In a recent nationally televised debate, a participant had what I call brain freeze. Unfortunately, this has damaged his credibility.

Many folks have commented that this is something that happens to everyone and I agree. It has happened to me and many seasoned speakers. When it happens, the key to limiting the damage is moving through it quickly.
 
However, when on big stage, one cannot afford to have brain freeze. Here are some key things you must to do to prevent it:

1. Prepare by reviewing key talking points at least three times.
2. Have note cards with the text written in 16 point font. Highlight critical words in yellow.
3. Repeat the question and then number the points (to give you time to remember the answer).
4. When faced with a potential brain freeze moment, breathe deep and relax. Do this and the moment will pass.

Practice these points and you will not have to worry about brain freeze, just your speech!

In less than two months 2011 will be ending. So, hpw can you end this year with a bang? Look at your list of resolutions that you wanted to accomplish in 2011. Pick one that will provide the most impact and generate feelings of accomplishment. Begin today by setting up a plan. Each week devote attention to this task. Here are some tips to keep you on track:

* Set up a chart you where you can check progress, if not daily, at least weekly.
* Allow 30 minutes a day to review the status of the goal.
* Share your task with a friend who can keep you on track to accomplish your plan.

Accomplishing one item that you started working on at the beginning of the year will help you end 2011 with a bang.

National news anchors and basketball coaches are great role models especially when it comes to the men and their clothing choices.

Great examples are Brian Williams and Diane Sawyer. Granted they have at least three consultants (hair, makeup and wardrobe) but you can become your own consultant by observing these folks a few times a week.

Ask yourself, what are their wardrobe and color choices? For men, observe shirt colors, tie choices and jacket styles. For women, notice the jewelry selections (necklaces and earrings) and styles. Look at the people on national and cable news stations. Once you become observant of their image, it will help you create fresh options which can take your image to the next level.

We can learn so much by watching politicians in the news on what not to do. A classic example in the last few days has been a certain controversy pertaining to a candidate running for president who is ignoring and/or denying his alleged actions regarding a very sensitive issue. The issue is not going away. In fact, it is becoming a daily topic of which is lowering his respect capital. So, learn from this example on what not to do.

Take these three actions and you will be able perform effective damage control.

• Address the issue immediately.
• Craft a statement with input from close advisors.
• Always be consistent with the statement.

If you use these three basic guidelines (and remain calm when dealing with highly sensitive issues), you will be able quiet the surrounding noise.

An October 13th article in the New York Times talks about a recent study where women were shown wearing different amounts of makeup. This study was paid for by Procter & Gamble and Boston University. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was responsible for the design and execution of the study. The results were that respondents considered the women wearing more makeup to be more competent.

Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown Make-up, believes make-up helps build confidence. She feels the right color will create the perfect effect both professionally and personally. However too much make-up, especially in the wrong colors, will do the opposite. I recommend for those who do not like make-up to use the Bobbi Brown method. This means to wear at least a touch of blush and lipstick.

Due to the efficiency of conference calls, more folks are using this method instead of meeting face to face. It is also more challenging for co-presenters hosting the calls. Following are some tips to ensure a conference will be an effective and successful one:

• Prior to the call, the facilitators need to have a meeting of the minds either by phone or e-mail. This is so they can agree on the purpose of the call and decide who will be facilitating the call.
• Two facilitators must agree which one will be introducing the different discussion topics.
• Never interrupt or talk over someone who is speaking.
• Before beginning to speak be sure to confirm the person who just spoke has actually finished.
• If you are using a speaker phone – please begin by stating the rules on using the mute button.
• Never get emotional or raise your voice. If there is a disagreement – be gracious about it.

Following these rules you will always have a productive conference call.

In the chaotic world of both our business and professional lives, it is important to have positive self-thoughts. Like most highly motivated and driven people we tend to be more self-critical rather than self-empathetic. As a good friend and highly respected psychologist suggested, when damaging toxic thoughts begin be kind to yourself and think of something that makes you feel good. It will help you feel better and allow greater enjoyment of life. In the long run positive self-talk will definitely help us be more effective.

Business casual began as a step up from casual work days. It is supposed be a relaxed professional appearance.  That means, for men, it is a shirt and tie without a jacket or in some cases a long sleeved dress shirt instead of a polo shirt. For women it means a collared shirt, dress or a complimentary jacket.  Recently, while waiting for a client in the lobby, I found it somewhat disturbing to see how we are sliding downward instead of moving upward in business casual.
Here are some business casual faux pas:

For women wearing:
• Shirts worn outside with hems that are designed to be tucked in
• Sandals that look suspiciously like flip flops
• Too tight blouses that look very close to tank tops
• Blouses that show more breast that fabric
• Long dangling earrings especially the feather ones

For men wearing:
• Printed shirts with palm trees and birds on them
• Distressed jeans
• Running shoes
• Frayed leather belts
• Baggy sweaters
• Faded collars with dress sleeves

If you are constantly reviewing your business casual dress options you will always look your elegant, professional best.

Different dress codes appear to apply for different generations. Traditionalists and baby boomers will definitely tell you that white is never worn after Labor Day (the exception is in the winter when winter white is acceptable). The Millenniums and Gen Xers say you can wear white after Labor Day if it is still warm. This can be confusing to the those who want to be sure they are following the appropriate fashion codes.

Remember this: First, you cannot go wrong if you are generationally correct. Secondly, white is always acceptable year round in the tropical climates.

Speaker phones are wonderful because you can have more than one person on a call. 

However, we all know that most folks use the speaker phone when speaking on a cell phone because the reception is sometimes dicey. 

It is acceptable to use the speaker phone when you are in secluded spot and no one else is around. It is not acceptable to use the speaker phone when you are having a private conversation with others around you and certainly not in a meeting with others unless they are a part of the conversation.

So, remember the purpose of speaker phone is being able to have more than two people involved in the conversation. Remember this rule and you will always be socially correct.