How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid

June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions(not political), but something that has a broad based
have been made and most are already broken. It'sappeal. Look for a topic that will elicit a response. Just
time to take a hard look at where you are going in 05pull a few ideas from recent news: spelling bee winner,
and beyond. One of the most important things you canfinal episodes (TV). Get the picture?First impressions
do for yourself is to update all your personalcount! Have you heard someone speak that you
credentials including your bio & your resume.Have youthought was a total dork? What turned you off? Did
done your spring cleaning (professional) yet? Do youthey look slovenly or unkempt? Were they dressed
have solid career plans for the balance of 05? Whyappropriately? Did they
are you waiting to get started improving yoursound incoherent with poor speech patterns?
career?Ask yourself these questions:How dated is theAppearance is one benchmark that will immediately
material that you have been using to present your skilldetermine how receptive the listener is to what you
sets? Is the language professional? Are you usinghave to say. Do you have colleagues and associates
current, contemporary lingo in your materials? Whenthat either turns you off or on when they speak? Pay
was the last time you spent time assessing yourattention to their style of speaking and mannerisms.
personal portfolio? I know it's hard to think about thoseWhat attributes do you like? Are they funny? Humor
aspects of your career, but believe me its time wellalways has a way of breaking the ice or diffusing an
spent.Look at your resume, does it seem "dated." Theuncomfortable moment.If, in a chance meeting, you run
resume today is nothing like those of the past. So if it'sinto someone you consider to be important, do you
not current, it will immediately present a negativesound like a bumbling fool? It's easy to prepare
connotation about your "contemporary-ness"Have youyourself to put your best foot forward. All it takes is
ever seen a celebrity on TV who sounds illiterate?practice. If you are not sure how professional you will
They are stars, so people over look how dumb theyseem, practice now. Find a friend or colleague and
appear to be. That is not going to work for you. Youengage in dialogue. Don't talk to them about work, but
will be evaluated by both your verbal and written skills.in general conversation ask them to critique what you
Can you put together a coherent sentence withoutsaid. Were you interesting? Were you engaging? Did
using the word LIKE? If not, you better begin toyou talk too long or sound boring? Did they want to
practice your pitch. Start with a written a paragraphkeep the conversation going? Establish a comfort level
about what you have accomplished, what do youwith your words and speaking style. Adapt it to what
have to offer. Write it down and then read it over andyou are like and don't imitate anyone. Create you own
over. Does it make sense? Does it grab yourunique personal speaking style.JoAnn Hines' specialty is
attention? Does it compel people to ask more?If not,PACKAGING PEOPLE. Whether you want to be paid
try different version, substitute words, refine and honemore, you just lost your job, or you want to progress in
down your core message so you sound credible andthe one you have, Ms. Hines advice and expertise can
believable. Action words are really important you wanthelp you transform your personal brand. She can
to convey an image. If you need help, get a thesaurusshow you how to package yourself and make your
and look for synonyms of the words you plan to usebrand a hot commodity. It's easy once you know the
in your pitch.ropes and begin to utilize her insider's secrets. She
Tip: If you never use big or unusual words, don't startshows you step by step how to increase your visibility,
now.Are you good at small talk? This is a great waycredibility and marketability with easy to use tutorials
to open a dialogue or keep one going. The bestand templates.It is time to get started "Packaging
method for small talk is to find something in the newsYourself.