This month we're discussing notes and other techniques for when a PPT deck doesn't seem the most appropriate or right fit.

Repeat after me, PPT is not the enemy, but there are other options for you to use like an organized note template, a whiteboard, a flipchart, or some form of brainstorming technique.

If you're not going with a PPT, you have to decide 3 things:

1. What are you going with? Choose your medium.
2. What do I need to share? Create a plan before the meeting itself.
3. Who am I speaking to and how long do I have? Know your audience and timing.

From there, our biggest suggestion is to avoid scripting. You don't want to get stuck dropping your head and reading from your notes. This episode will provide some suggestions for how to organize effectively for this type of setting.

Practicing a new skill is vital. But knowing we should practice and actually taking the step to practice are very different things.

Listen in to hear us discuss these recommended techniques for setting yourself up for success:

1. Do a self-assessment. Understand where you're starting point is.
2. Practice the new skill anywhere and everywhere you can, not just in the setting it needs to be used.
3. Set realistic, manageable goals.
4. Expect an implementation dip (things feeling harder/seeming worse before they feel better) and keep pushing through!
5. Make it fun and give yourself small 'wins' to keep it up.

Putting a successful process in place for practice is just as crucial as following through on the practice itself.

Welcome back to the Speak As Well As You Think Podcast!

To kick off the year, we're discussing feedback. We want everyone to have an effective process in place if they're asked to provide feedback.

A few things we'll discuss are:

1. How might the person want feedback? Have you asked them? Do they prefer an "Oreo cookie sandwich", tough love, positives and negatives together?
2. What framework will you use to organize your thoughts? We don't recommend winging much communication, but especially not when it comes to providing feedback. Organize your thoughts ahead of time clearly and succinctly.
3. How can we decide on a path forward, together? What does the close to our conversation look like and is it collaborative?

Keep in mind, feedback isn't just for when things go south! Offer positive, specific feedback just as often. You'll likely have better outcomes when feedback is critical because you've created a baseline of trust and support.