by Angela Civitella | Jul 20, 2017 | Communication/Meetings
Most people use discussion for their meetings. And it seldom works. Here’s why. 1) No structure Discussion is like conversation in that it is a free-form dialogue without any direction. Each person responds to what the last person said. While this can produce...
by Angela Civitella | Jul 18, 2017 | Communication/Meetings
Not long ago, after consultations with others in an association I represent, I made a partnership pitch to another organization with similar interests. If the idea had been accepted, it would have radically changed our organizations. So, you can imagine my impatience...
by Angela Civitella | Jul 13, 2017 | Communication/Meetings
It’s true. Ducks hold meetings in the park. And they are remarkably similar to business meetings (held in conference rooms, for example). Here’s what happens. 1) No one pays attention to anyone. Every duck is looking in a different direction. Most...
by Angela Civitella | Jul 4, 2017 | Communication/Meetings
The first step in planning an agenda is to identify the goals for the meeting. Properly done, goals have five S M A R T characteristics. They are: > Specific. The goal must tell exactly what will be accomplished. For example: During the next hour we will develop a...
by Angela Civitella | Jun 22, 2017 | Communication/Meetings
Truly memorable disasters don’t just happen. They require a special blend of misunderstanding and misguided effort. Here are three ways to guarantee a disaster in your next presentation, and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Believe in Magic Show up hoping that a...
by Angela Civitella | Jun 8, 2017 | Communication/Meetings
We all have to deal with critical people at times. You know the type – the person who can spot a flaw from across the room, gives unsolicited advice, frequently complains and passes judgment, is negative and seems impossible to please. We can all be critical....
