Jody White, Speaking Directly

Be on time (or be early). Don’t make people wait on you for a meeting or social activity. Be there 15 minutes early and be ready. If it means you need to drive to a location the ‘day before’ to get your bearings, then do it. Show respect of other people’s time. Dress for Success – If you don’t think the way you dress makes a difference; think again! People may not tell you it makes an impact; but it does. If you are unsure of the ‘attire’ for a meeting or activity; ask or just ‘dress up’ to be sure. Confidence Makes a Difference. – A confident person is an asset. Keep your EGO in check; you’ll have more meaningful relationships that are beneficial to you and others. Be Happy. Sometimes it is tough to be happy but it is the BEST way to keep your mental health in check. Making yourself SMILE really does make you feel better; try it! Keep your word. If you make a promise to someone; KEEP IT! If you cannot follow through; tell them why. They will appreciate your hones...

CAP-SOT) Annual Seminar On Saturday, January 25, 2014, I presented a 90-minute presentation to the Certified Administrative Professional Society of Texas (CAP-SOT) Annual Seminar in Houston, Texas. It was a group of 50 very talented and energetic women! My presentation focused on delivering your information or "message" to any group of people, such as a huge audience, a small group or one person. Below are the highlights from the presentation: Woodlands Area Chapter members: Donna Jenkins, CAP-OM ,Marina Valenzuela, CAP and Cindy Strawn, CAP-OM. What is a Message? It is the most important part of a  speech or presentation that you want others to remember. You don’t give formal speeches?   Everyday interactions are “mini” speeches Target Your Message Show interest in others to Pave your Way Deliver Your Message Effectively Be confident to Succeed Enhance your skills to Create Opportunities What you get in return Makes You B...

This is a great video from Taylor Mali who tells it like it is! Don't hem and haw; say it with meaning and conviction! http://www.wimp.com/speakconviction/

Did you know that looking at someone while they are speaking and truly "listening" to them is one of the highest forms of respect? Have you ever been talking with someone and they keep looking around the room as if they are waiting for someone to walk in? Or, they keep looking at their cell phone waiting for a phone call or text while you are talking to them about something important to you? I don't get it! Are they waiting on someone or something "better" to come along? I see it all the time in restaurants, meetings and coffee houses - everywhere! Making sure that you stay focused and engaged in a conversation is critical to a healthy and respectful relationship. The old "uh huh" just doesn't work and certainly doesn't lend itself to a positive situation. I've given many speeches at different functions and see people in the audience on their phones or looking out the window. If you are not interested, then leave the ...

You may not realize that the way you shake hands can affect your personal effectiveness. A weak handshake can make you appear less confident and unsure of yourself, especially in a job interview. I shake a lot of hands in my job and in Toastmasters and the first thing that impresses me is how they deliver that "all important" handshake. Be the first to extend your hand to people to anyone you meet and look them in the eye and smile warmly and sincerely; this shows interest and a positive attitude. Gently but firmly grip their hand, give two shakes then release; it's that easy AND important! When I get a 'weak' handshake, honestly -- it feels like a dead fish -- and doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Practice on a friend, ask them how your handshake feels to them-- I bet they will tell you the truth! A great handshake can leave a great "first impression" and it's important to feel confident meeting new people.  

You, me and everyone else has our own unique style of leadership. It's important, however, to lead by example of what you expect of your team members. For me, it involves: A - Apply the leadership skills that you have learned but be open to improving yourself.  Remember how you want to be treated by others.  Trust and respect are critical to be part of a successful team. B - Be there for your team; no matter what happens. Support them in their efforts to be creative and educate them on how to process certain aspects of their postion. C - Count on them to do their job; however, allow them to learn from their mistakes and improve.  Be sincere and trustworthy if you want them to be the same. “ A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. ”   Lao Tzu

              Had a wonderful time speaking to the IAAP West Houston Chapter members about Leadership.  The title of my presentation was Leadership Empowers and it was a two-hour workshop with two fun activities involving leadership and teamwork and it was fantastic! Testimonial: "Just wanted to say thank you again for such a great presentation on Saturday morning. You were well prepared, shared great information and created a great learning environment. Your abilities to facilitate such an atmosphere was appreciated. I enjoyed every aspect of your presentation." Lenda J.