Executive Communication: Asking Incisive Questions

Two essential skills for executives are the ability to listen well - to both what is and is not said - and to ask the right questions. These questions help analyze the problem, consider the resources, consider and choose the best solution.

Executives were asked about what questions they considered when asked to evaluate a new project. A list of the best ones, along with many other communication techniques,  appears in the e-book Executive Communication Strategies.

What are some of the best questions leaders have asked in your experience that proved crucial to problem-solving? Please share them with our readers!

"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 .

Professionals: need to pronounce English better?

A businessman was speaking about a client of his who spoke English but was hard to understand. "By the time I understood the word he mispronounced, he was so far ahead that I missed important information." People from other nationalities work very hard to learn American English, but sometimes their pronunciation of it causes them problems. In addition, they also have to learn when NOT to pronounce certain sounds. For example, in the word "clothes", the "th" is silent. (Only English has a 'th" sound.)

Professionals wanting to improve their pronunciation of American English are invited to register for Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals, a three day intensive seminar May 3 - 5, 2010. The course is offered by Business Speech Improvement. Details are at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?Classes . The class size is limited, and early enrollment is encouraged.

Some American companies are willing to sponsor an employee for this course if the employee will request it. They know that clear verbal communication benefits both the employee and the company.

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.