Archives for the 'Communication' Category
Exercises to Improve the Quality of Your Voice [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in Communication
There’s something about listening to James Earl Jones speak. His voice is so deep and rich even something as simple as counting to ten sounds profound.
Developing vocal intonation and diction can be a life-long task. However, you can improve the quality of your speaking voice in a short time, with a few simple [...]
Productivity Link Round-up [Productivity in Context]
Today I have a handful of links for you. Some of my colleagues in the blogosphere have some really good posts that contain tips and pointers that you can apply right away to make your day more productive.
Dave Navarro, who writes at Rock Your Day has a list of reasons to get up earlier and [...]
8 Tips for Using a Microphone When Speaking [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in Communication
A microphone is one of the basic tools of public speaking. Most people treat it like it’s some form of weird alien technology designed to make communicating a more difficult ordeal than it already is. Here are a few simple tips to help you use a mic to full advantage.
Before your presentation, take [...]
The Number One Question about Getting Started with Blogging [Productivity in Context]
SpaceAgeSage has a guest-post at Liz Strauss’ Successful Blog about finding ways of reaching customers that do not blog, or perhaps do not read blogs. I have been thinking about those of you in my own community of readers that are not bloggers…
In Search of the Elusive Non-blogging Customer
Liz is on a quest to bring [...]
How to Leave a Good Out-of-Office Message [Ian's Messy Desk]
Here on the northern side of the globe, we’re heading into summer. Vacation schedules are set and people will be taking time to relax and revitalize.
While you’re away from the office or regular place of contact, you want to leave an out-of-message on your phone or e-mail so you don’t come back to a packed [...]
4 Tips for Improving Interpersonal Communication [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in Communication
Communication skills are among the most important skills in business. They are equally essential for success in our personal lives. Without communication we are unable to let others know what we think, feel, or want to accomplish. We are unable to build partnerships, motivate others, or resolve conflict.
As we rise higher in an [...]
Avoid Common Homonym Errors [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in Communication
Nothing obscures the message in a written piece as much as grammatical errors. Here are some homonyms—pairs of words with the same pronunciation but different meanings—that are often misused in writing.
Affect, Effect
Affect is a verb meaning to influence.
“Cold weather can affect the health of elderly people.â€
Effect is most often used as a noun, [...]
10 Tips for Being a Good Neighbour at Work [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in Communication
If you work at a standard full-time job, you spend at least 35% of your waking hours on the job. That’s a lot of time relating to your co-workers. It’s no wonder workplace conflicts arise.
Just like getting along with the guy who lives next door, you need to make an effort to be [...]
4 Ideas for Writing a Grief Journal [Ian's Messy Desk]
I read the C.S. Lewis book, A Grief Observed (aff) many years ago. I remember wondering how one could write through their grief. It seemed such a foreign concept to me.
I have been fortunate to have suffered little loss thus far in my life. However, I have come to understand how verbalizing grief can help [...]
10 Tips for Giving Effective Instructions [Ian's Messy Desk]
Posted in Communication
Somewhere along the line, you are going to have to tell another person how to perform a task. Whether teaching your kids how to use the dishwasher or training new staff at work, your ability to give good instructions will affect the speed at which they learn.
Explain things properly and you only have [...]