October 2010


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VIDEO: The Difference Between Lightning Bugs & Lightning Bolts

Bolts Bugs 300HHow to Use PowerPhrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say and Get What You Want

DVD plus handout from Meryl Runion Rose, A one hour recorded live presentation from the creator of PowerPhrases!

Mark Twain says that the difference between the perfect words and the almost perfect words is like the difference between lightning bugs and lightning bolts. This entertaining one-hour workshop tells you how to turn your words into lightning bolts of communication that say what you mean and mean what you say and get you what you want.

  • Learn the eight lame excuses that you use to avoid speaking up.
  • Discover what the riskiest conversations are.
  • Understand how the three brains operate and how that affects word choice.
  • Hear about the six secrets of PowerPhrases in action.
  • Discover a simple formula to capture what you want to say.
  • Watch a live presentation of The Legend of Mighty Mouth…

And so much more…

DVD video price: $19.75

buy now 

 

VIDEO: Next! And Other Empowered Ways to Deal with Rejection

Next 300HHow to Use PowerPhrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say and Get What You Want

DVD plus handout by Meryl Runion Rose, a one hour recorded live presentation from the creator of PowerPhrases!

From Meryl: 

“Last year I received a call asking if I would present a session at a conference on the topic of rejection. Apparently the organizer thought I must be some kind of expert on the topic – and she was right!

I remember driving home from the airport so late one Friday night that it was really Saturday AM. I was exhausted and discouraged. It had been a week of painful setbacks. Was it time to throw in the towel, I wondered? But then I realized that what I was doing took courage. I was continuing on in the face of rejection. What my colleagues who made it look so easy were doing was simple compared to what I was doing.

It was then that I latched on to my personal slogan – DARE TO BE ORDINARY! Because the learning curve to being extraordinary can take you through some very ordinary places – filled with self-doubt and rejection. If you ever get discouraged by rejection, this DVD is for you.

This DVD is a live presentation with added handouts. It provides stories you will relate to, exercises you will benefit from and specific action steps to help you turn rejection into a tool for success rather than an obstacle.

I’m lighthearted and good-natured in this presentation, but I’m also completely serious about providing tools to weather rejection.”

DVD video price: $19.75

buy now

 

SpeakStrong Method Communication Style Quiz

Style Quiz 600

Assess to Express Your True Self Effectively

The SpeakStrong Method Communication Style Quiz

Which of the four different communication styles do you favor? Are you a mainly a Visionary? A Harmonizer? An Achiever? Or perhaps you’re mostly an Analyzer. Find out now. 

Knowing yourself is the foundation for expressing yourself effectively. Discover your leading communication style and the communication habits and tendencies that influence how you communicate.

This quiz is quick, fun, and helpful. Plus, identifying communication style is an essential first step in The SpeakStrong Method. Take this communication style inventory quiz now to discover your unique type of communication style. 

 

Assess Yourself!

Question

Assess to Express Your True Self Effectively

My SpeakStrong Method has two free online communication quizzes for your personal and organizational use.

1. The SpeakStrong Method Communication Style Quiz

Which of the four different communication styles do you favor? Are you a mainly a Visionary? A Likeable? An Achiever? Or perhaps you’re mostly a Meditative. Find out now. Knowing yourself is the foundation for expressing yourself effectively. Discover your leading communication style and the communication habits and tendencies that influence how you express yourself. It’s quick, fun, and helpful. Plus, identifying communication style is an essential first step in my SpeakStrong Method. Take this communication style inventory quiz now to discover your unique type of communication style. 

It’s quick and fun to take. 

2. The Dynamic Leadership Development Assessment

My Dynamic Leadership Development Assessment measures leadership skill and is a useful indicator of leadership potential. This quiz focuses on the skills and communication competencies required in continuous improvement, entrepreneurial and creative workplaces. Use it as a leadership self assessment test, and/or as a leadership feedback tool.

Let these useful quizzes help guide your communication development.

Both assessments can serve as a baseline for your communication development. The first step of The SpeakStrong Method is to get to know yourself in your multi-dimensional nature. If you don’t know yourself, how can you know anything at all?

Services

Services include:

  • Keynotes
  • Seminars
  • Breakouts
  • Webinars
  • One-on-one leadership development
  • Communication retreats by request

All my programs are available onsite and over the internet. Fees are here.

Programs

Relationship by Agreement: Communication Commitments that Overcome Barriers to Effective Communication

stageCommunication standards and commitments exponentially increase productivity. Conversations about conversations build a foundation for dynamic interaction that allows for the free flow of ideas. This communication workplace training helps you:

  • Discover barriers to effective communication
  • Dissolve communication barriers
  • Create a shared vision of what highly effective communication means
  • Collaborate agreements that get the communication flow going
  • Implement agreements to keep the communication flow of effective communication going

    Whether this program is applied departmentally or results in new corporate communication standards, the outcome is improved internal office communication, greater synergy, collaboration and productivity.

     

     

     

    Beyond Gossip, Manipulation and Negativity. How to Create a Culture of Effective Character-Based Communication

    Every group has its own communication culture. In some, gossip, manipulation and negativity are rampant. Small-minded concerns block the flow of effective communication, and negativity stifles creativity. This session brings negative and costly communication patterns into awareness, uncovers the root cause of those patterns, and introduces Character-based Communication.

    What does it mean to be a Character-based Communicator? Why are Character-based Communicators so effective? How can you and your organization develop the qualities of Character-based Communication? These communication training classes tell you how. 

    This program:

    • Defines Character-based Communication
    • Differentiates between superficial expressions of ego-based communication and significant expressions of character-based communication
    • Applies the principles at the HEART of this dynamic style of communication to the very practical level of day-to-day interaction

      No matter what industry you are in, your ability to get beyond gossip, manipulation and negativity, and to communicate based on character, is essential to smooth functioning and powerful results. 

       

       

       

      Herding Cats, Waking the Dead and Other Leadership Challenges: How Dynamic Leaders Communicate to Get Things Done

      Dynamic leadership empowers others to operate at their highest leadership level. Sometimes that can seem like herding cats. Your team can be full of creativity, but severely lacking in alignment. Other times that can seem like waking the dead. Your team is dialing it in, and hasn’t found their creative potential.

      This session explains the Dynamic Leadership model, and how Dynamic Leaders get things done. It challenges leadership to develop Character-based Communication agreements and to implement a system of communication to ensure that you and your team are aligned and empowered.  Topics:

      • What it means to be a Dynamic Leader and transformational communicator
      • The qualities of Character-based Communication
      • How to establish communication agreements to create a dynamic communication environment
      • How to use PowerPhrases to say what you mean and mean what you say without being mean when you say it

      You’ll walk out of this session with a practical plan to transform your communication, empower others, and get things done.

       

      How To Create a Totally Integrated Performance System (Tips)

      It’s costly to underestimate the importance of performance management in business. The SpeakSTRONG Totally Integrated Performance System (TIPS) integrates the five main aspects of performance management into a seamless whole. First we ask: why is employee performance management important? We look at performance management methods. We then connect the performance management stages. This program shows you how to integrate:

      Quality-Auditor-Conference

      • Hiring
      • Job descriptions
      • Goals
      • Performance tracking and
      • Performance reviews

      to manage seamlessly. It not only tells you what you need to know, but gives you sample performance management appraisal forms, formulas and phrases to make a Totally Integrated Performance System a reality. Get the tools to tie every aspect of your performance management together.

       

      The SpeakSTRONG Method of Effective Management Communication

      The SpeakSTRONG Method of Effective Management Communication starts at the beginning with the first day on the job. It walks your management team through the management process with specific attention to communication. What does an effective manager say on the first day on the job? What does an effective manager say when coaching, running meetings, holding employees accountable and even when using electronic communications. 

      It’s a great primer for a first-time manager, but also a deepening for seasoned pro’s. We don’t just look at what a successful manager does – we look at the actual words that get results in every aspect of management.

       

      How to Develop Dynamic Leaders at Every Organizational Level

      speaking

      This communications leadership development program focuses on leadership development and creativity. Based on a dynamic leadership model, it guides leaders to develop other leaders at every level of the organization. It helps trainers, managers and leaders tap into the creative potential of employees regardless of title. 

      It differentiates between leadership and management, solving the age-old confusion about the two functions. It highlights the qualities necessary for dynamic leadership, and concretely demonstrates how to draw out those qualities. 

       

      How to Communicate at the Next Leadership Level

      There’s a saying that if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it probably is a duck. If you walk like a Dynamic Leader and talk like a Dynamic Leader, people regard you as a Dynamic Leader. And if you don’t, they won’t. You may have evolved your professionalism into a leadership level, but if your language contains any old-overs, you will not have the respect or the effectiveness to influence like a leader.

      This communications leadership development program:

      • Clarifies what it means to be a dynamic leader
      • Eradicates victim language and
      • Develops Character-based Communication habits

      to clearly reflect empowered leadership. 

       

      The SpeakSTRONG Method for the Office Professional: How to Get Respect, Recognition and Results In Today’s Workplace

      Office professionals are increasingly doing more with less. They are being asked to step up and both lead and manage in ways they never had to before.

      This program is directed specifically to the office professional. It empowers admins and office pro’s to:

      • Be regarded as the professionals that you are
      • Establish communication agreements to keep the flow of communication
      • Get technical, office and general help
      • Give advice
      • Speak on your manager’s behalf
      • Manage multiple managers
      • Plan your career path
      • Make every day admin assistance day

      Get the respect, recognition and results you deserve. The SpeakSTRONG Method for the office professional will give you the approach and the tools to make that happen. 

       

      Current Trends in Business Communication and the New Communication Dynamics

      Women, gen Y, social media and globalization are transforming the way we relate, influence and succeed. These shifting workplace dynamics are changing how we communicate. Power and authority are giving way to influence and expertise. Command and control is giving way to collaboration and shared influence. This program teaches five new dynamics of communication that will increase your influence in the new world of work.

      It’s not your father’s workplace anymore. Let this program update your communication skills and take your communication to the next level. 

      Fees

      Onsite

      • $4500 1-1 ½ hour
      • $5500 half day
      • $6500 whole day
      • Half price in Colorado 

      Custom Webinars

      • $500 75 minutes for standard program tailored to your industry
      • $250 for pre-program assessments and post webinar recommendations
      • Customized programs by request

      Public Webinars

      • Say Something Significant: Character-based Communication Goes to Work for You: Free
      • Six SpeakSTRONG Steps to the HEART of Effective Communication: Free 
      • Brand-Aid: How to Clarify and Communicate Your Uniqueness

      Advanced Public Webinars to be announced.

      Training: The SpeakStrong Method for Dynamic Leadership Development

      A one or two-day training program for mentors, leaders, emerging leaders and anyone who wants to develop the leadership potential of others

      by the author of Perfect Phrases for Leadership Development

      In today’s economy, no organization or individual has the luxury of sitting on potential, pandering to misguided directives or complying when situations call for a sharp change in direction. Leadership is needed at every level of the organization – and the communication skill needs to be at an executive level no prods-books leadership-devmatter who is talking. 

      The SpeakStrong Method for Dynamic Leadership Development provides the foundation, the tools and techniques to develop dynamic leadership skills at every level of the organization.  

      Dynamic executive communication and leadership requires being decisive while being humble.

      It requires being a visionary while being pracitical.

      It requires being a pioneer while being a sustainer.

      It requires being strategic while being humanitarian.

      It requires being a communicator while being a listener.

      It requires being a mentor while being a student.

      It requires being a diplomat while being candid.

      It requires being a politician and a statesman.

      Dynamic leaders develop other dynamic leaders.  

      This intensive one or two-day dynamic leadership training program begins by providing the foundation of leadership at any level – effective communication skills. The SpeakStrong Method provides the basis for continuous communication improvement required to excel in any area. 

      The SpeakStrong Method is based on universal principles of effective communication with practical applications and specific phrases for the challenges of today’s business world. It is lean-aligned and kata-based for continuous communication improvement. It provides the tools to collaborate without compromise – as needed to lead in this fast-changing world.

      Get the tools you need to effectively lead in today’s business world, no matter where you are on any organizational chart.

      Who is this for?

      Leaders and emerging leaders and anyone who can benefit by increasing their influence and developing adaptiveness.

      Key points include how to:

      • Redirect efforts without stifling creativity
      • Boost employee autonomy
      • Bring out the potential in others
      • Ignite energy and enthusiam
      • Develop decision-making ability
      • Foster collaborative ability
      • Develop change champions

      And much more. 

       

      The SpeakStrong Method is aligned with Mike Rother’s approach to improvement and his codification of Toyota’s Improvement Kata in his book “Toyota Kata”. Toyota Kata systematizes Toyota’s method of improving, adapting and innovating. Like Rother’s methodology, SpeakStrong builds new habits through repeated practice of new routines that lead to excellence.

       

      Agenda available on request 

      Services

      about-meryl

      Meryl Runion and SpeakStrong offer a variety of ways to learn The SpeakStrong Method and develop your communication skills and the collaborative potential of your teams and company.

      Services include

      • Keynotes and breakouts
      • Seminars and workshops
      • Online individualized intensives 
      • Webinars
      • Communication retreats by request

       

      Fees

      Onsite

      • $4500 1-1 ½ hour
      • $5500 half day
      • $6500 whole day
      • Half price in Colorado, second day outside of Colorado is billed at 2/3 of the cost of day one
      • Fees include a copy of the book SpeakStrong or PowerPhrases for up to 700 attendees

       

      The SpeakStrong Method Intensive

      • $500 per person – For a limited time, you can save $300 on this fantastic service! Just use the coupon code ISpeakStrong.
      • Option 2 with 5 group sessions in addition to the personal sessions is $600

       

      FAQ’s

      What got you started with The SpeakSTRONG Method?

      Devastation got me started. I was used to going with the flow and ignoring my own thoughts, feelings and wishes. When my late husband got cancer 25 years ago and I was not able to penetrate his denial, I became a woman on a mission. I pledged to learn the skills I needed to be able to speak up and have difficult conversations when needed.

      It quickly became clear that the skills I was developing were skills many people need. I started teaching and systemitizing my approach. Many teach communication skill to persuade and even manipulate. I discovered a real need to empower the voices of people who care about integrity.

      What is unique about The SpeakSTRONG Method of communication?

      We aspire to a very high level of communication that balances mind, heart and will. It is character-based, but also focuses on results. We go beyond expediency, and even beyond effectiveness to transformation. We seek the opportunity in every problem, address communication challenges at the source, commit to our word being our bond – and also celebrate the beauty of well-spoken words.

      How do PowerPhrases fit into The SpeakSTRONG Method?

      PowerPhrases are short, specific, targeted expressions that say what you mean and mean what you say without being mean when you say it. In the six steps of the SpeakStrong Method, PowerPhrases carry the message. They are designed to help you express your deepest meaning in the most eloquent way possible.

      Isn’t the use of prepared phrases phony?

      It can be, depending on how you use them. If you choose a phrase based on expediency, or self-interest that ignores human impact, it is phony. If you can speak a prepared phrase sincerely, it’s not phony at all. 

      I found in my years of helping people find the perfect words, that the words I offer resonate deeply. Finding the words that accurately reflect the depth of someone’s message allows them to be authentic in ways they couldn’t be without the support. 

      I encourage you to adapt my phrases to match your circumstance and style. I also provide extensive tools to help you create your own phrases. 

      What do you mean when you say the SpeakSTRONG Method is Character-based Communication?

      The method incorporates noble qualities. I’ve summarized this by saying that the HEART of a Character-based Communicator is: Honesty, Eloquence, Accountability, Responsiveness and Transformation. It’s a joy to speak with people who display those qualities. 

      Where do I start?

      Browse the site. You can read my articles and blog posts to get a sense of what The SpeakStrong Method is all about. I have several books and other resources in my store. My SpeakSTRONG book helps readers develop their own phrases. Many people use PowerPhrases as a reference guide. Other books address specific situations such as management, leadership development and performance reviews.

      Feel free to contact me to talk about what I can help you say today, and how I can help you say it. 

      Perfect Phrases for Office Professionals

      The Right Phrase for the challenges busy Office Pros and Admins encounter every day 

      Perfect-Phrases-Office-Professionals 300H

      As an office professional, you are the point person for critical day-to-day activities. That means effective communication with your manager and internal and external stakeholders is key to the success of your office and organization.

      Perfect Phrases for Office Professionals has hundreds of ready-to-use phrases for any situation you’re likely to face. From defining your role in the office to promoting interdepartmental communication to getting the credit you deserve, this handy, quick-reference guide provides the most effective language to:

      • Establish a quality relationship with your manager
      • Clarify and manage assignments
      • Get results without formal authority
      • Handle customer complaints like a pro

       

      Book Quote:

      “We wrote this book to offer examples of the best words to say what you have to say.
      Use it to enhance the expression of your own thoughts, feelings, and desires.”

      “Update your communication skills into empowered, effective communication for today’s world.”

      Reader Review

      As an Admin for so many years, I know that success and survival in the workplace is all about communication. This little book actually has real and useful tools easily adapted to your personal needs. Keep it next to the dictionary on your desk. Browse and absorb these phrases regularly and routinely and move onward and upward.

       

       Single copy
      List: $12.00 Your price: $9.86
      buy now

      Ten pack
      Only $72 for ten copies
      buy now

      Books by the box
      Carton of 52 only $351
      buy now

       

      Perfect Phrases for Icebreakers

      Start your conversations, meetings and events productively. Break the ice with purpose.

      Perfect-Phrases-Icebreakers 300H

      How you begin a business conversation or meeting sets the stage for success. Perfect Phrases for Icebreakers has hundreds of ready-to-use phrases to get your interactions off on the right foot. From jump-starting meetings, to motivating teams, to turning any situation into a positive networking event, this streamlined guide provides you with the right words to:

      • Highlight important topics in meetings or conversations
      • Motivate people to share resources and support
      • Add levity to personal or group interactions
      • Inspire collaboration and creativity
      • Pique curiosity about your message

      Discover the power of icebreakers with purpose.

      Get conversational icebreakers, meeting icebreakers and event icebreakers that will dissolve defenses and jump-start meaningful, reliable conversation.

      No mind-numbing phrases in this icebreaker book. These phrases are natural, genuine and influential. 

      Quotes from Book:

      “People are engaged by and often remember your very first words best. However, we often wrestle with those very first words, the icebreaker phrases, the most.”

      “Openers are icebreakers prepare the soil for the growth of productive discussions, collaborations, and relationships. Where you start how you start influence the entire conversation more than we tend to think.”

      Reader Review

      Perfect Phrases For Icebreakers is a gem. Situational, adaptable and usable, this book is more than a read, it is a resource. In working as a professional speaker and sales coach, I preach to build relationships, you must be able to really get to know your client. Sometimes the toughest part of relationship building is STARTING the conversation. Kudos! –Michael Rooby


       

       

      Single copy
      List: $12.00 Your price: $9.86
      buy now

      Ten pack
      Only $72 for ten copies
      buy now

      Books by the box
      Carton of 52 only $351
      buy now