by Franklin Wordsmith | Mar 28, 2017 | Culture, Persuasion
It happens to us all.We spend a lot of time crafting that compelling message — to be delivered in person or in print — and it gets a ho-hum reaction.Our first instinct is to look around at other people or situations to blame. (It can’t be us, right?...
by Franklin Wordsmith | Mar 21, 2017 | Persuasion
It’s easy to blame the universe. Or bad luck. Or someone who doesn’t like you who’s standing in your way.But I’ve learned the genesis usually is with me, so I need to start there first. A friend (let’s call her Sally) explained that her supervisor’s boss seemed to be...
by Franklin Wordsmith | Dec 30, 2016 | Persuasion
I was working with a CEO on media and speaker training this month. He did two things that we all do—and need to stop, because they turn off the people we want to reach. “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”Research indicates people form an impression...
by Franklin Wordsmith | Oct 11, 2016 | Persuasion
Too many times we treat our websites like a bad relationship. “Something is better than nothing,” we say, and promise ourselves we’ll make them better later. Then we ignore them. And we’re shocked that they’re saying bad things about us behind our backs to everyone...
by Franklin Wordsmith | Sep 15, 2016 | Culture, Persuasion
Maybe you’re like me. You’d rather do it yourself – in part, because you don’t want to ask for something and be turned down. Or owe someone something. Or a million and one other rationalizations for avoiding something that frightens you. But you’re also smart enough...
by Franklin Wordsmith | Aug 9, 2016 | Culture, Persuasion
I can think my case for why a client should change a speech to make it more interesting to his audience makes this a no-brainer. But sometimes he still won’t do it.Before we start mumbling about clients having all of the money and none of the sense, it’s time to look...
