Asking questions is critical to understanding any issue. In order to clarify the question, always begin with the end in mind. What is it that you want to understand? And what is the message in the answer?

Too often, another question gets asked without the questioner completely digesting the previous answer. So, a key to understanding is listening to the previous answer.

Seek to understand then to be understood.

Recently I was asked to host a webinar on Building Your Brand. Those who have hosted know it can be extremely challenging if you are accustomed to audience interaction. Most webinars will have some participation when the audience sends in questions which helps keep the energy up.
In this particular one there was a dry run which I encourage everyone to have to work out any problems. Practice also helps to develop a relationship with the person or persons responsible for your introduction and managing the technical side of the webinar.

Here are some tips to help manage a successful event as the presenter:

Do:
• Have a practice before the event to talk thru the program.
• Be sure to work out some guidelines with the folks managing the technical side.
• Time the presentation. On air time allotment is pretty unforgiving. If you run over it, folks will be cut off.
• Let the audience know how you will be answering the questions either during or after the talk.
• Answer questions with a positive spin.

Don’t
• Stop your presentation if the visuals are not working. Paint the picture in words.
• Send heavy graphics on your PowerPoint without checking with a technical person first.
• Answer questions not related to the topic. Give the audience another method to contact you with off-subject issues.
• Perform a monologue. Be sure your handouts give the audience a way to participate (quizzes work well).

These tips will help keep the audience engaged and minimize technical problems.

An audience’s attention span is very limited. So, whether you’re in front of an audience of 50 plus or of 10, your message must be succinct and still pack a punch. Remember these seven keys when crafting your message. Never wing it. Practice this formula and you will always grab the audience:

1.Begin with the end in mind
2.Make every word a key one
3.Immediately create a picture or ask a rhetorical question
4.Speak with authority (you are the expert)
5.Validate the audience (get them involved)
6.Always practice the message out loud while standing up
7.Passionately convey your authenticity

If you practice these seven key steps you will always deliver a succinct, impactful message. Also, at least 90% of your audience will be engaged in your talk.

In a recent Jay Leno show a Republican presidential candidate was the guest. Jay is an easy interviewer and a moderate Republican so it seemed like the guest should have been comfortable. Instead, he was very wooden and stiff. His posture shouted: I am uncomfortable and not too likable.

Not everyone is going to have a natural ease about themselves. However if you are going be in the public eye, practice and exercise your body so you convey a fluidness and ease in front of the public.

Here a few suggestions:
• If you can take a workshop, I highly recommend an improv class (I took one and it helped me tremendously)
• Stretch before you present or are going to be interviewed
• Take a dance or yoga class

I firmly believe the folks who can appear naturally relaxed in front of an audience practice it. Plus, a few fortunate ones probably began speaking early in front of an audience. Avoid being perceived as wooden. It takes so much work to change that perception.

A recent interview with a job hunting professional noted a key element to be aware of when writing a one page resume. One is for it to pass the two minute test. This means that the reader can capture the essence of the resume in two minutes.

This two minute test is also critical when writing a one page report. Most people today have a limited time and too short of an attention span to read more than one page.

To pass the two minute test, always the state the objective, how to get there and summarize the end result. Also, make sure that “What’s in it for the reader” gets across. If the reader can absorb all that in two minutes you will have a win/win.

At a recent event Dee Dee Myers, the former press secretary for Bill Clinton, talked about being authentic as women. She mentioned how often we forsake this piece of us because we want to fit in, especially in the professional world. This is true of both genders. It is difficult, especially in this economic environment, but in the long haul you will not be happy if you’re not authentic.

So, I recommend to clients to keep a log on major and minor issues. The log will help define the important situations. Secondly, take a reading of your physical being because I believe internal instincts should never be ignored. Lastly, you can always get a dose of reality by checking with a good friend or colleague. 

By keeping these check points in mind you will not have to give up your true self. Being true to yourself will help you be your professional best.

How many times do we neglect to just say thank you to a compliment? We instead offer reasons why we don’t deserve the nice words said about ourselves. It is not being modest or humble to bring up what went wrong. What you are doing is not respecting the giver of the compliment.

So, the next time someone pays you a compliment say thank you. Tell them how much you appreciate they noticed whether the comments were about a piece of clothing or a project you were successful at.

Just say “Thank You.”

At a recent event, you could tell the high level executives from the ones who were not by what they carried. For example, I travelled with a colleague who had a bunch of papers in her hands plus some other items. Was it too much? No, because she was able to carry it in a combination purse/briefcase. I understand the trend is small purses, but if you need to bring documents, a larger one is acceptable.

Then there was another attendee with a heavy backpack (she called it her office). Avoid that. The same for the roller bag. It makes one look like an assistant instead of a professional.

Since we were at a hotel, they could have checked their bags with the bellman and picked them up later. Remember less is more.

Carrying too many bags is too much baggage!

A key component of a true executive and leader is to be able to manage time effectively. Being constantly late and rushed projects a very poor image. It indicates a lack of organizational ability.

Stephen Covey has a program called “Focus” which provides time management skills. One major tip is to plan only 75% of your day. That leaves room for dealing with the unexpected. It is understood that as you gain additional responsibilities and more prestigious titles, that time becomes more important than money.

So, when you complete what you have prioritized for the day, and no emergencies have popped up, refrain from adding more to do’s to your day. Instead, use the extra time for strategic planning.

When you can do this consistently, you will be managing your time effectively.

I was recently asked what a professional travel wardrobe is. How is it different than your everyday wardrobe?

A travel wardrobe must pack easily and basically be 80% wrinkle free. It should have multiple functionality, so that the suit or jacket worn in the day can also be worn at night.

Accessories are also critical to adding a touch of panache to your ensemble. For men, it is the shirt and tie. For women it is the blouse and jewelry.

Toiletries, especially if you have a carry on, must be within the legal guidelines.

Most of all, choose colors that easily mix and match and give you a fresh, relaxed, confident image.