“Ask me anything you want to ask me, and I’ll tell you what I want you to hear!” Dolly Parton
Dolly said it best, and did it best.
While it sounds like a witty quip, it’s a masterclass in strategic communication.
To get heard above the noise and command the room, incorporate these three strategies during your next presentation or Q&A opportunity ➡
🎤 The Pivot: If a sensitive question catches you off guard, acknowledge the question briefly and pivot back to your core objectives. Know your boundaries and what message(s) you want to present.
Did we ever know anything about Dolly’s personal life or her family?
🎤 The Strategic Smile: Deliver heavy messages with grace. A strategic smile requires a warm facial expression, not an all-out wide grin. Your warmth will defuse room tension and you’ll maintain control over the narrative.
Dolly exuded this strategic smile at all times, no matter what.
🎤 The Headline First: Lead with your primary message. In short, punchy sentences, give the audience your most critical information immediately before diving into supporting data. If you don’t define the takeaway, your audience will invent their own. They will fill in the space.
Ok, you’re not Dolly. But you are the author of your organization’s story.
The next time you face a tough town hall or a high-pressure board meeting, channel your inner Dolly.
Command the room.
Know what you can and cannot say.
Anticipate difficult questions.
Stay authentic.
Thank you to Ann Zimmerman Gallant, former Wall Street Journal journalist, for this blog idea.
My fabulous trainer, Shay, took this pic. I promise I did the (almost) 2-min plank first thing this morning. 💪🏼
My dear friend, Marvin Blum, J.D., C.P.A., shared in his weekly newsletter that he rolls out of bed every day and does a 2-min plank … for 20 years!
Who knew? (And I’ve known him since college!)
My competitive spirit got engaged, and I said, “I can do this. It’s a great way to work on my core and muscle strength.”
The next morning I rolled out of bed, got in the plank position, and started counting.
Spoiler Alert: I did not make it to 120.
What’s the correlation between the habit of doing a daily 2-min plank and communicating with power and presence?
I work with leaders on how to get heard above the noise.
💪🏼 The Plank Habit ➡
Shows perseverance, uses good breath work, enhances your posture, adds to your strength, and builds energy.
🎤 Great Speaker Habits ➡
Perseverance – Great speakers were bad speakers at first.
Breath Work – Great speakers manage nerves by doing some breath work ahead of show time. Ex: breathing in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and release using 4 seconds.
Posture – Great speakers exude executive presence by having good posture.
Strength – Great speakers subliminally model a strong mental and physical authority.
Energy – Great speakers are energetic, verbally and nonverbally.
Well, how are my daily 2-min planks going?
Still not easy and two minutes feels like 2 years, but I’m getting better!
It’s a new year. What health habits do you do?(Hint: whatever you’re doing helps you in other areas of your life, like the way you communicate.)
Effective communication is the lifeblood of your personal and professional relationships. Use these three concepts to access your communication super powers.
🎈 PRAISE
Praise with more intention by acknowledging the strengths of others. Genuine praise creates a positive environment.
➡ Example: Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, often publicly praises his team’s achievements, which fosters a culture of recognition and high performance. During a pivotal project launch, he once praised the engineering team for their innovative solutions during a challenging deadline. By celebrating their hard work, he boosted team morale and inspired further creativity and collaboration.
❓ ASK
Ask more questions. You’ll invite diverse perspectives and create opportunities for growth. Plus you’ll talk less and learn more!
➡ Example: Consider the approach of Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo. Known for her open-door policy, she actively encouraged employees to share ideas and concerns. In a town hall meeting, she once noticed a team member hesitating to speak up. Rather than moving on, she stopped and asked for more info. This small act demonstrated her commitment to inclusivity that led to valuable feedback.
🦻🏼 LISTEN
Listen, actively.
➡ Example: Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, was renowned for his ability to listen to employees. During a company-wide meeting, he actively sought input from baristas about improving customer service. He listened to their firsthand experiences, gaining insights that influenced corporate strategy. By prioritizing listening he made employees feel valued and fostered a culture of trust and collaboration.
Be a super communicator by being your own best “PAL”.
P = Praise
A = Ask
L = Listen
Photo: taken by KCR walking around the courtyard behind Snooze and where she gets manicures 🙂
Picture this scenario: You’re in a high-stakes board meeting, the tension increases as your team discusses a major project. Suddenly, Sarah, your usually reserved colleague, speaks up.
With a measured tone, she shares her insights, easing the anxiety in the room. Everyone leans in. How does she do it?
Our calm and fabulous guide when we finally arrived at the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Here are five subtle habits of calm speakers.
🎤 Purposeful Protocol: Is there one perfect protocol to being a calm speaker? No! The trick is to define what your protocol is to create a predictable and successful speaking situation. Some of my client protocols include: 1) drinking no alcohol at the steak dinner and getting a good night of sleep prior to that critical panel or meeting, 2) arriving at the venue early (a must in my book!), 3) preparing.
Could be great inner dialogue
🎤 Inner Dialogue: The calmest speakers have a positive inner dialogue. I’ve counseled many to say, “I’m excited” vs “I’m nervous”. Same energy with a vast reframe.
🎤 Keen Observer: Calm speakers possess the ability to read the room. By observing body language and facial expressions, they tailor their messages to resonate.
🎤 Abundance Mindset: Calm speakers approach discussions with an abundance mindset. They believe there’s enough space for everyone’s ideas and contributions. This openness fosters collaboration, making the environment feel supportive rather than competitive. Sharing the stage doesn’t diminish your value!
🎤 Authenticity: Finally, the calmest speakers are themselves—quirks and all! They embrace vulnerability and share personal stories that resonate. Authenticity is magnetic; it draws people in and fosters connection.
By cultivating these habits, you’ll not only calm your nerves but also inspire those around you. So, the next time you find yourself speaking in front of an audience, channel your inner Sarah—calm, confident, and clear.
Happy speaking!
Photos: I took these photos in the Sahara Desert, Morocco and Barcelona, Spain
Recently, I attended a pivotal meeting at a crazy busy uptown restaurant. The energy was high, but as soon as we sat down, the challenges became clear. Between other table conversations, clattering dishes, and seating arrangement, no one could hear anything!
Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right table and seat location to ensure your voice is heard over the noise.
Tips for Choosing the Right Table ➜
NOTE: arrive early so you have these following options.
Select a Secluded Spot:
➤ Opt for booths or corner tables that minimize distractions.
Consider Seating Arrangements:
➤ For a group of 6 to 8, choose a circular table for a more inclusive atmosphere, promoting open dialogue. No one is at the head of the table.
➤ For a party of 2, choose a square table and sit at a right angle (NOT across from each other). You’ll be closer together which will combat the noise factor and increase a sense of privacy amongst the restaurant din.
Mind the Lighting:
➤ Look for tables that provide adequate lighting, allowing for better visibility of expressions and gestures, which enhances engagement.
Avoid High-Traffic Areas:
➤ Steer clear of tables near the kitchen or restrooms to prevent interruptions.
Request a Quieter Time:
➤ When making your reservation, ask for a less busy time. Most restaurants will appreciate the consideration and try to accommodate.
Think “The Godfather” movies:
➤ Sit with your back against the wall where you can see the whole room. That’s the Power Place. Marlon Brando, Al Pacino etc. always sat in that spot. No one could shoot them from behind!
I’m in the “little things mean a lot” business.
By taking these factors into account, you can create a conducive environment for collaboration and ensure that your critical discussions are not lost in the noise. Your voice counts and your ideas deserve to be heard.
PS: These tips apply to all of your various times you dine out. That said, I thank my husband, family and friends for your patience. I’m picky! A great location & where you sit in the restaurant make all the difference.
PS PS: Thanks to Judy for the clever title and for moving to a different table the other day!
Last week while walking around St. James’s Park in London I saw this statuesque grey heron standing tall and looking directly at me. No eye dart, no fidgeting, no swaying. I told my sister Nina, “Now THAT is executive presence!”
It reminded me of what a senior VP client once told me, “In that meeting, I didn’t even have to speak much—everyone just looked to me for direction.”
From the grey heron to the SVP
It’s not about talking more. It’s about how you show up—especially before you say a word.
Here are the Top 4 Nonverbal Cues that define credible, composed leadership:
Steady Eye Contact – Confidence starts with your gaze. Hold it naturally (3–5 seconds) to connect, not dominate.
Commanding Posture – Stand or sit tall, shoulders open. Your stance silently says, “I’ve got this.” Note: Good posture used to be commonplace. Not anymore. We are so screwed! We are all now scrunching over tiny to large screens, walking and sitting hunched over. Beware.
Purposeful Gestures – Use your hands to emphasize meaning, not manage nerves. Keep your gestures intentional—that’s where presence lives.
Composed Facial Expression – A calm, focused face shows emotional steadiness—one of the rarest executive traits.
In moments of uncertainty, people don’t just listen to what you say—they watch how you lead.
Your nonverbal cues are your leadership signature.
Emulate that grey heron!
photos taken by Karen Cortell Reisman while walking around St. James’s Park near Buckingham Palace
🎤 The Pivot: If a sensitive question catches you off guard, acknowledge the question briefly and pivot back to your core objectives. Know your boundaries and what message(s) you want to present.
🎤 The Pivot: If a sensitive question catches you off guard, acknowledge the question briefly and pivot back to your core objectives. Know your boundaries and what message(s) you want to present.
