by Helen Iwata | Nov 14, 2023 | All, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Meetings, Personal Development, Presentations
Have you been in a presentation where the speaker is using a laser pointer? This could be in person or online. You see that little red dot shakily attempting to underline a phrase, whizzing from one side of the screen to the other, and even twirling in circles. Have...
by Helen Iwata | Nov 7, 2023 | All, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Meetings, Personal Development, Presentations
If you’re like many busy business professionals, you’re rushing to finish your presentation slides at the last minute and definitely don’t have time to practice your delivery. Sound familiar? Here’s the problem… Your slides may be logical, comprehensive, and...
by Helen Iwata | Jul 3, 2023 | All, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Interviews, Meetings, Personal Development, Presentations
Have you ever been in a meeting where your colleague didn’t seem to be paying attention or contributing fully? You might feel frustrated. But you probably don’t know what’s going on in that person’s life that could be distracting them. One day, I joined a 1:1 coaching...
by Helen Iwata | Jun 20, 2023 | All, Announcement, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Interviews, Meetings, Personal Development, Presentations
“My son has been sick this week, and he ended up watching YouTube for kids all day since he wants to be in my room where I work. I felt bad.” This is a classic example of mum guilt. In many cases, “Mum guilt” (or “Mom guilt” or “Mommy guilt”) is when you want to be a...
by Helen Iwata | Jun 13, 2023 | All, Announcement, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Interviews, Meetings, Personal Development, Presentations
I was amused when I read an article about how Japanese people were taking classes to learn how to smile after spending so long wearing masks during the pandemic. It makes sense though. Our facial expression has a huge impact on our communication to others as well as...
by Helen Iwata | Feb 27, 2023 | All, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Interviews, Meetings, Personal Development, Podcast, Presentations
In 2022, Japan ranked 80th for English proficiency out of 112 non-English speaking countries and regions, falling two places compared with the previous year, according to a Swiss study. It’s easy to find media reports that Japan needs to improve its English skills...