Greetings!
Thanks to all of you who gave us feedback on our initial newsletter. This month, let's get right to it. I knew I could count on this crowd to "stump the coach" so let's start there.
But first, does it sometimes seem like you spend your whole day doing email? Improve your savvy communicator IQ by asking yourself five questions before you press "send" to make sure you've chosen the right medium for your message. You'll find them in the article "Email Me!" on our website by clicking on this link: www.gabbettgroup.com. Also, we encourage you to take us up on our offer of a free one-hour coaching session by emailing us at info@gabbettgroup.com. Last month's takers gave us rave reviews.
Now, let's see if we can stump that coach.
Janie Gabbett, President
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In this issue:
- STUMP THE COACH
- FROM THE PODIUM
- THE CLIENT NOTEBOOK
- IS COACHING FOR YOU?
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Dear Savvy Communicator,
This is a sticky one. A former client and friend just sent me his new music CD. He is SO excited about this product. If Simon on American Idol heard it he would say "Bloody Awful! Are you sure you can call that music?" He's waiting to hear my response -- which is "Don't Quit Your Day Job" Yikes...what to say?
Sincerely,
Stuck Between Integrity and Kindness
Dear Stuck,
That is a sticky problem. Here is what I suggest:
First, get in touch with your wish for your friend's highest good. It is this intention that will envelop your message and create a positive outcome.
Next, ascertain what your friend is really seeking at this moment. Does he want to celebrate this milestone? Does he want to share it with his friends? Or is he truly asking for feedback that will help him progress his dream? In fact, a good question to ask him is what his dream is? Is he really looking to go pro, or is he seeking a creative outlet through music? Remind yourself that you are not a music expert or critic. And remind him of that when you give your opinion.
Now ask yourself if there is anything you actually liked? The lyrics? The instrumentals? The drums? Work with me here!
Now you are ready to respond. I'd start with supporting and celebrating his courage, passion and completion. Then, if he asks directly for your view, give it to him straight. Stay in your integrity. Make it brief. Make it constructive. Make it specific. Then quickly move on to how he might continue to pursue his dream. Who does he/do you know in the music business who can give him guidance? If his vocals really stink, and if you think he's open, gently suggest a voice coach. Perhaps relate it to your own use of a professional coach or tutor to help you achieve a dream. The message here is: "If you really want to go pro, then do what the pros do - get a pro to help you."
End by returning to celebrating this milestone and admiring his courage. Thank him for including you in his circle of supporters.
Do this in person or on the phone. This is not a job for email. You want to be able to gauge his responses and adjust accordingly.
Finally, let me know how it goes!
Sincerely,
The Savvy Communicator
Have a particularly tricky communication situation? A team that doesn't talk? An employee who doesn't listen? A client who needs to hear something they are not going to relish? Email us at info@gabbettgroup.com and we will give you our insights privately or in our next issue.
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FROM THE PODIUM
Last month we looked at researching your audience before you begin creating your speech. This month we'll dig into content. The biggest mistake many speakers make is trying to give their audience too much information. The intention is well placed, but the result can be a disaster. If we put our audience on "information overload" we risk them failing to remember our most salient points, the ones that could really help them going forward. You know, the reasons they came to hear you speak!
So, start by asking yourself what it is you want to tell this audience - write it all down. Do a real brain dump. Then extract from that list the three points you most want to make. Choose the three that are most relevant to this particular audience. And make sure those three points are related and together create a single cogent message. Now, take the rest of your notes and repeat after me: "This stuff goes in another speech. This stuff goes in another speech." Are you getting sleepy? Better you than your audience! Happy writing.
Are you working on a speech? We can help you organize your content. Contact us at: info@gabbettgroup.com and we'll schedule a free 15 minute conversation on your content.
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THE CLIENT NOTEBOOK
A client recently asked me how to get people to listen to him. It's the easiest question I have ever answered: listen to them.
Listening is the lost art of the multi-tasking world. And, yet, it is the most powerful communication tool we can have in our kit. The client is reporting great results from making a few quick, easy adjustments:
- When someone walks into his office, he now closes his laptop and looks directly at them
- he resists the temptation to jump in before the person finishes
- he checks for meaning before responding
His comment after experiencing success: "Amazing! Very valuable and worth the money." (Always gratifying to hear!)
Have a communication question? Contact us at: info@gabbettgroup.com. I'm sure we can help.
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IS COACHING FOR YOU?
Find out if coaching is for you by requesting a free one-hour session focused on a communication challenge you are facing.
CONTACT US to learn more about the Gabbett Group and to book a keynote presentation, a seminar or a coaching session at 847-679-4604 or email info@gabbettgroup.com.
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©Janie Gabbett 2005
