communication

Silent Signals: Mastering Non-Verbal Communication

February 7, 2024 by Kathryn Janicek

At least 80% of your communication comes from non-verbals.

At least 80% of what you say is not even what you say.

You can prepare, and prepare, and prepare what you physically are going to say with the actual words that are coming out of your mouth, but we constantly are communicating through how we walk into a room, what we wear, whether our shoes are beaten up or if we look exhausted or disheveled.

I had a C-suite executive at a big software company hire me to help his team. He asked me to take a good look at what his team was wearing because he knew his sales team and demo people needed to make a really good first impression with their customers.

He knew he needed his team to evoke more trust in the brand and the message their body language and even clothing were subconsciously sending their future customers.

When I met with them, I found many of the team didn’t tailor their pants, something really basic.
Their pants were just too long. They didn’t land nicely where they were supposed to. They just kind of gathered in folds and creases over their shoes.

What was the message they were sending future customers? They were sloppy, the company was sloppy, the brand was sloppy, and they didn’t think about the little things.

They are not detail-oriented.

When we don’t take care of ourselves, it makes people think we can’t take care of someone else.

When you go into the store and get a new pair of jeans or a great pair of slacks, take that extra step to make sure they’re tailored. It doesn’t really cost you that much, but boy, could it do some major things for your career.

If you can’t take care of yourself, then subconsciously, people will think you can’t take care of their brand or the 20 thousand or million-dollar contract you’re trying to land with them.

Don’t just think, “Well, I’m just the guy doing the demo on the webinar – nobody cares what I’m wearing,” because …

They. Do. Care.

Mastering first impressions: the power of your LinkedIn profile picture

January 2, 2024 by Kathryn Janicek

In today’s digital age, first impressions aren’t just made face-to-face. They happen online, too. With platforms like LinkedIn becoming integral to professional networking, putting your best foot forward virtually is crucial. One of the first things people notice on your LinkedIn profile is your picture, making it a vital component of your online and executive presence. This is why we often shoot new headshots for leaders when we start working with them. Here’s why it matters and how you can make it work in your favor.

The Power of First Impressions

When meeting someone for the first time, you shouldn’t present yourself in a way that makes you appear small or weak. The same principle applies to your LinkedIn profile picture. Research shows that individuals judge others within seconds of seeing their photo, forming immediate perceptions. This snap judgment can influence whether someone connects with you, engages in a professional discussion, or considers you for a job opportunity.

The Impact of Composition

The composition of your profile picture plays a vital role in how you’re perceived. Leaving extra room at the top of your photo can diminish your presence, potentially sending the wrong message about your confidence and authority. Instead, opt for a headshot where your face is front and center, taking up a significant portion of the frame. This simple adjustment can instantly convey a more commanding and self-assured image.

Capturing Confidence

A head-on composition emphasizes your face and radiates confidence. When viewers see you occupying the frame, it suggests you’re self-assured and ready to take on challenges. This subliminal message can significantly enhance your online credibility and attractiveness to potential connections and employers.

Your LinkedIn profile picture is more than just an image; it reflects your professional identity. By adopting a head-on composition, you project confidence and strength, setting a positive tone for your online interactions. Take the time to ensure your profile picture represents you in the best possible light, and watch as it opens doors to new opportunities and connections in the professional world.

Remember, in the digital realm, a picture truly is worth a thousand words.

Behind-The-Scenes Public Speaking Training for a TEDx Talk with Dr. Katherine Helm

August 4, 2022 by Kathryn Janicek

We all could be more successful in our relationships.

Dr. Katherine Helm is a professor of psychology and a practicing psychologist. She has authored several publications about couples’ issues.

Dr. Helm reached out to me for coaching before her TEDx Talk on how to revolutionize your relationship.

She agreed to let you watch along.

It’s fitting, because she’s a professor, that even in a moment she was being taught, she is teaching – because you can learn from this!

Here is a peek inside our public speaking coaching session.

We talk about facial expressions, why it’s important to get vulnerable, attributions, storytelling, how to make sure the audience doesn’t get lost, and more.

I learned a lot from Dr. Helm – and I know you will too.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

✔️ Have a natural performance quality. Facial expressions can get lost and forced, especially when you’ve practiced the same piece repeatedly. Be conscious as you speak to naturally convey the emotion when needed.

✔️ Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Being on stage is a golden opportunity for you to show your authentic self. Share the most intimate (and necessary) details of your story to create a lasting impact.

✔️ Present real-world examples. Bring the audience closer to your story before they can say, “I can’t relate.” This helps them connect your message to their experiences and deeply understand the core of your speech.

✔️ Assume your audience knows nothing. When mentioning celebrities or prominent figures, give a title or a description so they won’t feel out of the loop. Present all the important facts of your story along with the emotions your past self would have felt. Act as if your audience is your therapist.

P.S. Want more tips? Be sure to sign up for my LinkedIn newsletter where you’ll get exclusive tips on strengthening your mindset to become a better communicator. Click here to subscribe to Thought Leaders Amplified on LinkedIn.

P.P.S. I created a training program for healthcare professionals who need to discover their message and story, deliver it clearly, succinctly, and confidently, and present in a way that intrigues, entertains and keeps the audience’s attention. Share it with your friends in healthcare. Check it out even if you’re not in healthcare. The tips and tricks are universal. Click here to learn more.

P.P.P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are a few more ways I can help you build your brand, own your voice, and stand out:

Need actionable strategies to be a more trusted, authentic, confident, and inspiring thought leader? I just launched a podcast called Thought Leaders Amplified – you can listen to it here.
Want more tactical advice you can implement today? Check out my blog here for great articles, stories, and lessons I’ve shared over the years.
Looking for one-on-one coaching or a consultation with me? Schedule a complimentary call here to speak to our team about how we can help you.
Follow me on Instagram here for more media and public speaking tips, videos… and a little fun.

Secrets of success from a prisoner of war with Major General John Borling

July 14, 2022 by Kathryn Janicek

I’m often flown in to train executives on how to reach people internally and externally better. I teach them how to make deeper connections so they can be more successful.

Sometimes I’m asked if being vulnerable on stage, in the media, or with the people you lead makes you look weak.

I answer: you can’t get people to follow you unless they feel you.

They need to feel your mission, understand it, and know why you’re so hell-bent on accomplishing the goal.

I want to use a real tough guy example to prove my point.

Major General John Borling is one of the strongest men I know.

He was a fighter pilot with the U.S. Air Force and a prisoner of war during Vietnam. He was Senator John McCain’s “roommate” while they were held captive.

He’s now a chairman of a biotech company, a national public speaker, and writes a weekly column.

He knows how important it is to be vulnerable to be an effective leader.

I decided to interview him so I could share this with you.

Major General Borling also shared his advice on dealing with trauma, wrestling with sadness, regret, anger, and loneliness — and succeeding.

He also describes the importance of leaning on others and how he did that to survive 6 ½ years as a prisoner of war, why it’s important to shine a light on your mistakes right away, and knowing when to fight. Great advice from this retired fighter pilot!

You’re going to learn a lot from this conversation. I did.

Here’s Major General John Borling – Secrets of Success From a Prisoner of War.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

✔️ Just keep marching. Thoreau said, “The mass of man leads lives of quiet desperation. Confirmed desperation is resignation.” John Borling advises to never resign and continue progressing.

✔️ Lean on others. How did John Borling survive 6 ½ years in a Hanoi prison? Talking with others – even between walls. He opened himself up to his fellow inmates’ skills and personalities and learned French in the process.

✔️ Know when to fight. Leaders must accept that they’re also imperfect. That means rest is crucial to avoid burnout. “When the struggle times come, that’s when you do it. You have to get all the altitude you can,” John Borling says.

✔️ Serve beyond yourself. Self-improvement can be for the greater good. But the true meaning of life comes from committing to helping others.

✔️ Look back, but don’t stare. It’s perfectly okay to remember your past traumas and failures. As you wrestle with the sadness, regret, anger, and loneliness, fight as much as you can to move forward.

✔️ Shine a light on your mistakes right away. It’s all part of being human. Pushing it aside will only make it worse. Showing that level of vulnerability propels your credibility as a thought leader.

P.P.P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are a few more ways I can help you build your brand, own your voice, and stand out:

Need actionable strategies to be a more trusted, authentic, confident, and inspiring thought leader? I just launched a podcast called Thought Leaders Amplified – you can listen to it here.
Want more tactical advice you can implement today? Check out my blog here for great articles, stories, and lessons I’ve shared over the years.
Looking for one-on-one coaching or a consultation with me? Schedule a complimentary call here to speak to our team about how we can help you.
Follow me on Instagram here for more media and public speaking tips, videos… and a little fun.

How to stop using these 10 filler words when public speaking

May 13, 2022 by Kathryn Janicek

Do you have a problem with those pesky words that come flying out of your mouth when you can’t think of anything else to say?

They’re filler words or crutch words. The “uh’s” and the “like’s” that buy us a few seconds of thinking time when our mouths try to keep up with our brains or vice versa.

Stopping this habit can be a challenge. But don’t fret. I’m here to share my advice on eliminating filler words for good, which will boost your confidence and credibility.

You can learn more in this video: How to stop using these 10 filler words when public speaking. ▶️

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

✔️ Amplify your voice. Filler words can muffle your message. No matter how passionate you are or how meaningful your mission is, just a few “ums” can diminish your credibility. You’re a confident and eloquent thought leader with a purpose to share, so make your voice and word choice clear.

✔️ Know your piece inside out. The best way to kill filler words once and for all? Preparation. Lots of it. You should know the steps like the back of your hand. Familiarize yourself with your mission and plan exactly how each part of your talk should play out.

✔️ Less confidence causes filler words. Butterflies in your stomach, stage fright, or getting jittery — that’s all quite normal before giving a speech. Allowing nervousness to consume us can lead to poor word choices, such as over splicing our sentences with “like.”

✔️ Get enough sleep. Cliché as it sounds, a healthy 7-8 hours of sleep can increase your reaction time. It also enhances your brain’s ability to fire up with ideas and transmit them to your mouth.

✔️ Lay off the alcohol and sugar. I’ve got nothing against alcohol and sugar, but I’ll never take them before a big speaking gig. These two bad boys cause inflammation and create brain fog. An unclear mental state reduces your speed and sharpness in forming cohesive sentences.

✔️ Keep your mouth closed. If you don’t have anything good to say, zip it — especially if they’re filler words. Get in the habit of taking silent pauses when emphasizing a point or buying thinking time. Those few seconds of dead air would be less distracting than throwing out an “um.”

You’re a confident and eloquent thought leader. Your voice and word choice should be clear and confident.

The world needs your voice.

P.P.P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are a few more ways I can help you build your brand, own your voice, and stand out:

Need actionable strategies to be a more trusted, authentic, confident, and inspiring thought leader? I just launched a podcast called Thought Leaders Amplified – you can listen to it here.
Want more tactical advice you can implement today? Check out my blog here for great articles, stories, and lessons I’ve shared over the years.
Looking for one-on-one coaching or a consultation with me? Schedule a complimentary call here to speak to our team about how we can help you.
Follow me on Instagram here for more media and public speaking tips, videos… and a little fun.

Email or text isn’t enough. A mindset switch to instantly win more customers

May 10, 2022 by Kathryn Janicek

My daughter turned three recently.

I spent a couple of weeks brainstorming. I called my contacts to find the perfect gluten-free cake that would also be over the top beautiful, hunted down the best “mermaid rainbow” decorations I could find at a local stationery shop, and built a menu for the weekend. While working almost 10 hours a day.

And someone identified exactly what was going on in my life that week and acted upon it.

That someone also wants to do more business with me.

Actually, it was two women who saw it. Two business owners I have worked with recently took action. And after they did, I sent them more business and will send them a lot more.

Here’s what they did to win my loyalty and my business

With these seemingly simple actions, I felt taken care of and that they understood me.

They listened to me. The fact that I was planning my daughter’s birthday came up in a call that week. They heard it and took note.
On the day of the birthday, they sent me the most beautiful flowers from a local florist, and with it, the most elegant note. The flowers were not for my daughter. They were for me.
They knew where my mind was at that moment and they reached me. They were implanted in my mind that day — and will be forever now.

When you target your messaging, whether it’s on stage, in a video, on social media, in a media interview, or in a gift – you can win a lifetime client, customer, patient, donor – whatever your goal is.

Incredible things happen when you communicate genuinely

If you genuinely know how to see your customers, talk to them, support them… this is true communication. This is success. This is relationship building. This is lifelong success.

These two business owners celebrated me by sending me unique flowers and very personal note: “… we wanted to celebrate you for being an inspiration in every way as an entrepreneur and a mom. The world is brighter because of you.”

With that, they won my business. They won my clients business forever. They won my trust.

They showed me they not only see me, but they can see my clients because they have the grace and the wisdom to know what people are going through at any given time.

Something to think about this week before you write an email, make a phone call, write a social media post, or create an online presentation or speech.

Or find a creative way to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers of all kinds in your life.

If we can see each other and communicate that – we can make a more significant impact.

We build stronger connections. Build bigger brands. Attract more clients, patients, donors, and employees.

And for my fellow moms waking up at 5 (or earlier) trying to get some personal time before spending the day running a company, managing employees, and making sure you’re present and calm (let’s do our best) with your children each day:

Happy Mother’s Day.

P.P.P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are three more ways I can help you build your brand, own your voice, and stand out:

Want more tactical advice you can implement today? Check out my blog here for great articles, stories, and lessons I’ve shared over the years.
Looking for one-on-one coaching or a consultation with me? Schedule a complimentary call here to speak to our team about how we can help you.
Follow me on Instagram here for more media and public speaking tips, videos… and a little fun.

Your reaction is your reputation: How to keep your cool when the heat is on

April 12, 2022 by Kathryn Janicek

I was at a dinner party recently with eight other Chicago women. My lawyer hosted it.

When one woman arrived (also a lawyer), she had a Starbucks in her hand and joked, “Who walks into a dinner party with her own coffee?” More on her in a second.

Last week, my toddler had a meltdown in Costco when I wouldn’t let her out of the shopping cart to walk around. I knew I couldn’t let her out to reward her behavior, but she got louder and louder. My husband and I quickly looked at each other, and quite honestly, I gave him the “I’m going to explode” look. And then, my daughter gave me a look that said, “What are you going to do now?” I was embarrassed but more frustrated at her lack of awareness that the store was packed and walking around was not the best option (I know, she’s three.). I took a deep breath. I need her to see healthy ways to handle stressful situations. I want to give her better coping mechanisms and stress management tools than I learned as a child.

I know how I react during stress is how my daughter will perceive me and, in her case, what she’ll copy.

Now back to my lawyer friend who walked into our dinner party with a Starbucks coffee. Two hours later, after the chef presented our main course, my friend mentioned quietly to the two women directly next to her at the table that she was jumping a man’s car before coming over and didn’t have time to shower, do makeup, etc. It only came up because we talked about how we could all make a more significant impact and show our kids how to help our community.

She didn’t walk into the party apologizing for her lack of makeup. She most definitely could have. She just arrived. Calm. With her coffee. It was only later that we heard there was an issue.

What a difference it would have made if she had rushed in dramatically, telling us the story and apologizing to the other women there.

Your reaction is your reputation.

Your reputation with your team, boss, friends, and your family.

Who’s watching you?

What will they remember about you during moments of stress?

People will remember you for who you are in moments of extreme stress. That’s why we have to own that our reaction is our reputation.

How do we prevent a big blow-up and keep our cool?

Take a deep breath through your nose. Make the exhale longer. Use downregulation breathing.
Take time to work out each day. Just MOVE your body.
Put yourself in their shoes; ask yourself why are they coming at you? What might be happening for them that you don’t know? Find your common ground.
Write your thoughts down to get them off your chest, then step away and give it 12 hours. If you think it still should be written, then send it.

We are judged in split seconds.

We can’t control that, but we can control how we show up in those moments.

What is your reputation?

Your team needs you to be a leader. But to be there for them, you must take care of yourself first. I’ll be back next week with more ways you can communicate with power no matter the situation.

P.P.P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are three more ways I can help you build your brand, own your voice, and stand out:

Want more tactical advice you can implement today? Check out my blog here for great articles, stories, and lessons I’ve shared over the years.
Looking for one-on-one coaching or a consultation with me? Schedule a complimentary call here to speak to our team about how we can help you.
Follow me on Instagram here for more media and public speaking tips, videos… and a little fun.

Speaking to a group? 5 questions to empower yourself and be less nervous

March 15, 2022 by Kathryn Janicek

Whenever we’re speaking — whether it’s to our internal teams, to clients, during an online webinar, at an event, or in the media — developing a solid mindset is critical to presenting powerfully and memorably.

But that needs to happen before we even step into the room, be it virtual or in real life. And it’s on you to make it happen.

Often, I see speakers act passively as soon as someone invites them to speak. Maybe they’re struggling with imposter syndrome. Perhaps they don’t want to be perceived as a diva or high maintenance. Or they don’t know they have the right to ask questions to prepare them for the event.

If you’re about to speak and do not have all the information about your audience or the event itself – you’ll be more nervous, and the audience won’t get the total value of what you can give. That’s a waste of your time.

Why mindset is essential to being prepared to speak

We cannot create a presentation in a vacuum. It doesn’t make a powerful lesson for the audience – and it makes us more nervous. You can command the room before the room even exists. And how do you do that? By asking these 5 questions of the session organizers.

Who is the audience? Mainly female? Male? Doctors? Customers? Vendors? What is their level of understanding? Should you explain certain concepts? The audience information helps you reach them more effectively. You’ll be more memorable and more likely to accomplish the mission of your talk if you speak to your specific audience.

How many have confirmed so far? This is particularly helpful when presenting a live webinar. Are you talking to dozens? Hundreds? Will this be recorded and sent around to thousands? This is important to know so you can avoid sounding dated when the majority of the audience is listening. For example: you may want to avoid saying, “Good morning!” if the majority of the audience watches later.

Will we have a handheld or lav mic? If you’re speaking on stage, you’ll want to practice your body language. Knowing if you’ll be holding a mic or if one will be attached to you is important. It’s also helpful when making wardrobe decisions. There are outfits that make it more difficult to attach a lavalier mic. If you get there and have to make a last-minute clothing change, that can mess with your mindset minutes before jumping on stage. Ask the question before you get there.

Are we sitting? What kind of chairs do you expect on stage? Barstools can be a speaker’s worst enemy. How will you sit? Will you stand and lean? If you’re wearing a dress or skirt that’s shorter… a barstool is going to make you feel pretty uncomfortable. Know before you go so you can alter your wardrobe. You can even ask to change to regular chairs. You’re not a diva. You’re empowered to make you and your fellow presenters more effective.

Is there makeup? Or are we doing our own? You’ll need at least a little powder so you’re not shiny on stage. I was on a big stage a few days ago training executives before their annual meeting. Some had makeup, others didn’t. You could tell. Those without powder looked nervous. Know beforehand if you’ll need to take care of this yourself.

Why mindset is only part of the solution

If you have all the information before speaking, you will create a more valuable presentation for the audience – because you’ll know who the audience is! Plus, you’ll feel much more comfortable about your content.

I hope this helps you become more empowered to ask the right questions, so you show up with more focus, clarity, and energy.

But that’s only half the battle when it comes to amplifying your thought leadership. We also need to talk about the specific tactics to keep your audience and make sure they remember your messages. I address that in my weekly newsletter focused exclusively on public speaking and media interview tips. To get the next issue in your inbox, subscribe here.

These are challenging times. Your team needs you to be a leader now. But, to be there for them, you must take care of yourself first. I’ll be back next week with more tips for strengthening your mindset so you can communicate with power no matter the situation.

P.P.S. I created a training for health care professionals who need to discover their message and story, deliver it clearly, succinctly, and confidently, and present in a way that intrigues, entertains and keeps the audience’s attention. Share it with your friends in health care. Check it out even if you’re not in health care. The tips and tricks are universal. Click here to learn more.

P.P.P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are three more ways I can help you build your brand, own your voice, and stand out:

Want more tactical advice you can implement today? Check out my blog here for great articles, stories, and lessons I’ve shared over the years.
Looking for one-on-one coaching or a consultation with me? Schedule a complimentary call here to speak to our team about how we can help you.
Follow me on Instagram here for more media and public speaking tips, videos… and a little fun.

Stop touching your face in Zoom meetings

March 14, 2022 by Kathryn Janicek

Body language is essential to get right whenever you’re presenting.

Even though we’re only seeing the top third of your body on Zoom (or Microsoft Teams or Google Meet), how you appear up there matters.

This is especially true when you need to be perceived as a leader.

This is not about lookin’ good.

It’s about gaining the trust of your audience.

Whether you’re giving a sales presentation, talking with a client, leading a meeting, or giving a media interview — here are three things I highly recommend you stop doing.

Touching your face

When we touch our face it tells the audience we’re nervous or uncomfortable.

We want to come across confident so our audience trusts us and the company we represent.

Touching your hair

When we fiddle with our hair or move it away from our face, it again makes our audience less confident in us.

Make sure your hair is always away from your face and it doesn’t move into your eyes so you don’t have a tendency to touch it.

Looking at other monitors

You wouldn’t stare out of the window or at your phone during an in-person meeting, would you?

This is why we shouldn’t look away from the person we’re meeting with and at another monitor.

You’ve seen it, you’ve felt it, you know how rude this is.

Making these small tweaks makes a huge impression on audiences.

Whether it’s an audience of one or many.

One specific VP told me recently his team is much more engaged now when he speaks.

And it happened right after he enacted the “stop touching your face” (for him, he touched his beard a lot) and “stop looking at other monitors” rules I created for him.

He says his team is more engaged.

That’s all it took.

Worth a try, right?

P.P.P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are three more ways I can help you build your brand, own your voice, and stand out:

Want more tactical advice you can implement today? Check out my blog here for great articles, stories, and lessons I’ve shared over the years.
Looking for one-on-one coaching or a consultation with me? Schedule a complimentary call here to speak to our team about how we can help you.
Follow me on Instagram here for more media and public speaking tips, videos… and a little fun.

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