Welcome to My 2 Cents

"Stand up straight, stand still, put your hands in your pockets – jiggle change if you have to, and then speak."

Those were the perplexing instructions I received from a senior vice president at a global pharmaceutical company when I was a new manager about to deliver a speech to senior executives. Frankly, I found it challenging to follow his advice because it simply didn't make sense. But you know how it goes when a "superior" gives you instructions – you do it, even if you have reservations.

 It took me several years to truly understand what was wrong with his advice and, more importantly, to grasp the essence of effective communication. In this blog, I want to share my journey and insights into what makes for good, effective communication – the great art of speaking.

 The second part of my blog's title is "sell more," but I prefer to think of selling as inspiring, a concept I learned from my business coach, Suzanne Evans. I came to realize that selling, or rather inspiring, transcends mere financial gains; it involves the gift of connecting through effective communication.

 I firmly believe in using communication as a tool to connect with others and inspire them, whether it's motivating your spouse to take out the trash or persuading someone to buy your product.

 This blog will explore all facets of communication that lead to individual success. Communication is the secret ingredient to success, and that's what we'll delve into here.

 At this point, if you've read this far, you might be wondering who I am. Am I as wise as I claim to be, or am I just an arrogant, self-centered person who thinks they know it all?

 Well, here's the truth:

 I am a certified intellectual, having skipped two grades and earned a Ph.D. While I possessed plenty of academic knowledge, I once felt foolish, inadequate, and left out of opportunities that others seemed to effortlessly access. I became known as the go-to person for information, but I yearned for more. I craved recognition beyond being a walking encyclopedia.

 You see, I grew up in an era of "Just the facts, ma'am," borrowing a line from the old TV show Dragnet. But something felt amiss. I believed there was something wrong with me. So, I persisted, gathering even more information that others requested. Yet, I became increasingly disheartened and stuck.

 What does a certified intelligent person do when faced with such a situation? They study, take courses, and read books. Ask the “experts”! However, these efforts only left me more bewildered; nothing seemed to make sense. When I submitted data for a new licensing deal, why didn't I receive recognition? Instead, I was told that I would never fit in.

 I digress.

 Then it hit me: directly answering questions was not the entire game. Numerous other factors were at play. These factors ranged from understanding who I am and how I come across to considering my audience and our shared goals. This revelation was startling - realizing that communication, or speaking as I prefer to call it, is a two-way street. Both the speaker and the listener are integral participants, and both must be taken into account. This realization marked the beginning of my new quest: identifying the key ingredients in speaking that lead to desired outcomes.

 I invite you to embark on this journey with me. Let's initiate meaningful conversations and explore the nuances of effective communication together. I'll keep sharing my insights along the way. Take what you want – leave the rest behind! And remember what I will be writing is Just My Two Cents!