It hasn’t been easy blogging for the past seven years.
There have been times when I have had no idea what to write about, or I felt there was nothing new to contribute, or I just didn’t feel like blogging. Other times, the mental block was real and I often wondered how long I would continue with the ‘farce’ of being an advocate for effective business communication.
Then something would happen to trigger some ideas. Perhaps a participant in a seminar would make a comment, or a sudden insight might materialize at the most inopportune moment, or an idea might burst forth whilst reading outside my niche.
And then I’d realise something significant:
There may be nothing new under the sun when it comes to business communication, but there’s always a new angle I could explore. Plus, as I continue to learn, to expand my reasoning and to open up to new ideas, my skills improve and I get new fodder to share in my blog posts. And although consistently blogging for all these years has been challenging, onward I’d prod. I have so much more to absorb, learn, explore and share.
Now some great news:
In the seventh year, Feedspot again ranked this blog a ‘Top 30 Communication Blog’.
Then, for the second consecutive year, Business First Impression named it a ‘2019 Top Business Communication Blog’.
While these awards mean that I must be doing something right, and encourage me to remain disciplined in blogging, I’m more satisfied with the value this blog provides to readers. If my blog posts help you in any way to become a more effective communicator at work or in your business, thereby leading to successes, then the grind will continue to be worth my time and effort.
So, to celebrate seven years of blogging, I continue with the tradition of sharing quotes from posts that were published during the period under review. You’d find them laden with actionable tips to help you hone your communication skills. I hope they’d prod you on to greater feats.
Without further ado, below are the quotes. Ensure you click on the links to read the articles.
1) “If you master the art of conciseness in all your communication, especially in your business writing, you’d get quicker responses to requests and stronger actions from your recipients”.
Post:
Communication Truths You Must Embrace To Excel.
Date:
April 2018.
URL:
https://lucilleossai.com/blog/2018/04/18/communication-truths-you-must-embrace-to-excel/ .
Description:
Forget the lies you’ve been told about communication; it’s now a prerequisite for rapid career progression and increased business opportunities. Learn certain truths about this crucial skill and arm yourself with the knowledge required to succeed in your professional feats.
2) “In your professional or entrepreneurial journey, you will face that panic, with the accompanying physical and psychological symptoms, when you’re poised to give a speech/presentation/keynote to an (intimidating) audience”.
Post:
How To Speak Persuasively…In Your Own Skin.
Date:
May 2018.
URL:
https://lucilleossai.com/blog/2018/05/30/how-to-speak-persuasively-in-your-own-skin/.
Description:
As a professional, superb public speaking skills propel you to success. Learn timeless tips for speaking persuasively in your own skin and get ahead in your career or business.
3) “It’s impossible to become a better speaker if you don’t actively speak (even when you’re terrified). That’s similar to learning to drive masterfully by only reading instructional materials on driving”.
Post:
The Lucille Ossai Communications Toolbox: Ask Lucille Ossai #1 – How can introverts overcome the fear of public speaking?
Date:
June 2018.
URL:
Description:
The Lucille Ossai Communications Toolbox has been launched. Get free, quick, actionable advice and tips for your pressing communication-related enquiries from Lucille Ossai, an award-winning business communications blogger. By using the hashtag #LucilleOssaiCommsToolbox on LinkedIn, you’d benefit from her experience in writing, lecturing, coaching and training. Equip yourself with best practices in public speaking and business writing for greater effectiveness in your business or career.
4) “One foolproof method to coax action from your audience is to tailor your content to address their needs…Clearly communicate the ‘dangers’ of not taking the action you recommend”.
Post:
The Role of Relevance in Purposeful Communication.
Date:
July 2018.
URL:
https://lucilleossai.com/blog/2018/07/26/the-role-of-relevance-in-purposeful-communication/.
Description:
If you want your content to trigger results, you must make it relevant to your audience. Use the tips given to ensure that your communication converts the naysayers and prompts action.
5) “To become an effective trainer, you must crave knowledge. Become open to new ideas and welcome diverse opinions, even from unlikely sources”.
Post:
Communication Skills Workshops – Lessons For Trainers.
Date:
August 2018.
URL:
https://lucilleossai.com/blog/2018/08/30/communication-skills-workshops-lessons-for-trainers/.
Description:
To my fellow communication skills trainers: You’d need to be aware of two habits that will strengthen your delivery and ensure the success of your programmes. Use the suggestions made in this post to avoid the curse of knowledge.
6) “As a business owner, ‘own’ your business by being its most enthusiastic cheerleader. Speak up, despite your anxiety”.
Post:
Why Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Must Hone Public Speaking Skills.
Date:
September 2018.
URL:
Description:
As a business owner or entrepreneur, effective public speaking skills are invaluable to the growth of your business. Learn compelling reasons why you must hone these skills to boost your success.
7) “Reading regularly will expose you to new ideas, good vocabulary, modern grammar, as well as interesting expressions and constructions. Over time, all these things enrich your content and sharpen your writing ability”.
Post:
The Lucille Ossai Communications Toolbox: Ask Lucille Ossai #2 (Developing Writing Skills).
Date:
October 2018.
URL:
Description:
In this segment, Lucille tackles the enquiry of developing writing skills. She gives away useful nuggets that are often only revealed in paid seminars or training sessions. This post thus provides undisputed value.
Get free, quick, actionable advice and tips for your pressing communication-related enquiries from this award-winning communications blogger.
8) “You cannot connect with your audience, even with superb content and good delivery, if your oral and nonverbal communication skills are not congruent with the image you want to project”.
Post:
How To Deliver A Memorable Presentation To An Accomplished Audience.
Date:
November 2018.
URL:
https://lucilleossai.com/blog/2018/11/25/how-to-deliver-a-memorable-presentation-to-an-accomplished-audience/.
Description:
You needn’t panic when tasked with presenting to an accomplished audience. Learn the new best practices, boosted by research findings from neuroscience, and equip yourself with the knowledge to deliver memorable presentations.
9) “It may seem counterintuitive but you learn best from situations whereby you did something completely outside your comfort zone”.
Post:
To Excel In 2019, Sharpen Your Axe.
Date:
December 2018.
URL:
https://lucilleossai.com/blog/2018/12/29/to-excel-in-2019-sharpen-your-axe/.
Description:
In this competitive business age, ‘sharpening your axe’ is crucial to being considered relevant in your field. In 2019, learn how to hone your skills effectively so that you excel in your career or business.
10) “The biggest myth about effective communication is that it’s an innate skill, and if you don’t have it, you cannot succeed, prompt action or trigger change”.
Post:
The Biggest Myth About Effective Communication…Debunked.
Date:
January 2019.
URL:
https://lucilleossai.com/blog/2019/01/30/the-biggest-myth-about-effective-communication-debunked/.
Description:
In this post, Lucille Ossai debunks the most worrisome myth about effective business communication. She also encourages you to take practical steps to hone your communication skills. Video embedded.
11) “Nonverbal communication is often the unappreciated sibling to oral and written communication skills. However, it is critical to the perception of your credibility”.
Post:
Boost Your Credibility With Effective Nonverbal Communication.
Date:
February 2019.
URL:
Description:
Effective nonverbal communication helps you connect with audiences so that you can persuade them to take the desired actions. Learn practical tips to boost your credibility and record results.
Conclusion
And it’s a wrap!
I’d like to sincerely thank all of you who continue to read the articles. I remain committed to providing useful content that will enrich your communication skills. I’d also love to hear your accounts of how this blog has helped you. Kindly send a quick email or reach out to me on LinkedIn and Twitter.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- You may have noticed that the blog format has changed. After over six years on the Google Blogger platform, I decided to move this blog to its current, befitting website. The move was effected towards the end of 2018. My mentor, well-wishers, and others had one thing to say about the move: “About time!”
- You should be advised: the old Blogger URL is no longer available online, and you cannot find my articles there. However, all blog posts—over 90 of them—are available for viewing in this current blog’s archive. You can also use the ‘Search this blog’ option to locate previous articles.
- You simply must check out my main website, where you can learn more about my profile, testimonials, videos, and services. It can also be accessed from the drop-down menu on this blog’s homepage. Be kind – forward the link to your networks.
Check back next month for a new, insightful piece.
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N.B – First image is courtesy of Kangshutters, via freedigitalphotos.net. Second image is courtesy of David Castillo Dominici, via freedigitalphotos.net. Third image is courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net. Fourth image is courtesy of Thaikrit, via freedigitalphotos.net. Last image is courtesy of Stuart Miles, via freedigitalphotos.net.
I have been looking around for this solution since long time. Finally found here. Thanks for this wonderful detailed straight to the point article. Please keep posting more. Thanks.
Thanks for commenting. Glad you found it useful.
It was my pleasure. Thanks for reading and commenting!