3 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills in 2015

Have you ever heard of a business encounter without some form of communication, whether written, verbal or even sign language?

Neither have I.

Clear communication is vital for business. Studies show that soft skills are highly valued by employers!  Here are three tips to help you improve your communication. Write them down and post them where you will see them, to improve your chances of carrying them out.

First, listen carefully to both the message and to the speaker's emotions.

It is especially easy to do this when listening to someone answer the telephone, in what I call "the hello test". Does the speaker sound friendly, brusque, tired or something else? If it's a business transaction and the speaker does not sound friendly, the rest of the transaction is not likely to go well; see if there is a better time for you to call.

Second, when calling a stranger on the telephone, speak a little slower and more clearly. The person could be in a noisy place, have a hearing loss, be distracted or speak English as a second language, and need a little help understanding you. This is especially true when leaving your telephone number and spelling your name on a voice mail; say them twice.

Third, when speaking, watch the listener's face to see if you are understood clearly, or if the other person is puzzled. If you are not being understood, you can repeat yourself, more slowly, use other words, or ask what part of the message was unclear. Maybe you are using technical jargon the other person does not understand, you have used an idiomatic expression (such as "get over it"), a regional expression (such as "mash the light"), you have a strong regional or foreign accent, a speech impairment, or the listener has a hearing loss. It is your responsibility as a speaker to make the message clear.

If you are making a presentation, make sure to look at the faces in the audience. This is one reason why you want to avoid reading your presentation. Looking at the audience helps establish a bond between you and them.  The audience wants you to do well; who wants to listen to a boring speech? They are usually very supportive; looking at them should not be scary.

If any of these skills above are difficult, get speech coaching! Business Speech Improvement offers intensive coaching, and hourly coaching (including online in some cases). Inexpensive concise e-books on communciation improvement are available as well,  for people who need help immediately and prefer to be "do-it-yourselfers".

In the USA, many companies will pay for speech coaching, especially if the employee requests it. Requesting this help indicates self-motivation to improve.

Try out these tips now, and if necessary, get the help you deserve. 2015 can be a better year for you!

Speech improvement: "Why doesn't my speech improve when I work on it by myself?"

As a speech coach, I get this question often.

A person decides to change some aspect of his speech. He tries to say a word differently, and sometimes sounds better. Then when he has a conversation, he sounds like he always does.

Does this sound familiar?

Here's what's wrong with this approach. A baby does not go directly from babbling to having a conversation, and neither should anyone else changing his speech.

Instead, make sure you are working on the right skills to change your speech.

(Many people don't know exactly what to change.) Then practice the skill in the same sequence as when you learned to talk: sounds, words, sentences, short and longer conversations. (Reading aloud can fit in well before conversations.) Over-practice each step, and listen to yourself on a recording, to make sure the skill is truly learned well.

How does having a speech coach help?  An expert speech coach knows  the right skills you need to develop, uses correct exercises to do it efficiently, and gives you sufficient feedback on how well you are doing. A speech coach has the expertise to get you through the process as efficiently as possible, so you don't waste time and effort,  and has the experience to know alternatives to use when needed.

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive speech coaching, customized to your specific needs.  If your own efforts to improve your speech didn't work, visit Business Speech Improvement for expert help!

Better Business Communication Day: tips for better techniques

Monday, January 20th, 2014 is a very special day, indeed. It is both Martin Luther King, Jr Day and also Better Business Communication Day.

Dr. King's eloquence was remarkable, and his diction outstanding. He painted memorable "word pictures" in his famous speeches, enabling us to see his vision, and he had the skill of making memorable phrases.

If you have not listened carefully to his extraordinary "I have a dream" speech this year, do so - and focus on both his message and his technique.

Better Business Communication Day gives each of us the opportunity to reach a little higher towards those heights. Here are two techniques to use.

First, record your voice reading a paragraph, and then speaking to a family member or friend. (Alert them if you are recording them as well.) What do you want to change about your speaking skills? How are your diction, phrasing, persuasive abilities, and rate of speech?

Second, set a three week improvement goal, which is short enough to keep you motivated. Are you going to say a certain sound better, learn how to overcome a fear of public speaking, be able to speak slowly when leaving a telephone number for someone, or something else? There are many resources available online to help you achieve these. For example, there are pronunciation buttons on online dictionaries which will help you pronounce many difficult words.

At the end of that time, record yourself again to listen to the difference.

Speech coaches can make speech improvement easier and more efficient, providing crucial feedback and exercises. Business Speech Improvement offers coaching in diction, presentation skills, accent modification, speech rate, and also economical e-books that are available 24/7. For details, click here.

Six Things to Consider In a Speech Training Program.

You've decided to make some changes in your speech. You want to speak slower, modify your accent, get rid of your lisp, make better presentations, communicate more clearly with your staff, or some other difference.

What should you look for in a speech coach or trainer?

First, ask about the person's training. For example, does the person have a master's degree or doctorate in speech-language pathology? Does he have a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) after his name?  Is he state-licensed as a speech-language pathologist in your state?  Some speech-language pathologists specialize in corporate work, working with professionals in the workforce; they are called corporate speech pathologists or corporate speech trainers. Being certified as a "coach" is nice, but exactly how does this certification pertain to your communication issues?

Second, ask about his experience in working with your type of communication issues. You want someone who has experience, if possible.

Third, find out how services are provided: in-person, individually, in a small or large group, or online.
Some states have laws that limit if speech coaching can be provided to residents online, unless the corporate speech trainer is licensed in your state. If the speech coach is not licensed in your state as a speech-language pathologist, and won't take the time to find out what the laws are in your state, you should be asking him or her about this. Some reasons are legitimate, but other people are unaware of the laws.

Fourth, ask how often the services are provided. Intensive speech training often gets results faster, because less time is needed for review. It is done in full-day sessions, sometimes 3 or 4 days long, and should include a follow-up plan for skill maintenance.  Having 1 - 2  one-hour lessons a week often requires a long time to get results, and some clients may not remain motivated.

Fifth, after finding out the cost, ask your supervisor if the company will sponsor you for this training. Some companies will sponsor you if you seek out the speech program and ask for sponsorship.This usually is part of career development. The fact that you have taken the time to find the speech training program will show the company you are motivated.

Lastly, ask how many people are in the program at once. Are the lessons customized to your needs as a learner, or does everyone study all the material in the course? If everyone studies all the material, whether they need it or not, the course takes longer and motivation may decrease.
Customized lessons save your valuable time.

Great speech makes business sense! Get the speech training you need, and feel confident about it!

Business Speech Improvement, in Durham, NC, offers intensive speech training through small groups and individually. Details of upcoming seminars and types of training are at www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com.

Accent Modification Seminars and You: 6 Reasons People Enroll

Over the years of teaching foreign (and regional) accent modification seminars, I have heard a lot of reasons why people enroll. Here are 5 of the most common - and 1 more unique one!

 1. I can't stand the puzzled looks people give me when I speak to native speakers; they can't understand me easily. 2. I want to improve my speech - but I don't know how. 3. For my career development, I need to talk better to either keep my current job or be considered for the job I really want in the company. 4. I have to be able to be understood clearly in a hurry or when my listener is stressed or sick. I'm in the medical field. 5. I'm about to give a speech. Listeners need to understand my diction better so they can focus on my message. and finally, number 6! I use Dragon Dictation at work- and it doesn't understand me. Can you help me speak so my computer will understand me better?

Whatever your reason, know that intensive speech improvement seminars are available! Each comes with a follow-up plan of some sort, depending on where you live and the type of training you have had. Upcoming seminars in American English Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals, in October 2014, and Speech Rate Reduction, for speedy talkers,, are now enrolling learners! Click here for details. Other seminars, individual coaching and e-books are also offered.

What's YOUR reason for wanting to enroll in an intensive speech improvement seminar?

Speech improvement training for non-natives who already speak English

A big concern of many professionals who speak English as a second language is whether they are pronouncing it correctly. Many have learned it from teachers who speak British English.
Thus, they say "schedule" as "shedule" instead of "skedule", and other different patterns of pronunciation and sometimes grammar.

These professionals often worry about their pronunciation, as they may get many confused looks from some listeners, especially those who do not know them well.

Intensive training in American English pronunciation patterns can make speech considerably better in as little as 3 days. Business Speech Improvement offers a seminar on American English Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals. Individual coaching and e-books are also offered.

Are you ready for your PR opportunity?

A businessman sponsored a formal professional seminar. He provided refreshments and a room. He was invited to talk about his business before the audience, some of whom were in a position to hire his company. Although very friendly, he was dressed quite informally and rambled considerably during his presentation. He had not thought to bring any business cards, either. The overall result was that his verbal and visual image wasted his public relations investment in this opportunity.

Are you prepared for your next PR opportunity, even when you don't expect it? Are you dressed appropriately enough for your work? If a TV camera captured film of you representing your company or at work, would you cringe? If there is the possibility that you will be asked to "say a few words", would you sound poised and professional, with a concise and relevant speech? Be prepared!

If public speaking is not your specialty, the e-book Public Speaking: You Can Do It!
gives easy ways to start, continue and gracefully end a presentation.

Business Speech Improvement also provides intensive coaching in public speaking, accent modification, reducing speech rate, executive/managerial communication for leadership and more!

Are you worried about your speech skills for business?

Excellent communication skills are essential for business. Many companies put such skills in their list of required qualifications, and offer training (or send employees to classes elsewhere where they can get the needed skills).

Insufficient communication skills can cause lost career development or promotion opportunities, can result in lost clients, or at least can cause embarrassment or frustration. Is that how you are feeling?

Currently, Business Speech Improvement is evaluating what additional seminars, e-books, or individual coaching should be offered. Currently, training in foreign and regional accent modification, presentation skills, techniques to speak slower, general diction, improving communication with someone who has a hearing loss, and communication skills for leadership are available. Many are offered in seminars, individual coaching and/or e-books.

If you would like training in a different topic, or a different format, please comment below or send us an e-mail with the topic and referred format. The first 25 responses will receive a complimentary e-book! Please do let us know how you would like to get help for yourself or an employee!

If you would like to schedule training in one of the above topics, or enroll in an open enrollment seminar, please click here.

Foreign accent modification training: what do people learn?

A professional from another country reported, "I've wanted to speak English better, but I didn't know what to do. Now, after this seminar, I do."

In (American English) Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals, each attendee gets an individual speech assessment. Even two people from the same native language, such as Spanish, may pronounce English differently. Each person then receives a customized program so he learns what he specifically needs. Learners study the silent letters in English, such as the three words in which "th" is not pronounced.

Materials and activities are geared to professionals. For example, at the end of the session, a professor may give a short lecture using his new speech skills.
A physician may practice giving a case history. Someone else may interview a vendor. Attendees enjoy these activities! After the seminar, there is a detailed follow-up plan to help skills be maintained.

Past learners report they feel more confident speaking English, and know what to do to make their pronunciation better.

For those who cannot attend, e-books of exercises are onsite.

Isn't this what you are searching for, for yourself or an
employee?

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive training in may aspects of verbal communication.

Better Business Communication Day - Celebrate with Us!

Do you ever get stage fright or worry about your pronunciation in American English? Better Business Communication Day is celebrated this year on January 24, 2011. You are invited to get some f*ree gifts!

Visit Business Speech Improvement on Monday, January 24, 2011 and get a e-book on Diction Makes a Difference - no cost on this one day! Filled with practical tips and exercises, it allows readers to learn more about Business Speech Improvement's user-friendly approach. This offer is available for this one day only.

Those who register will also receive a special report on "Scared Stiff: Ten Strategies for Coping with Stage Fright". This report is available right now, so register today! Aren't you ready to feel better about public speaking?

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive coaching and helpful e-books on accent modification, diction, presentation skills, executive communication skills, and much more! Visit us and get these special offers!

Improving Diction: Getting Your Message Across - the First Time

There are many causes for poor diction, such as speaking too fast, lack of self-confidence in certain situations, weakness or in-coordination of your mouth's muscles, to a hearing loss.
(If you don't hear clearly, you may not know you are not saying certain sounds.)

One tip you can try to improve your diction is to actually listen to yourself speak.
Record your speech when reading aloud, when talking to a friend, or even when describing your surroundings to yourself. Are there certain sounds you are not saying clearly? Do you speak too fast? Ask your friends or colleagues for advice about when you speak less clearly. If your diction has worsened significantly recently, check with your physician; it may be a sign of a neurological problem. For other speech impairments, you may want to have a speech evaluation from a speech pathologist.

General exercises to improve diction can be found in the e-book "Diction Makes A Difference". Intensive reading practice combined with audio files can be found in
"Learn to pronounce American English more clearly." Both can be gotten from http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler3/scripts/category.pl?EBooks.

Business Speech Improvement provides training in verbal communication skills.
Coaching and e-books from a corporate speech pathologist are available on many topics, including diction, accent modification, public speaking, executive communication, profession-specific communication and more!

Business Speech: What Does It Mean to You?

Business speech encompasses many aspects: giving presentations to large and small groups (and individuals), elevator speeches, being persuasive, accent modification, grammar, proper tone of voice, leading meetings, being concise, listening well, and
more.

When you think of "business speech", what does it mean to you?


Business Speech Improvement (www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com) offers intensive, targeted coaching on many aspects of business speech. Economical Open Enrollment small group courses are scheduled periodically, and practical e-books on different topics are available 24/7. Great speech makes business sense!

Speech rate too fast? Tips to slow down

Do you talk too fast so that others cannot understand you easily? Does it happen only when you're giving a speech, when a specific person is there, or all the time? It's very frustrating, when you want to make the best possible impression and sound like a mouth out of control.

Business Speech Improvement offers two ways to help. How to Speak Slower in Six Simple Steps (http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks) is a concise, practical e-book with techniques. For those who want intensive targeted coaching from an expert, a group Open Enrollment course on Speech Rate and Timing will be offered January 18, 2011. Enroll by visiting http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?Classes. Individual speech coaching is also available on request.

Want speech improvement to speak American English more clearly?

Do you need to improve your American English,but coaching is not an option right now?

Learn from an innovative combination of a down-loadable audio file and a pdf, " Learn how to pronounce American English more clearly". Hear a professional speech coach and native American English speaker read specially written paragraphs with many examples of a given sound. Listen as often as you like, and repeat! Each part of the series has several sounds on it; get one or all of them at www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com.

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive coaching in verbal communication skills, including accent modification, executive communication skills, presentation skills and much more. Training is offered through in-person coaching, e-books and this new audio/pdf series. Great speech makes business sense!

Need to make a business speech?

As a speech coach, I often critique presentations. Three of the common mistakes I see are
a lack of passion for the subject, poor preparation in putting the speech together
(due to lack of knowledge in the subject or in writing a presentation) and too little practice. These are the 3 P's: passion, preparation and practice.

Show enthusiasm in your voice! If you think the topic is boring, your audience will, too.
Know your subject, and explain to the audience in the first minute what they will get out of listening to you. Memorize only the keywords of the speech, not every single word, and practice the presentation numerous times. You only get one chance to make a great first impression!

Many more practical tips - from coping with stage fright to how to start and conclude a speech powerfully - are in the e-book "Public Speaking: You Can Do It!", found at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks. Contact Business Speech Improvement for speech coaching for presentations, which are available in many cases.

Two things to listen for if you are self-conscious about your speech

Do you come from another part of the country and are self-conscious about how you sound? Do people ask you where you're from? Is this affecting your work or social life?

If you want to change your speech patterns, you need to listen to others whose speech you admire to find out what they are pronouncing differently than you. For example, they may say a certain vowel differently, or have a different intonation pattern or "lilt" to their speech. Record your speech and listen to it so you can analyze what you want to do differently. Start by saying the new sound in single words. (Use a dictionary to get a list of the words with that sound.)

A great set of speech archives of different dialects of English is at http://accent.gmu.edu/.

Professional Diction and Grammar/Regional Accent Modification is a intensive course offered by Business Speech Improvement. A rare Open Enrollment class will be offered in June, 2010. For details, visit http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?Classes .

Clients ask, "Why don't Americans help us?"

Many clients from other countries in the Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals seminar offered by Business Speech Improvement ask the same question: why don't native-born Americans help them improve their pronunciation of American English? In their native countries, their work groups naturally help the newcomers with various aspects of their job, including their communication skills. In the USA, though, native-born Americans are afraid this would offend their non-native co-workers; in addition, many people don't have the time or skill to know how to make corrections efficiently and effectively.

If you yourself or your valued employees want to improve your American English pronunciation,
learn about upcoming seminars at www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com/accents .
What would better pronunciation do for you or your employee?

Diversity and idea generation

A client of mine who wanted advice on facilitating brainstorming groups recently asked if brainstorming groups should have people with similar backgrounds in them. Research has shown, I told her, that the more diverse the group, the greater the number of ideas that will be generated. Diversity can be from different places in the same (or other) country, age, race, sex, professional or educational background.

Another group of my clients who are from other countries come for help with improving their American pronunciation. As they improve their communication skills, we are also sharing information about our native cultures. "In my country, we...." is often heard. Often other groups' beliefs and ways of doing things are a real surprise to us, and we all learn about another way of dealing with a problem.

Whether focusing on improving pronunciation or brainstorming skills, diversity makes a difference!

Business Speeches - 5 Big Blunders

Five little words can strike terror in many executives' hearts. They are "just say a few words".
What are the five biggest blunders people make when they give an impromptu speech like that?

5. They start by saying they don't know what to say. This may indeed be true, but it is terrible for your image, and what audience wants to hear it?
4. They repeat themselves, often many times, in their presentation.
3. They say exactly the same thing as the other speakers, who were also asked to "say a few words".
2. They speak much too long. An unknown sage suggested,
"Be brief, be brilliant, and be seated!" A few words translates into 1-2 minutes, in terms of a speech.
1. They should have anticipated having to talk, and prepared something. (If they were not asked to talk then, no-one needed to know they were prepared, and the practice would help them for the next time.) If nothing else, they should have a mental outline of the three things they would say, such as why the occasion is special, thanks to all who helped, and what the audience should anticipate happening next for the cause or event.

We have all suffered through listening to politicians or other leaders who were inept public speakers. A little preparation on the part of the potential speaker can make a huge difference!

American Pronunciation Struggles

Over the years, many foreign-born professionals in the US have told me how they struggle with our pronunciation patterns. They tell me of the importance of excellent speech on their careers, and how they wished they knew what they were doing wrong with their pronunciation. The Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals class, in a mere three days, has helped many to make a significant change in their speech. The classes have a maximum of six learners each. All learners have their speech individually assessed, and get a customized program to follow.

As their instructor, I enjoy hearing the difference in their speech patterns before and after the class, and the new confidence they express in their pronunciation. They know better speech will make a difference in their lives and careers.