One of the perks of long term client relationships is that I sometimes end up working with members of client business teams and even with their family. Recently, I was asked to work with a young man who was a grandson of a client (I worked more than 15 years with my client and her staff.).

Andy is quite talented in writing stories and wonderful artist. However, he is shy, could not look people in the eyes, looked down and had a half-limp handshake. To draw Andy out, I first asked about his art. Then, I requested that he show me some of his written work on his I Pad. I also used a few improv exercises to help him have fun when speaking with confidence. I noticed that he loved his dogs so I suggested that he think about them when he gets nervous.

In the book, Outliers, Malcom Gladwell writes about folks like Andy who have talent at very young age, and who keep working and developing to eventually be quite successful. Now, Andy has a head start in being able to communicate about his work. I believe he will be a very successful writer.

Can you imagine an eleven year old writing nonfiction books using animals as characters? How special is that?

One of my clients is a Senior Vice President in a progressive organization. For example, women can skip the hose and wear sleeveless tops and dresses. She wears 3 inch heels. The reasons it does not matter for her is one, the culture and secondly her clothing choices are tailored so that the heels are not even noticeable.

However, in very conservative organization, that may be a problem as well wearing clothing choices that appear too trendy. It might lack the professionalism you want.

Fortunately, there are many shoe choices that offer a smart look without three-inch heels. Stuart Weisman has a great kitty heel pump that is classic and rich looking without sacrificing comfort or needing to make trips to a podiatrist later on.

How many times have you run out for a short errand in a busy area while not wearing your best? Maybe you’ve got clothes on that are usually worn when cleaning a garage or washing a car? Of course, then, you always run in someone you know. This has happened to me and I have always regretted it.

Now, what I do if I am going to run out in not too great looking clothing is that I put at least a bit of color on my lips and make my hair presentable. I do not want to be mistaken for a bag lady. I figure that when they see my face then maybe my poor clothing choices won’t be noticed!

The challenge for wearing tee shirts are that, in general, they are made in very lightweight cotton and can look like athletic and sleepwear.

But, now, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan have them in fine cotton and silk. These shirts do have a dressier and more polished look. However, wearing them makes it very difficult for senior management to police the difference between the very casual cotton and silk materials.

Maybe, the organization could help by allowing one day a week that tee shirts would be allowed. Further guidelines could be that shirts must not have any wording on them and that solid colors work best. Wearing tees with jeans or twill pants would be fine for casual days.

Ladies, do not wear tees with leggings or capris. That is too casual but capris would work for an outdoor event.

I was just at the Oakbrook Center and everything was on sale. I find it can be difficult not to buy an item just because it is on sale. I was proud of myself because the only item I purchased was a top that I had been looking for. (Although, I touched several items and even seriously contemplated purchasing them!)

This is what I asked myself when browsing sales, do I have an item in my closet like it? If not, do I have three items to go with it? Also, if I purchase it, what will I remove from my current wardrobe?

The top I did end up purchasing replaced an old one that will be donated to the Good Will.

Eyes can say much more than words. A look can be absorbed even before the person speaks. Samantha, (There’s a picture of her in this blog.) has these amazing eyes that look right through you. She does not talk much but stares and barks when annoyed. Her eyes do all of the heavy lifting.

Capture your look by using the eyes to obtain the effect you desire like effective actors, politicians and business people do. Joy, disappointment, sadness, authenticity and dishonesty and most other emotions are first reflected in the eyes. A good way to learn about the eyes is by watching films, live theatre and television programs.

Recently, I was involved in an incident that I considered embarrassing.

I take one on one training on how to use a Mac Air (going on 15 months, now). Because I’ve been a PC user for 25 plus years, it is a completely new way for me to work on a computer.

Technicians who work with me are really very patient. They never make me feel badly when they have to continually repeat answers. So, I thought it would be a nice gesture to bring a bottle of Apple Ice for my main trainer.

However, when he opened the drink, the soda fizzed all over the table, floor and chairs. Instead of being upset, he laughed and turned what I thought was a disaster into a comical situation. He even said it made his day so much better. How wonderful it is to have this sense of humor. It makes life’s little mishaps that much more tolerable and even, at times, more enjoyable.

Often, a person is passionate about their work but may struggle to express that feeling in words. Clients who select me tend to be passionate about their work but want to be able to translate their passion verbally.

They are diligent, though, in writing what their work is about on paper and, at times, will even interview folks who champion them to help define their motivation.

This is not easy. It takes digging deep and using examples and stories and to explain why their work makes a difference. Step two is to practice by choosing and using impactful words that are easy to say. Bring clarity around the why, how and who. Clients that practice and practice then keep practicing become very capable at verbally expressing their passion.

My do’s and a few don’ts for giving an engaging presentation whether it is for small group of 25 or a group of 250:

• For small audiences – always ask general enough questions to get multiple answers

• For all audiences – use a microphone or a lavaliere (just attended a session – no one could hear the speaker)

• Share a few relative stories and ask for confirmation (Has this happened to you?)

• Move toward the audience when you want to make a point

• Work both sides of the room

• Get the audience to move around at least once per hour

• Always have fun with the audience

• Do not stand in the way of the projector light

• Do not allow your volunteer stay in front of the projector light

Overall, set the presentation up as a win for the speaker as well as the audience. When situations happen, like starting late or dealing with a faulty projector remain calm, flexible and prepared.

In a recent NYT business section, there was a question was brought up about a great candidate (The applicant had the experience, knowledge and qualifications the company needed). However, when the applicant’s resume went to the senior leader involved in the actual hiring, (This person would report to him), it was noted that the resume contained many misspellings.

The senior leader opted not to interview this person but his staff felt the misspellings should not matter. The critical issue became that if this person was careless with spelling mistakes, he might also be careless with project details.

A resume is a reflection of the sender. You only have one chance with a resume, especially with very successful organizations because they have many people desiring to work for them.