Filler Words and Verbal Tics

filler_words

By Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA

The more filler words you use, the more you diminish yourself as a polished professional. You may be extremely capable and confident in what you say, but when too many filler words are used, the attention is deflected away from the message and instead becomes focused on you as the messenger. The audience may think you are unsure of yourself and doubt you and your message. This erodes your professional presence.

Tips:

  1. Become cognizant of your speech pattern. Record your voice during normal conversations. Use your voice record application on your smart phone and record 2 – 3 conversations you make. Be aware of State law as in some states it is illegal to record both sides.
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Step Out and Stand Up

By Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA

keep-calmAre you serious about taking control of your job, getting promoted and making more money? It may be time to change the way you think about what you have accomplished and how you share successes with others. Do you catch yourself with any of the following?

Currently: “I go beyond the call of duty on my job. No one even notices.”

Instead: ”I use my strengths and put myself in situations maximizing them. I confidently share my accomplishments without sounding ego-centric or narcissistic.”

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Hold Your Seat! How to be a great presenter at sit-down meetings

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By Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA

I am often asked what to do differently when it is necessary to sit down and present.  Many of the techniques are the same, but there are some nuances to consider.

Tip #1: Choose Your Seat Wisely

 Where you sit can have a subtle effect on how strongly you come across to your audience. If possible, seat yourself next to a key decision-maker. If there isn’t one or you don’t know who it is, then try to position yourself more on one end of the group than in the middle. It will be easier to see everyone if they are more in front of you than if they’re seated on either side.

This is a preview of Hold Your Seat! How to be a great presenter at sit-down meetings. Read the full post (764 words, 1 image, estimated 3:03 mins reading time)

Six Secrets to Better Time Management

By Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA

time-managementNo matter where you are in your career, taking control of your time is a given.  Being a strong leader in your organization takes a variety of skills. LEADERs consistently manage each of these skills consistently.

True leadership begins through valuing others.  In working with many organizations, I have found that everyone plays a leadership role, whether the title is receptionist or top dog.

Keep this LEADER acronym in mind as you lead your team, your personal life and more importantly, your self!

This is a preview of Six Secrets to Better Time Management. Read the full post (496 words, 1 image, estimated 1:59 mins reading time)

Moral Amnesia

moral amnesia

By Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA

Eight years ago, I wrote a Moral Amnesia article because of my concern with what was going on in the world. From my purview, nothing has changed but has continued on a downward spiral.

We are still in an ethical crisis. The affliction with many government leaders, companies, educational institutions, and people is moral amnesia.  Whether you are in a leadership role or not, the state of ethical behavior continues to be under scrutiny.

Moral — Of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior. 

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The Value of Thank You and Kindness

Thank you

By Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA

Yes, you can add value to business with a consistent use of “Thank You” and kindness to employees! Public opinion research has found there are a significant number of employees who value kindness over money in the workplace. In fact, an NBC News State of Kindness Poll found that 70 percent of survey respondents would forego a 10 percent raise for a kinder boss.

We want to be appreciated and it is important to share what it means to you to hear those words of gratitude, whether you are the leader or an employee.  No one is a mind reader.

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Coping with the Anxiety and Stress of Public Speaking: Yes MORE!

anxiety-1

By Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA

I’ve had requests to provide more information on managing presentation anxiety and stress. Most people are not born with natural eloquence, making presenting remarkably nerve-racking.  Managing anxiety and turning crazy thinking into energy is a learned skill. Having been a professional speaker for over 26 years, there are some steps that I keep in mind – and yes, there are times when I feel nervous!

  1. Practice
    1. Find a location similar to your presentation and practice
    2. Stand if you plan on standing during your talk
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Good Manners are Under Assault

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by Marsha Petrie Sue

Everyone needs to take a trip down Memory Lane and reengage with kindness, caring, and manners.  And I mean everyone.  What is happening to people? How did narcissism and being so self-centered become the mainstay of behavior?

At a concert or game? People stand up with no concern for someone sitting behind them.

At the movie? Talking as if they are in their living room has become the standard.

Driving? People texting and talking and swerving toward you nearly creating a crash.

Public places? Taking a phone call on their speaker phone so everyone can hear.

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