A must see movie is The King’s Speech. The main theme centers around a speech coach and therapist who works with a King (King George IV of Great Britain) to help him overcome his stammer.

What I find most motivating and inspiring about the film is the coach’s passion and drive to do what is right for the king while at the same time maintaining what he believes is the right path to success.

Being committed to do what is right in professional relationships while staying within the guidelines of not pushing too hard or too quickly is a delicate balance.

However, I believe when you are committed to do what is best, most of the time you will be successful although the result may not always be perfect. The story of the King’s Speech proves this can, indeed, be the case.

This was the topic of an article that appeared in Sunday’s New York Times Office Corner interview of Catherine Winder, President and Executive Producer of Rainmaker Entertainment, an animated production studio.

Winder was asked to comment about the critical elements of communicating as a leader. One essential is being able to succinctly sell an idea.

Here are some tips on how to successfully pitch a concept:

• Begin with the end in mind
• Focus on the big picture
• Say it in 30 to 60 seconds
• Present the concept first
• End with a deliverable
• Use the broad brush approach

Using the above as a guideline, you will be communicating as a true leader.

Speaking to a group or making a formal presentation calls for high performance dialog. To guarantee a home run each time, these are the critical things to remember and implement.

• Know your audience
• Have an opening that lets the audience know what to expect
• Always tell the audience what is in it for them
• Practice your talking points
• Be prepared to answer any question, especially one that may be the elephant in the room
• Always close the dialog with a call to action
• Make sure your word choices resonate with the audience

Following these elements will ensure your presentations will always produce a high performance dialog.

All of us have experienced situations when those we trusted have disappointed us not once but several times. The most difficult thing to do is let the individual know how you feel without it sounding like you are just venting. You want to have a crucial conversation that is inclusive and if possible, produces some resolution.

Here are some tips to ensure your conversation is productive:

• Have the conversation only when both parties are calm
• Never bring up the past situations, only present ones
• Practice the points you want to cover in front of mirror
• Never interrupt
• Realize that sometimes it comes down to both of you agreeing to disagree

Keeping these points in mind when you have a conversation will help your dialog go beyond the realm of rant and into an inclusive crucial conversation.

A recent New York Times article indicates color is in again. Black and other dark shades like blackberry, charcoal, and chocolate brown are slowly giving way to color.

Pantone’s color of the year choice is honeysuckle, the rosy-meets-magenta hue. Visit http://www.pantone.com to see the actual color. It is vibrant and an attention getter.

This rosy magenta is a very strong color so use it wisely:
• For men: Wear it in a tie or shirt – never in a jacket or pair of slacks
• For women: Wear in a blouse, sweater or piece of jewelry.

Never use it in a full outfit unless you are wearing a formal gown or intimate wear. The color will look best around your face if you have dark hair and a light complexion.

So to ensure you are stylish and elegant – put a bit of Honeysuckle in your wardrobe for 2011.

It is hard not to be tempted by all the great food and drinks at festive holiday parties. We all want to be sociable when attending them, especially the ones in private homes where the hosts have spent many hours planning menus.

Here are some tips on how to conceal an expanding waistline.

• For women, bring attention to your face by making sure your hairstyle, makeup and accessories are the current style and look great. Men should wear a great tie (no rep stripes).
• Color should be worn on the top half of your body
• Avoid bulky sweaters and jackets
• Women – no leggings with short top
• Men – no heavy sweaters
• No prints or materials that are too sparkly

Remember these few tips when putting your outfits together and you will always look slim during the holidays.

During the holiday season we will all get invited to multiple events where food will be in abundance. The goal is to network and strengthen relationships while just sampling all the holiday eats.

So, here are some rules to follow:

• Eat before you attend
• Keep one hand free to shake
• Never take anything you cannot eat in one bite
• Never eat anything that causes sticky hands
• Drink only one class of wine

Remember these key strategies and you will continue to strengthen your relationships while maintaining your waistline!

Happy Holidays!

During the holiday season we all want to look festive. Most all of today’s fashion magazines are encouraging the bling look in jewelry (pins, necklaces and earrings) sweaters and scarves. So how can we have fun with this and not shine so bright we cause an overpowering glow?

Here are some tips:

In the office:

You can wear multiple items as long as sizes and colors are balanced. For example, red and gold are very bright, so a little of those colors will go a long way. A bright pin (larger than a tangerine) made in a lighter, more subdued color will add a touch of festive elegance.

At a holiday event:

You can wear more bling and stay very fashionable and classy by layering multiple rows of crystal necklaces onto a simple black sweater. Sprinkle some glitter in your hair for a final touch of pizzazz.

Follow these simple tips and you will sparkle during the holidays and into the New Year!

During the holiday season we want to thank those who have been significant factors in our professional life. Sometimes a well written thank you note is enough.

Here are some suggestions you may want to consider if you want to go one step further:

• A donation to a favorite charity in their name
• A CD of music (current poplar choice)
• A DVD of an old classic (best for suited for women)
• Hosting a function that combines networking and fun such as an indoor golf event or a spa night for women only

The most important thing to remember is that the gift is more than just the thought. It makes the recipient feel special because you have acknowledged that he or she has been significant in your life.

Often, I hear the comment that employees who possess executive presence are promoted. Conversely, I will also hear of another individual who did not get to the next level because of a lack of executive presence.

What does it mean when someone has executive presence?

Senior management sees this person as someone who appropriately represents the company, has a presence consistent with the company brand, and is one who can communicate effectively with anyone. Part of this is the ability to cultivate and demonstrate leadership skills.

Appearance (clothes, grooming, body language) make up some but not all of executive presence. Communication skills such as being able to present ideas, whether in a large or small group, in a succinct manner are a critical part of executive presence. In addition to selling ideas, it is necessary to be inclusive to all.

So do you have executive presence?

An easy way to obtain a hint is to ask five people to give you three words that best represent you as a professional. Then examine those fifteen words. Do they include words or phrases that add up to executive presence? If not, then take it as an opportunity to develop the presence you desire.