Humor goes a long way towards helping to relax difficult situations and to put everyone at ease. I am by nature a serious person, but I find adding a dash of humor makes the day and a meeting easier. Humor is not always about telling jokes; it is also smiling and looking at the lighter side of things. A laugh once a day makes life a lot easier. “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing,” said author Mark Twain.

During the pandemic, it is proper etiquette to politely refuse an invitation if masks will not be worn. Ask the hosts before the event if individuals will be required to wear a mask. If masks are not required, there is no need to say you will not be attending due to the lack of masks. Politely state that you will not be able to attend. If they ask why, it is your personal decision whether to let them know why you will not be attending. It is important to respect others and respect how one feels about the wearing of masks.

Here are some of the “don’ts” to avoid when promoting virtually and working to engage the audience. Some of the speakers running for office missed the mark at the Toastmasters International annual meeting. The issues included:

• A background that washed out the visual appearance of speaker.
• Having a lack of engaging facial expression.
• Using a very serious, dry tone of voice.
• Visual technical problems.
• Audio technical problems.
• Making clothing choices that did not enhance the speaker’s appearance. For, women, their appearances were too plain at times. For men, the jacket and tie combinations appeared stiff and intimidating at times.
• Using a negative pitch.
• Using generalized challenges.
• Keeping these “do’s” and “don’ts” in mind when presenting virtually can help you to capture your audience’s attention and help your pitch be successful.
• Telling personal story that rambled and was a bit too long.
• Using a negative pitch.
• Using generalized challenges.

  Keeping these “do’s” and “don’ts” in mind when presenting virtually can help you to capture your audience’s attention and help your pitch be successful.

Virtual meetings present multiple challenges. This is especially true for new team members who are being introduced (virtually) to an existing team with a history of working together. Virtual introductions can be made easier by offering time in the first meeting for individuals to really get to know each other before business begins. An interactive discussion is helpful. Ask the team for suggestions as to how best to interact as a new team.

It is easy to be misunderstood in virtual meetings. Facial cues and tone of voice are more difficult to discern. In order to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflict, try to ask questions without making judgements. When differences in opinions or viewpoints arise, offer another point of view as a way to create like thinking. Keeping these tactics in mind during virtual meetings will help to create a strong team.

Egos are fragile. The wisest person is the one without a glaring ego. How does one keep it in check? Be aware of the trigger or triggers, such as speaking without letting another person have a voice. Surround yourself with individuals who bring talent to the table. Don’t hire individuals who agree too much with you. Seek honest feedback, even when it hurts. Remember not to act like the smartest person in the room.

It is important to analyze and review our mistakes because they can become learning lessons. If we don’t determine what caused the mistake and how it affected ourselves or others, we are doomed to repeat it. First, it is important to acknowledge the mistake. This, in and of itself, can be difficult. Then we should consider what caused the mistake. Was it a lack of understanding or was it due to emotions? I personally write my mistakes in a journal. I jot down the cause and the effect. This helps me to be aware of how I can manage the problem more effectively if the situation occurs again. Learning from a past misstep can prevent you from making the same mistake twice.

I started my consulting and coaching practice after being a successful salesperson working in an office environment. To stay positive, I read an inspiration quote the first thing every morning. This helped keep me motivated by having an upbeat attitude. Every evening, I made a list of goals and set them out for the next day. To me, it was important to take time out of the office by having lunch with a friend or client once a week. Now, in these times with restrictions due to the coronavirus, I take two walks a day and have a lunch break. I find these practices especially helpful during these unsettling times.

How does one get better at a skill? Is it meeting new people? Discovering how best to feel good about oneself? Or simply learning? Doing something new that brings a fresh element in view is the impetus for growth and change. I will always remember Wayne Dwyer’s talk about growing and expanding our circle. This can mean going to a new restaurant, trying something new at a favorite restaurant, or going to an event where no one knows you. This brings me to my first effort as a new golfer. At first, golfing with new people, especially good golfers, terrified me. Being brand new to golf, I dreaded playing in front of other people and I lacked confidence. For one year, I played at different golf courses where golfers didn’t know me. When I didn’t have the time to play on the course, the driving range became my best friend. Whether trying something new or strengthening a skill, finding a way to practice in a space where no one knows you can be helpful.

Wardrobe choices can define a person. The choices often display a level of positive attitude that says I belong and have a seat at the table. Clothing choices should somewhat mirror those around the table. However, they can also say a lot about your personal style. These individuals wear their clothing with confidence – especially when a word is not spoken. Their presence speaks. The fit of the shoulders, the sleeve length, the color choices, and the item selection show that the individual is not a carbon copy of someone else. Wardrobe choices can help an individual create a presence when they walk into the room. They are authentic.