by Helen Iwata | Apr 8, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Conference Calls, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings
If you use presentation slides in your work, how much time do you spend creating them? How confident are you that they convey your message clearly? How engaging and persuasive are your slides? Since my early days as a “communication specialist” with McKinsey Japan,...
by Helen Iwata | Dec 5, 2023 | All, Communication Skills, Effective Facilitation, Expert Interviews, Personal Growth, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings
Have you struggled with language learning as an adult? Or have you ever given up on something else you wanted to do because someone told you it wasn’t possible? English Pronunciation Expert and Coach Aiko Hemingway shared in her recent TEDx Talk at Huntington Beach...
by Helen Iwata | Nov 14, 2023 | All, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings
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 Skills, Conference Calls, Effective Facilitation, Other Topics, Personal Growth, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings
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 | Oct 10, 2023 | Communication Skills, Other Topics, Personal Growth, Productive Meetings
I was on a call to confirm details about an upcoming corporate speaking engagement. Since we were meeting online for the first time, everyone briefly introduced themselves. I was struck by how each of the Japanese women immediately apologized or put themselves down in...
by Helen Iwata | Jul 18, 2023 | All, Communication Skills, Conference Calls, Productive Meetings
Oh this is hilarious! I just sat down to write about work distractions and a Facebook Messenger notification popped up. And I checked it – lol! How easily are you distracted by work chat and other instant messaging? Are you sometimes frustrated by...
