Going Back To Basics - Brainstorming

When I was getting ready to write my bi-weekly blog, I realized I could not think of a topic this time.  Normally I have a few ideas and I can sit down and write something fairly easily. 

I ended up going back to basics and using a time proven technique for me...brainstorming.  During my first college writing class, the professor told my class how to break through writer's block by brainstorming ideas.  Just take out a piece of paper and jot down any idea that comes to your mind.  Do not pay attention to how crazy it might sound to you or if it fits the criteria of what you are trying to accomplish.  I have used this process many times over the years especially if I was trying to come up with a speech topic.

With my tablet (actual paper not an electronic device, I said I was going back to basics) and pen in hand I sat down and started scribbling ideas for my next blog.  I started with professional ideas such as coaching, leadership and your personal brand.  I kept going and let my brain loose to go where it wanted to go.  I started writing students going back to college, going out to eat and ordering the same thing every time, crazy videos people post on FaceBook and even meeting from the original television series, Batman, Robin and Catwoman at Steel City Con in Pittsburgh. 

If you need to come up with topics or ideas and have a mental block, try this old technique.  Go back to basics and try to brainstorm, you will be surprised what you can come up with once you let your creativity loose.  I came up with the idea of writing a brainstorming blog during this process.

What process do you use when you have writer's block and need to come up with an idea?

You may be wondering what did I do with my list of crazy thoughts while brainstorming?  The funny thing is now I have four or five new ideas for future blogs outlined just from this activity.  Even the ideas that seemed useless, crazy or unlikely in a professional blog will make an excellent addition to future blogs.  Even Batman & Robin, don't believe me...stay tuned to the same blog channel, the same blog...well you know the rest!

Until the next blog, Keep Speaking!

 
Denise

Denise Ann Galloni, Owner & President

DG Training Solutions, Inc.

Website:  https://www.DGTrainingsolutionsinc.com

 Email:  dgtrainingsolutionsinc@gmail.com

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/deniseanng

 Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DGTrainingSolutionsInc

 LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/deniseanngalloni

 

Your Body Speaks - Part 2 Touching & Space

When I say nonverbal communication, what comes to mind?  Hand gestures, eye contact, body movement or facial expressions?  These are all forms of nonverbal communication.  Often people forget about two other aspects of nonverbal communication:  touching and space.

Touching is a form on nonverbal communication that involves physical contact with another individual.  Touching can be a powerful form of communication, however, should only be used in an appropriate situation.  Let’s look at the difference between a personal and a professional environment to illustrate the point of touching.

Acceptable touching in a professional environment may include a handshake or a pat on the back.  In many cultures, shaking hands is frowned upon.  I belonged to a Toastmasters club where a woman would not shake hands with a man due to religious beliefs. Make sure you consider the other person before making a gesture such as a handshake. 

In a personal setting, acceptable touching may include a hug to give someone comfort.  We often hug when we are happy to see someone or to tell them goodbye.  Another acceptable form of touching in a personal setting would be hand holding.  Perhaps you want to give someone encouragement or calm their fears.  Different scenarios in professional and personal settings should be considered before any touching occurs.

Personal space is another form on nonverbal communication.  Take a second and consider how you feel when someone stands too close to you if you are having a disagreement with them.  Would you feel threatened?  I know I would!  The first thing I would do is to take a step back to increase the space between us.  What if your boss leans over your shoulder when you are sitting at your desk to try to read what you are working on, wouldn’t this make you feel uneasy?  In addition to making you feel uneasy, depending on the gender of the boss, the employee and the amount of space, this may be considered an issue with human resources.

In a professional environment make sure you give someone the appropriate space.  If the CEO comes over to speak with you about your work or a mistake you made, would you stand nose to nose with him or her?  Of course not, you would have a distance between you that makes both of you feel comfortable while giving the CEO the respect that is needed.  If you are the supervisor correcting an employee, you may feel the need to stand close especially if you need to speak softly to avoid other coworkers overhearing the conversation.  Before you do this, think about what the employee may feel:  threatened, cornered, or may be trapped.

Over 75% of what we say is through nonverbal communication.  Be aware of what you are saying and how it is being perceived by others.

Until the next blog, Keep Speaking!

Denise

Denise Ann Galloni, Owner & President

DG Training Solutions, Inc.

Website:  https://www.DGTrainingsolutionsinc.com

 Email:  dgtrainingsolutionsinc@gmail.com

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/deniseanng

 Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DGTrainingSolutionsInc

 LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/deniseanngalloni