Connecting with Strangers

Are you uncomfortable meeting strangers? If so, you have plenty of company!
If you go to a meeting, party, convention, new house of worship, or other event where you need to make connections, try some of these tips from my e-book, Small Talk:Connecting with Others
(www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com). First, look approachable. Be well-groomed, smile and show good posture. Look around for others who are alone and seeking someone with whom to talk. Make eye contact and smile. If the other person does the same, go over to him or her. When you get there, use the tips in Small Talk: Connecting with Others to start a conversation!

Is decision-making difficult for you?

Many managers and executives struggle with making good decisions. They often are concerned they have not considered all the angles. Here is a simple decision-making model for important decisions.

Consider PANOAPT: Positives And Negatives, Other options, Additional information needed, People/processes affected by the decision, Time-line for action.

If you are a CEO, manager or executive, what do you think of this model as it relates to your work or industry?

Business Speech Improvement (www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com) offers individual and group training in Executive Communication Skills, as well as many other verbal communication skills.

New to the USA?

Whether you are coming to the USA as a visitor, an immigrant, a student, a professional or on a special visa, American customs may be different than you expect. Coming to the USA: American Cultural Differences, http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/e_books. pl is a down-loadable e-book. It covers differences in time, writing dates, temperature, greetings, American workplace culture, and many more categories.

Visit http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/e_books.pl to buy this invaluable
e-book today!

What can you say on that first date?

It's almost time for all those Valentine's Day events, where many people mingle and look for that special someone. Or maybe you've already met someone and have invited him or her on a first date. What do you talk about with a stranger?

Small Talk: Connecting with Others (http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/e_books.pl) is an e-book with some answers! Learn about questions that are perfect for a new date. (For that matter, they are also great for going to any kind of social or business event.) This down-loadable e-book has great questions to get you talking!

Taking responsibility for a strong relationship

Are you taking responsibility for your part of a relationship, especially a new one?
If this relationship is important to you and worth continuing, are you both receiving and giving to it?

New relationships often fail because one person is having to do all the work. If the two are IMing or talking, one person is asking all the questions, while the other person is answering but not asking any questions. Other times, one person is making all the calls or arrangements for getting together.

Think of your relationships. If they are important to you, are you doing your share - but not all - the work?