Communication

Learn to love stories

January 1, 2009
The next time a colleague launches into an anecdote, resist the urge to start daydreaming. By listening patiently to a long-winded storyteller, you build rapport.

Combat jitters with gestures

January 1, 2009
The nervousness that you feel when you’re about to deliver a speech need not hamper your style. In fact, the way you respond can either mitigate your jitters or make them worse.

Here’s to safety and sobriety

December 1, 2008
The federal government has designated December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month in an attempt to raise awareness that an alcohol-related car crash kills someone every 31 minutes.

Cite numbers that come alive

December 1, 2008
If you know your topic inside out, your knowledge can work against you when you deliver a presentation. You may spout statistics with ease—and put people to sleep.

Send a message that everyone’s ideas matter

December 1, 2008
If you ask what motivates your employees, it’s a safe bet one of the top answers would be, “When the boss listens to me.”

Fend off offensive people

December 1, 2008
The former New York City mayor Ed Koch engages in lively e-mail exchanges with subscribers who receive his periodic online commentaries. As reported in The New York Times, a subscriber sent Koch a particularly cruel e-mail …

Express tactful impatience

December 1, 2008
When you’re impatient, you can respond in many ways. You can simmer in silence or unleash your irritation, but the best option is to be assertive without getting pushy.

Sell yourself with smart questions

November 1, 2008
If a boss or peer asks belligerently, “Why should I listen to you?,” your natural reaction is to answer. Not so fast. Here’s a better idea: Conduct some fact-finding before delivering your response.

Show slides to your advantage

November 1, 2008
Even if you’re a great public speaker, don’t rely on words alone. Enliven your talk by integrating visual aids so that you give listeners something to see that reinforces your spoken points.

Extract top work from a talented techie

November 1, 2008
One of your best software programmers, Alex, is a workaholic who is constantly tinkering with innovation, but you tell him that his exploratory work must translate into revenue for your company …