Do you know that you say “um” a lot…but not how to stop?
Do you wish your voice inspired more confidence?
Want to better handle tricky topics in critical conversations?
Visit here for a media trainer’s quick tips and how-tos on these and other communications questions. We’ll post new ExpressWays regularly.
ExpressWays
Words From the Wise (That's You)
In any setting, good language entices. Present with the right words and listeners pay attention to you, not your verbal choices (or missteps). Wise words help you sound authoritative, upbeat, gracious. Choose well to polish your conversational style and enhance your personal brand.
ExpressWays
Stay Calm, Control Your Jitters
Nervous in a job interview? Client pitch? Presentation? Yay, you’re human. Still, broadcasting terror in your face, voice and body language does not project (or inspire) confidence. Contain, even channel that adrenaline on your journey to greater executive presence. It starts with how you think about your jitters.
ExpressWays
Unclog Your Convos
One of Europe’s top public speaking blogs reached out to Melody for tips on how to Marie Kondo your discourse. When transmitting your brilliant ideas, don’t let nervous “ums” and other speech clutter blur your reception. Spark joy. Yours. Uh…and your listener’s.
ExpressWays
Melody Media Trains Star of Hit Showtime Comedy “ZIWE” On Air
Calling Melody “the bravest media trainer in America,” the notoriously tough host of Showtime’s hot comedy “Ziwe” engages her for an on-air media training. Ziwe, a leading Black comedian whose humor spotlights white microaggression faced by BIPOC people, quickly learns how to succeed in interviews.
Click on the image above to watch the segment
ExpressWays
Cut to the Chase
Want your position to persuade? Start with the message instead of working your way there. It’s like putting a headline on your comments. Make messages credible to ensure listeners catch them in our attention-deficit era.
ExpressWays
Power of a Pause
The best talkers know when less is more. Pauses can help make your comments in any setting sound more interesting, build drama into your delivery, calm jitters and more. Silence is golden.
ExpressWays
Kill the Fillers Like Um and Uh
Fillers are different in the speaking patterns of men and women, young and old. But they’re a universal liability to sounding confident and polished. Learn who uses which filler words, when and why to help you weed them out of your speech.
ExpressWays
The Four A’s of Successful Communication on Look Left Marketing’s Podcast
Authenticity, Assessment, Anticipation and Agenda empower your speaking and writing. This podcast also looks at how to credibly weave diversity, equity and inclusion into corporate messaging – and more.
ExpressWays
Um…You Want to Say “Um” Less Often?
Using a filler word occasionally is only human. But when there are too many “ums” for your listeners to filter out, it’s time to take the “um” out of human.
ExpressWays
Be A Great Podcast Guest
You prepared for your podcast debut. Got a good night’s sleep, scribbled a few notes. You are ready. To be heard but not seen. To boldly go forth to the world without leaving home or even changing out of your sweats. Boost the odds of success with a few easy guidelines.
ExpressWays
Before You Say Yes To Being On A Podcast
They want me! They really want me! After all, as the podcast host said, I am a subject matter expert. People say I’m a good talker. And getting some airtime may boost my business. What could go wrong?
Before you hit Reply to that flattering email, take a few minutes to run the traps.
Elements of Speaking Style:
De-Clutter Your Communications
(Part 2)
Decluttering is a common resolution. But during the lockdown, few will see it. Instead, use this time to declutter your speech patterns! Maybe we say “like” or “so” too much or fall into other habits that diminish our speaking power. Remove the fillers. Crisp up your comments.
Elements of Speaking Style:
Say It Loud, Win the Crowd
(Part 1)
Our voices can speak louder than our words. It’s often not what you say but how you say it that wins hearts and minds. Acoustic properties of speech like pitch, volume and pauses can strengthen a confident delivery. Confidence persuades.
Zoom Your Best: During the Call
(Part 2)
Maybe, like me, you’re wishing you’d bought Zoom stock a year ago. At least there are ways to own the space in your next video call. Who knows, presenting a more confident, capable-sounding and engaged virtual you might help you land the client. Or job. Or date.
Zoom Your Best: Prepare to Succeed
(Part 1)
Lights? Sound? Background check? A little advance prep will set you up for Zoom success.
