This is a client comment: “I could not get over what an inch or two off my sleeve or the length of my top did to make me look thinner.”

These are the five areas where an inch really does matter:

• Sleeve length
• Sleeve width
• Jacket length
• Letting out or bringing in at the waist of a top or jacket
• Adding a half-inch pad to the shoulder

So remember an inch can be a tipping point to appearing thinner instead of wider.

Asking questions is critical to understanding any issue. In order to clarify the question, always begin with the end in mind. What is it that you want to understand? And what is the message in the answer?

Too often, another question gets asked without the questioner completely digesting the previous answer. So, a key to understanding is listening to the previous answer.

Seek to understand then to be understood.

The definition of harmony: “Agreement in feeling or opinion; accord: live in harmony. 2. A pleasing combination of elements in a whole.”

Irene Rosenberg, CEO of Kraft Foods, who was recently recognized for her leadership, spoke about harmony. Everyone is always talking about balance. Sometimes balance does not bring the results you want. Harmony does not necessarily mean balance. However, it does connote a sense of calmness and stability in the situation.

You can’t always have balance but you can strive for harmony in any circumstance.

Recently I was asked to host a webinar on Building Your Brand. Those who have hosted know it can be extremely challenging if you are accustomed to audience interaction. Most webinars will have some participation when the audience sends in questions which helps keep the energy up.
In this particular one there was a dry run which I encourage everyone to have to work out any problems. Practice also helps to develop a relationship with the person or persons responsible for your introduction and managing the technical side of the webinar.

Here are some tips to help manage a successful event as the presenter:

Do:
• Have a practice before the event to talk thru the program.
• Be sure to work out some guidelines with the folks managing the technical side.
• Time the presentation. On air time allotment is pretty unforgiving. If you run over it, folks will be cut off.
• Let the audience know how you will be answering the questions either during or after the talk.
• Answer questions with a positive spin.

Don’t
• Stop your presentation if the visuals are not working. Paint the picture in words.
• Send heavy graphics on your PowerPoint without checking with a technical person first.
• Answer questions not related to the topic. Give the audience another method to contact you with off-subject issues.
• Perform a monologue. Be sure your handouts give the audience a way to participate (quizzes work well).

These tips will help keep the audience engaged and minimize technical problems.