Tapping the spark inside you can inspire, empower others

Your body language may influence your audience, but it's far more important to act and move naturally than to adhere to rigid rules that may not fit your circumstance, public speaking trainer Gary Genard writes. However, some things that may come naturally -- such as not making eye contact -- need to be binned in favor of more engaging mannerisms.

Put it into practice: Look at the audience to gain rapport, which gives you self-confidence, which makes it easier to look at the audience, Genard explains. Adopt a stance that is as confident as you'd like to be -- and, similarly, unclasp your hands and widen your arms, and snip the invisible string that tethers you to a lectern.

Steve Beard, CEO of Adtalem Global Education, says he's faced challenges and setbacks, especially as a Black professional, but chooses to view them as opportunities to advance his career. "I have to take ownership of my own destiny, even with the benefit of mentors and other folks intervening on my behalf. It's really up to me to set the pace," Beard says.

As the movie "Alien" taught us, no one can hear you scream in space because sound needs molecules and atoms to carry its waves, and space does not contain them; hence the resounding silence, writes University of Arizona astronomy professor Chris Impey. Indeed, if you were floating in space without a spacesuit, there would be no time to scream, Impey writes, because you'd be unconscious within 10 to 15 seconds.

I can tell you, from experience, that when complaining begins in the workplace -- and it's not addressed with skill by managers -- employees will find other places to work. I've been part of small groups of workers who gather (usually off-site) to share our horror stories. In each instance, we all felt that management would not be open to hearing our concerns. One by one, we all found better work environments elsewhere.

Bob Lewis' advice is valuable. Put your ear to the ground and start to sense any rumblings of discontent in your workforce. Get curious about their opinions of culture, processes and procedures. Find out their pain points and frustrations and address them promptly and effectively.

Otherwise, you may find some of your best and brightest headed for the exit.

If this newsletter helps you, please tell your colleagues, friends or anyone who can benefit. Forward them this email, or send this link.

What topics do you see in your daily work that I should know about? Do you have praise? Criticism? Drop me a note. And don't forget to send me photos of your pets, your office and where you spend your time off.