by Kathy O'Brien | Sep 15, 2021 | Executive Communication, Listening
As it was an unplanned meeting, I introduced our topic in my opening line as I introduced myself to a business associate. Her immediate reaction was an emotional outburst. With a raised voice, rapid-fire words and angry energy, she made it clear I had offended...
by Kathy O'Brien | Jul 3, 2020 | Executive Presence, Listening, Virtual Executive Presence
Many people ask: how hard can it be to listen during a videoconference call? Surely it takes less effort than speaking or presenting? The short answer is: it takes real effort and deliberate action! Listening is an active behaviour – and video demands...
by Kathy O'Brien | Sep 22, 2018 | Executive Communication, Listening
How do I know if I’m a terrible listener? And if I am a bad listener, how can I change it? Sincere thanks to my colleague who hit me with these two difficult questions recently. I was preparing a presentation and looking forward to sharing our model for...
by Kathy O'Brien | Sep 22, 2018 | Listening
You’ve been brave enough to observe yourself, or maybe even ask a friend for some honest feedback about your listening skills. You’ve identified yourself as a bad listener. Now, how can you change your ways? The first thing you must do is clarify your...
by Kathy O'Brien | Apr 19, 2018 | Executive Presence, Listening
Have you ever questioned your questioning? If a fly on the wall were to observe you in conversation, what would that fly say about the way you engage, your style or your tone? What about your approach to asking questions? Here’s what most people do: Frame...
by Kathy O'Brien | Apr 9, 2018 | Executive Body Language, Executive Communication, Executive Presence, Listening
We’ve all known that feeling when a new meeting goes smoothly, and you can comfortably say ‘We really connected’. But it doesn’t happen all the time. When the stakes are high and you want to build that easy rapport with another, what can you do?...
