How to persuade, with one simple word

I recently received a long set of instructions to submit an item to a company. The instructions did not make much sense to me, as a consumer. Researchers know that one way to persuade people is to tell them a reason for taking a specific action. "You need to do this because _____" has been shown to increase people's willingness to take action. The reason chosen must be important to the specific listener. The next time you need to persuade someone, give a reason that will be meaningful to that person. For example, a young mother might welcome increased convenience, a teen might prefer decreased parental supervision, and a boss might be delighted by lower costs and higher output. "Because" is such a simple word, but it can have a powerful impact! Try using it...because it makes a real difference. Business Speech Improvement provides intensive coaching and concise e-books on many aspects of verbal communication.

A secret of extemporaneous speaking

According to one survey, more Americans fear public speaking than dying. Probably a major aspect of this fear is extemporaneous speaking, when one is asked to "just say a few words" without preparation. Accomplished speakers know many techniques to help them. One such method is to develop a framework for what could be said in many such situation. For example, use a chronological framework. What happened first, second, etc until today? What do you envision happening next, and the impact this will have? Let's assume you are asked to speak about the opening of a building or program. In just a few sentences, explain the origin of the project, some highlights (maybe dramatic ones) of the intervening time, and describe briefly where you are today. Talk about your vision of the future of this project or event, and end by enthusiastically thanking the many contributors (by name, if possible). Again, remember to be concise. As an unknown sage phrased it, "Be brief, be brilliant - and be seated!" More such techniques are in a short e-book, Public Speaking: You Can Do It!

Hate talking to strangers at a social event?

Do you hate making conversations with strangers, from blind dates to people at conventions or other gatherings? Learn the "unspoken rules" to make it easier! One rule is to plan 3 questions, in advance, to ask people. Consider what you have in common with them, such as being at the same event or in the same industry, and base your questions off that. For example, "How do you know our mutual friend Bob?" or "What did you think of that speaker?"

For tips on how to choose someone to speak with, start and maintain a conversation, and end one gracefully, read the e-book "Small Talk: Connecting with Others" at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks
Practical tips , for "help in a hurry" ©!

"Just say a few words..."

There are no words like "just say a few words" to strike panic into the heart of many business people. Many regard making a business speech as a very scary activity, because people can look foolish in front of their peers.

Like other skills, there are a few secrets to doing this well. First, whenever you think there is the slightest possibility that you may be called on to give an impromptu presentation, prepare a few sentences in advance, and practice them a lot. If you are called on to speak, only you will know this is not really impromptu. Second, prepare a few frameworks for what you will say in case you really do have to make an impromptu speech. Using these general frameworks, or plans, you can make speeches with greater comfort. Practice sample frameworks on general topics before you need to use them in public under pressure.

Examples of frameworks and other practical strategies are in the e-book, Public Speaking:You Can Do It! found at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks .