New Beginnings

I stopped writing this blog several years ago when I decided to focus my energies and talents elsewhere (that's a very abbreviated version of a much longer story to tell another day!). I explored other options. In the end, I find I'm still passionate about the subject of communication skills and their importance to our success. In fact, I'm probably even more passionate than I was before. 

I may revisit topics I covered in the past with the added perspective that comes with time, distance and new experiences. Other topics will be brand new. In any case, I welcome your comments. Agree with me, respectfully disagree with me (and please tell me why), it's all good.

The way we communicate with others shapes our work, our relationships, our lives. I find that when I'm at my best, everything becomes easier. Work discussions are more fruitful and the clarity it gives me helps me to get better results.  I find I'm in a better mood, too. That's because when I communicate clearly and effectively, I've eliminated much of the conflict that is often unnecessary.  So my day runs better. 

Join me. We'll explore best practices and share some "OMG, did that really happen?" stories about communication.

What Do I Do?

I like to use this blog to help and educate others not to promote myself. However, I do feel that I should - from time to time - review what I do and how I can help others (individuals and organizations) to succeed.

So, here's a run down. My contact information is:

Call: 973.709.1252
Fax: 973.709.1818
website: www.krgcommunications.com
Email jkirby@krgcommunications.com 

twitter: @thejoannkirby

 

Find me (Jo Ann Kirby) on LinkedIn as well.

Here's a brief rundown of some of the services offered by KRG Communications Group:

Inside Sales/ Customer Service Training and Consulting

• Training:
• Telephone Techniques/Etiquette
• Sales skills
• Customer Service Techniques
• Leadership and Management
• Supervisory skills:coaching and counseling for improved performance

Consulting:

• Interviewing/hiring
• Script/Presentation development
• Quality assurance procedures
• Development of metrics for performance expectations

I also teach public speaking skills. (private sessions)

Be the Best that You Can Be! 

I can help with that.

Are You Prepared to Speak?

The ability to speak well off the top of your head is an important skill to master. We've all been caught in situations where we've been asked to give our thoughts, or we have to fill in for someone else. Whether it's a sales call, department meeting or a last minute presentation, the ability to make your point consisely, and communicate effectively adds to your success.  Here are ways that you can prepare yourself to speak at a moment's notice:

Increase your knowledge

Information is your friend. The ability to think critically about any subject is an important skill to develop and is the result of stretching your mental muscles.

Read. Read everything you can. Take a few moments each day to read the news. Use the paper or go online to news sites Choose a variety of sites with different viewpoints (liberal, conservative, international). Your local newspaper will also have an online presence.

You don't have to read each article in depth. Just skim enough to make yourself familiar with the topic. Read the top headlines, the opinion and editorial sections, as well as the business section. And yes... don't forget the comics and advice columns.

Listen to news radio stations. If you have the time, listen to the local NPR (National Public Radio) station. You may not always agree with the ideas presented, but it's a great way to get you thinking and learn about other's viewpoints.

Recognize that you don't have to answer the question directly. In an election season, it's easy to see examples of this. Here's an important point about this technique: if it's obvious you've avoiding the question, the technique is ineffective.

Make sure your thoughts have a beginning, middle and end. Wherever you start, finish by alluding to your opening statement. Think of it as a circle.

Paraphrase the question if you can't think of anything to say immediately. This buys you time to think of your answer.

Look for opportunities to speak spontaneously whenever you can. It's exercise for your brain. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. I've recommended this group in the past: Toastmasters. Go to www.toastmasters.org for more information and a chapter near you.

Slow down. Make sure everyone understands what you are saying. Sometimes, in our rush to answer, we speak so quickly it's difficult to understand.

Watch how others speak. See what techniques they use. It's not that others know more, they've simply developed more sophisticated coping tools.

Strategize. Think about how you want to answer: directly, indirectly, not at all? Test yourself by practicing different ways to answer the same question.

Finally, take a deep breath! It allows you a moment to collect your thoughts AND it helps focus the group's attention to you.