| President's Message |  |  As 2012 draws to an end, it's time to start reflecting. For me, it has been a very good year. In addition to my regular corporate seminars and coaching assignments, I am involved in two new and exciting activities:
- My tenth book will be out next year! McGraw Hill acquired my blog book, GREET! EAT! TWEET!, and will publish a revised and expanded version.
- I have been teaching a Business Communications class for the School of Business at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The students in my evening class are extraordinary, and represent a microcosm of our world. One woman served in Afghanistan and is attending school on the GI bill. Many attended community college for
two years and are continuing their studies towards a bachelor's degree. Some are returning to school after a long absence. About a third of them speak English as a second language.
Most have long days, as they work at their regular jobs during the day and attend school at night. But they all know the importance of a good education, and the opportunities it can provide.
I would like to share (with permission) a communication from one of my students. Participants in the class were asked to choose a quote from a list of quotes, and to explain what that quote meant to them. Gina's writing stresses the value of education, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It may even encourage you to finish your schooling, go for your master's degree, get professional certification, or sign up to attend training classes at your company or in your community.
Enjoy the remainder of the year. Here is Gina's email:
Hello Ms. Pachter,
The quote, "the world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork," has a profound meaning to me. As a young woman, there were endless opportunities available to me. Consequently, the decision not to take advantage of them has affected my career.
Many of my childhood friends have successfully completed their college educations years ago and have gone on to become successful business leaders. My choice to attend trade school was the "wrong fork."
Without higher education, it has been difficult to get a high-paying professional position. Although my current position is manager of a medical office, this is not a job from which I can retire and live comfortably.
Hopefully, upon completion of this degree program, my "oyster" will open and some of those missed job opportunities will be easier to obtain.
Best regards,
Gina Stalworth
| | | | | Spotlight on Powerful Presentation Skills
Do you dread giving presentations? You are not alone! Yet your ability to give powerful presentations is essential in today's business environment. And how you deliver your ideas is as critical as the ideas themselves.
The Pachter & Associates' presentation skills class will equip you with the skills and confidence to develop, organize and deliver an effective presentation. Available as a group seminar or individual coaching.
For more information, contact Joyce Hoff at 856-751-6141 or joyce@pachter.com.
 The 'DO NOT SAY' List
Using self-discounting language in business (and life) can diminish your stature in the eyes of others, minimize what you are saying, or tarnish your professional image. Having a list of phrases to avoid can help people steer clear of language that could have a negative impact on their careers, particularly if used frequently.
Listed below are six suggestions for the "DO NOT SAY" list:
· Can I ask a question? You don't have to ask permission; just ask the question.
· I'm sorry to bother you. Why are you a bother? You can say, "Excuse me. Do you have a moment?"
· I was hoping that you could spare a few moments. Same as above. Simply say, "Excuse me. Do you have a moment?"
· Thank you for listening to me. At the end of a presentation, you should say, "Thank you." This lets the audience know that the presentation is over. You don't have to thank people for listening to you. Aren't your comments and opinions worthwhile?
· I will be honest with you. Aren't you always honest? You don't need to use this phrase.
· I was just wondering if perhaps. This phrase is a passive way of asking a question or backing into a statement. You can eliminate "I was just wondering if perhaps" and simply ask a question or make a statement. Instead of "I was just wondering if perhaps there will be enough computers for the project?" you can say, "Will there be enough computers for the project?"
You can send Barbara ( bpachter@pachter.com) your favorite phrases to add to the DO NOT SAY list.
Pachter & Associates is an international communications company providing group training and individual coaching in the areas of Business Etiquette, Assertive Communication, Presentation Skills, Women in Business, International Etiquette, Positive Confrontation and Business Writing.
For more information, visit us at pachter.com or call 856-751-6141.
Requests to reproduce our articles for commercial or other public use must be made in writing to Barbara Pachter at bpachter@pachter.com.
© Pachter & Associates 2012 | | |