doing well in college

Many high school seniors at this time of year have received acceptance letters, and some know where they plan to go. Their parents, however, are looking further ahead. "Will my child know enough about general life skills to do well in college?" is what concerns them. The Portable Parent
(www.portableparent.com) is a unique e-book that provides parents a way to add their own unique wisdom to a pre-written text about more than 20 topics relevant to new college students.
Students upload the book and can access it when they are ready for the information - even if it's 2 AM. "Instant info, with a parent's insight, 24/7".

How's your "hello"?

When you answer the telephone at work with a simple "hello", what information about your emotional status are you inadvertently giving your caller? If the caller listens carefully, does he hear a brusqueness, a cheeriness, exhaustion, boredom, or some other emotion? When you call others, do you listen specifically for this information? If so, it can help you determine what to say next.

Sales and executive communication skills are addressed in both small group classes and individual speech coaching provided by Business Speech Improvement. You'll learn how to present a more professional front, as well as how to modify a sales presentation based on the other person' greeting. For more details on classes, visit http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?Classes

"CPR Speech"

Clients call Business Speech Improvement with some interestingly-worded requests. A few years ago, a supervisor called to ask if we would teach his employee "CPR Speech". Puzzled, I asked him to give me more information. He said he wanted his employee to learn to speak concisely, precisely and with relevance.

If you or an employee have trouble with this verbal communication skill, Individual Speech Coaching is available on request. The topic will also be covered in the Executive Communication Training open enrollment course offered by Business Speech Improvement. For a list of available courses, visit http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?Classes .

Are foreign-born professionals in the USA offended if their employer offers to send them to an accent modification course?

As a specialist in foreign accent modification, my clients tell me that they are very glad their companies send them to my accent modification seminars. "I want to learn to speak right," said one learner. Another client reported, "My patients understand me the first time I speak, after this course."

Many human resources, training and management professionals in the USA, though, are hesitant to mention the need for accent modification training. They tell me, "I don't want to offend my employee by saying he needs this course."

If you are a foreign-born professional in the USA or an HR/training/management professional, how do you feel about being offered such training? Do you think companies should or should not encourage those employees who are hard to understand, to take this training?

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive seminars on Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals. For more information, visit www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com and visit the Open Enrollment section.

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!