world grows more casual, we observe a tendency for everyone to use first names rather than surnames. “It is a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Young,” has a completely different connotation than “Nice to meet you, Susan.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“What determines whether the usage is acceptable or inappropriate? If you want to make a great first impression with positive impact, it is essential that you know there is a difference.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Using titles such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., etc. demonstrates respect. In previous generations, it was a social necessity and simply good manners. One would consider you rude and uncultured if you were so presumptuous as to go straight to a “first name basis.” First names can imply an intimacy that does not exist and it may offend a new person until they know you better. Be wary of making assumptions.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“I was raised in an era when part of respecting your elders was to call them by Mr. or Mrs. When my children were growing up, an occasional child would call me Susan. It was jarring, felt disrespectful, and I did not like it. We reached a mutual agreement and their friends began calling me Ms. Susan. Perhaps this is more prevalent in the South, however, your awareness and consideration can help prevent social missteps.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact