Talk About Talk - Communication Skills Training Dr. Andrea Wojnicki

Let’s upgrade your resume! Executive recruiter Sharon Mah-Gin shares best practices in terms of resume format and content, plus common mistakes people make with their resume. Whether you’re looking for a new job or a board position, having an up-to-date resume that follows best practices can be a big advantage.

 

Link to free RESUME TIP SHEET from Sharon & Andrea:









https://www.talkabouttalk.com/resume







 

Resources



* Previous Talk About Talk Episodes with Sharon Mah-Gin 



Ep.45 – Networking - https://www.talkabouttalk.com/45-networking/

Ep.67 - Online Networking - https://www.talkabouttalk.com/67-online-networking-with-sharon-mah-gin/

Ep.107 - Communication Skills for Job Seekers - https://www.talkabouttalk.com/107-job-seekers/









* Connect with Dr. Andrea Wojnicki – Talk About Talk



Website: TalkAboutTalk.com

Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup

LinkedIn -

















Andrea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki/

Talk About Talk:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/talkabouttalk/

















YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@talkabouttalkyoutube/









Transcript

Let me start by saying that this is a particularly selfish episode for me. Yes, I said that.  Selfish.

OK, OK, Let me take that back. I guess it’s also generous. I know this topic is helpful. I know a lot of you are looking for guidance and best practices. On how to optimize your resume or your CV.

I get a lot of people asking for my advice, input and suggestions regarding their resume. I guess this isn't surprising, based on all the work I do with clients on developing their personal brands. 

So I keep getting the same resume Qs from people. And I keep saying the same things again and again.

Recently when I was talking with my friend, executive recruiter Sharon Mah-Gin, she shared a similar story with me. In her role as an executive recruiter who gets hired by firms to find the best people, she finds herself constantly being asked by individual executives for advice on their resume. 

So, Sharon and I decide decided to pull our expertise together – hers as an executive recruiter and mine as an executive communication coach, to help you with your resume. Welcome to Talk About Talk episode 146 ‘Upgrade Your resume”.  In this episode, you’ll hear my interview with Sharon and you’ll learn a lot – the most common mistakes, Do’s Don’ts, and suggestions for formatting, content, and integrating your personal brand into your resume.  Or it is your CV?  What IS the difference, anyway, between a resume and a CV? 

 Yes, you’ll get an answer to that Q too.  Let’s do this!

 







 

Greetings again, and welcome to talk about TALK episode #146, 

“Upgrade Your Resume with executive recruiter Sharon Mah-Gin”

In case we haven’t met, my name is Dr. Andrea Wojnicki and I’m YOUR executive communication coach. Please call me Andrea!  I’m the founder of Talk About Talk, where I coach communication skills to ambitious ...

 

Do you use AI to boost your communication effectiveness? Andrea shares her evolving perspective on AI, including whether using AI is “cheating,” practical ways to use AI to improve communication, and offers three “Dos” and three “Do Nots” for effective AI usage. Do you have more to add to the conversation? Let’s talk!

Resources



* Forbes October 2023 article on AI

* Talk About Talk ep.15: AI with Avi Goldfarb

* Talk About Talk ep. 129: Power with Tiziana Casciaro



Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk:



Website: TalkAboutTalk.com

Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk

Youtube Channel: @talkabouttalkyoutube

Talk About Talk Podcast Archive



Transcript

Let me start this episode by staying until recently, I didn’t think I had a lot to say about using AI. Four and a half years ago, I interviewed Professor Avi Goldfarb for a Talk About Talk podcast episode on AI. Avi is one of my past colleagues at the university of Toronto, and the author of two AI-focused books, Prediction Machines and Power & Prediction. This was before we’d heard of ChatGPT, and before everything really took off. Obviously a lot has changed since then.

Then, in the past month or so, I had a couple of experiences that made me realize, yes, in fact, I do have a thing or two to say about AI.

Recently I was collaborating with an organization to lead a series of workshops for them. After our first meeting to plan the workshops, they sent me an e-mail asking for a title for the workshop series. I thought about it for a few minutes and nothing inspiring came to mind. So I opened ChatGPT, and I asked it to generate ten possible titles for the Workshop series. I told ChatGPT who the audience was and what the topics would be.

The list that ChatGPT generated was boring. Not helpful. So I asked the same question again, but this time I clarified that I was looking for CLEVER titles. This new list had a lot of potential. None of the 10 suggestions were bang on, but it was incredibly helpful. This list inspired me and helped me generate some better ideas.

After I forwarded 3 potential workshop series titles to my client, I quickly got a response  saying that the titles were fantastic.  Frankly, I agreed.

The next day I shared this story with a girlfriend of mine. She’s a lawyer and she works full time in a big organization. So her response surprised me. She said, Andrea! That’s cheating!

What? 

You’re not allowed to do that.! That’s cheating!

Wait! I asked. You think using ChatGPT to help me come up with a title is cheating?

Yes! She answered.

Oh boy. I had a lot to say about that, let me tell you. So that was one experience.

A few days after this conversation, I was at my sons high school, and I met his English teacher. He asked me how everything was going and if I had any questions for him. I know my kids would always wish that I’d keep my mouth shut, but that’s just not my style. So I asked him,

How can you articulate your strengths and accomplishments, without sounding arrogant? Andrea answers one of the most common questions she hears. First, avoid “I am humbled,” self-deprecation, or resorting to the humble brag. Instead, try these three key strategies: “Three Magic Words,” “Pivoting,” and “Own It.” Now you can share your strengths and accomplishments to reinforce your personal brand without sounding boastful or conceited.

Resources

Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk:



Website: TalkAboutTalk.com

Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk

Youtube Channel: @talkabouttalkyoutube

Talk About Talk Podcast Archive



 

Relevant Talk About Talk Podcast Episodes



Say Nice Things About Yourself  (Ep. 115)

Bragging, Self-Promotion & Your Personal Brand with Lisa Bragg (Ep. 105)



 

Transcript

In today’s Talk About Talk episode, I’m going to share my answer to the most common question that I get from my individual coaching clients and in the workshops that I lead. It’s this:

“Andrea. I understand how important it is when I’m developing my personal brand to focus on my strengths and my accomplishments. But how do I actually articulate my strengths in public without sounding arrogant – and conceited – and boastful?

Greetings and welcome to Talk About Talk episode 144: Articulating your strengths and accomplishments without sounding arrogant.

I’m so glad you’re here.  Let me introduce myself. In case we haven’t met, my name is Dr. Andrea Wojnicki and I’m YOUR executive communication coach. Please call me Andrea!  I’m the founder of Talk About Talk, where I coach communication skills to ambitious executives through 1:1 coaching, bootcamps, workshops and keynote speaking. My objective is to help you improve your clarity and confidence, so you have more credibility. When you have more credibility, you can make real impact. And that’s when you’ll get noticed and your carer will take off!  THAT is my goal here.  

If this resonates with you, then I also encourage you to check out the Talk about talk.com website. There are many resources there to help you out. If you’re an individual executive, there’s information about private coaching and small group bootcamps. If you’re a leader or an HR manager looking to boost the communication skills of your team, there’s also information about corporate workshops and keynote speeches.  And there are plenty of free resources too: like the archive of this bi-weekly podcast, AND, I really hope you’ll sign up for the Talk About Talk email newsletter. That newsletter is your chance to get communication tips and coaching from me every week. 

I also  hope you’ll connect with me on LinkedIn and maybe send me a message and let me know what you think about this episode.

Alright, let’s get going. Articulating your strengths and accomplishments without sounding arrogant.

Like I said, this is the most common Q I get. This is a common dilemma.

I’ve said this before on other episodes, but it bears repeating:

Your work doesn’t speak for itself.  YOU MUST speak for your work.

Back when we were much younger. Like, think about when we were students.

Controlling your narrative means purposefully reinforcing your positive and unique traits in a way that communicates your value. When it comes to your personal brand narrative, you can LET it happen or you can MAKE it happen. Andrea shares many inspiring examples of real-life success stories, actionable tips, and explores the consequences of neglecting your narrative. Intentionally controlling your narrative is like having the steering wheel of your career in your own hands.

Resources



* Talk About Talk ep.90: DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP: Leadership & Your Personal Brand

* Class Matters: The Role of Social Class and Organizational Sector in High-achieving Women’s Legitimacy Narratives



Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk:



Website: TalkAboutTalk.com

Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk

Youtube Channel: @talkabouttalkyoutube

Talk About Talk Podcast Archive



Transcript

I have a story for you. About a year and a half ago I was hosting a live question and answer period focused on communication skills and personal branding. A brave woman raised her hand and I called on her. She introduced herself and she told us that she was a lawyer in Manhattan. Then she said, “As you can all tell from my accent, I’m from India. When it comes to my personal brand, I feel like I’m always going to be the foreigner. I’m certainly not ashamed of my background, but I wish my identity was more than this.” Then she paused and I jumped in. 

“So let me make sure I’ve got this right. You were born and raised in India, is that right?”

Yes. 

And you immigrated to the United States? And you passed the bar exam in the state of New York? 

Again, yes. 

And what kind of law do you practice? 

Corporate, she said.

OK. It’s time for you to take control of your narrative. 

You’re not a foreigner. You’re a corporate lawyer with a global perspective. Stop using the word foreigner. You need to control your narrative.

She raised her eyebrows and nodded. But I wasn’t done. “And by the way,” I said. “Your English is excellent. Yes, of course we can all perceive an Indian accent, but really, that’s just a reminder of your global experience.”

I’ll never forget the look on her face. She looked as if a huge weight had been lifted off her and she had a massive smile.

Then I turned to the audience to clarify this point about controlling our narrative. It’s not about being manipulative. It’s definitely not about being deceptive or sharing falsehoods. It’s about consistently reinforcing something about yourself that’s true and that’s aligned with your goals.

And that’s what we’re talking about in this episode – controlling your narrative.

Greetings and welcome to Talk About Talk episode 143: Controlling Your Narrative.  I’m so glad you’re here.  Let me introduce myself. In case we haven’t met, my name is Dr. Andrea Wojnicki and I’m YOUR executive communication coach. Please call me Andrea!  I’m the founder of Talk About Talk, where I coach communication skills to ambitious executives through 1:1 coaching, bootcamps,

Is it time to update your headshot? What about other photos of you? Join Andrea in conversation with professional photographer Helen Tansey, as they talk LinkedIn headshots, how to get great photos of yourself, and how to integrate your personal brand into your headshot and other photos.

Resources

Connect with Helen Tansey – Sundari Photography



* Website: https://www.sundariphotography.com/

* Mention “Andrea from Talk About Talk” and Helen will give you 2 bonus touch-ups when you book her Corporate Branding Photography Package!

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helentanseyphotography/



https://www.instagram.com/coming.into.focus







* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-tansey/

Coming into Focus podcast with Helen Tansey: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coming-into-focus-with-helen-tansey/id1581128512

* Helen’s recommendation: Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast “Wiser than me”: https://lemonadamedia.com/show/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/



Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk:



Website: TalkAboutTalk.com

Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk

Youtube Channel: @talkabouttalkyoutube

Talk About Talk Podcast Archive



Andrea’s LinkedIn Headshot checklist:



It needs to look like you – today

Colour vs. black & white doesn’t matter, but definitely use a high-resolution image.

Make sure your face takes up most of the space in the circle. You might need to zoom in.

Make it a stand-alone photo of you only.  

Solid and/or neutral background. 

Wear what you typically wear to work on an important day. 

Big smile!



More on LinkedIn Headshots:



* 10 Tips for Taking a Professional LinkedIn Profile Photo

* New Research Study Breaks Down “The Perfect Profile Photo”

* 9 tips for better LinkedIn profile photos



Transcript

Greetings and welcome to talk about TALK episode #142, Headshots and Photographs – your online visual brand.

When I’m thinking about what topics to coach you on in these podcast episodes, I think about the questions that I get in workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions. Certainly this topic of getting the best head shot or other professional corporate photography comes up a lot.

But I have to tell you I have a LONG list of topics in the queue that qualify under that criteria.

I have a bit of a different origin story for the topic of this episode! A couple of months ago I was coaching an amazing female CEO on her personal brand. When we were finished identifying the themes, her unique superpowers, I asked her to send me her headshot so that I could include it in her personal branding template. She told me she’d recently had some professional photographs taken and she was really pleased ...

How do men and women’s communication styles vary? Explore the stereotypes of how men and women communicate, with research as a guide. Consider how much we talk, communication mindsets, our choice of words, vocal patterns, listening skills, non-verbal cues, and confidence. Andrea navigates the nuances, dismantles stereotypes, offers insights into the roots of imposter syndrome, and reveals how embracing these differences can foster more effective and diverse communication in various contexts.

Resources

Books and Articles



* Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, John Gray, PhD







* You just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation,” Deborah Tannen







Tokyo Olympics chief says women talk too much at meetings, calls it ‘annoying’, Matt Bonesteel, Washington Post

Why Do Men Have Deeper Voices than Women?, Erika Engelhaupt, NPR

Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Harvard Business Review

Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome, Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey, Harvard Business Review

Everyone Suffers From Impost0r Syndrome – Here’s How to Handle It, Andy Molinksy, Harvard Business Review

Is Your Communication Style Dictated By Your Gender?, Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., Forbes



Academic Papers



* “Physician gender effects in medical communication: a meta-analytic review,” Debra L. Roter, Judith A. Hall, Yutaka Aoki (2002)

* “Sex differences in eavesdropping on nonverbal cues,” Rosenthal, R., & DePaulo, B. M. (1979)

* “The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention,” Pauline Rose Clance, Suzanne Imes (1978)

* “Perceiving Sex Directly and Indirectly: Meaning in Motion and Morphology,” Kerri L. Johnson, Louis G. Tassinary (2005)

* “Candidate Voice Pitch Influences Election Outcomes,” Casey A. Klofstad (2015)

* “Strangers meet: Laughter and nonverbal signs of interest in opposite-sex encounters,” Karl Grammer (1990)

* “The Influence of Facial Emotion Displays, Gender, and Ethnicity on Judgments of Dominance and Affiliation,” Ursula Hess, Sylvie Blairy, Robert E. Kleck (2000)

* “Gender and Job Status as Contextual Cues for the Interpretation of Facial Expression of Emotion,” Sara B. Algoe, Brenda N. Buswell, John D. DeLamater (2000)

* “‘Troubles Talk&#8217...