(720) 933-9247

Verbal Communication Coaching

Verbal communication is an integral part of your personal brand and professional image

Think about someone you spoke with today. Picture them in your mind. Now think about not just what they said but how they sound when they speak. 

Was their speech smooth, gravely, excited or stilted, was their voice high-pitched, loud or soft? Do they hesitate when they speak, look away, or look you in the eye? What about upspeak; that’s when you go up in the middle of a phrase or sentence or at the end, even if it’s not a question. Some people giggle after each thought, sigh, or tilt their head. These habits can all indicate insecurity. 

Do you recognize any of those verbal and non-verbal affectations in your own speech patterns? There are many more of these small variations that creep into our everyday conversations. But the big question is; do you notice them in yourself or others? 

Whether you notice them or not, speech patterns and affectations are part of our “personal brand.” Your personal brand is how others think of you, what you are known for, all the many ways that we communicate visually, verbally and non-verbally. 

If you’re not sure how you sound to others, a good way to hear yourself is to record yourself having an in-person conversation with someone. Or record a phone conversation if you have the other person’s consent. 

When you listen to the recording, have a pen and paper handy to take notes. You’ll be surprised at what you hear so you’ll want to write down what you notice about your speech patterns, words, pronunciations, and filler words. Those filler words can be the death of you; like, um, so, er, well, etc. 

The first step in overcoming some unwanted speech patterns is to notice when you do them. Notice when you say the word “like” inappropriately. Notice whenever you begin a sentence with the words “So, um, well…” And if you catch yourself laughing at the end of a sentence, notice how often you do it. With any of these affectations, ask yourself honestly if it’s a habit. 

Sometimes it’s difficult for us to recognize patterns in ourselves. 

I can help.

As a Certified Personal Image Consultant and Communications Coach, I help active individuals upgrade their personal brand visually, verbally, and authentically from the inside, out.

Email me for a free 30 minute consultation to get started realizing your full potential. What have you got to loose, besides old habits? Email now: [email protected]

Pageant Coaching with Leadership Skills

By Marian Rothschild, AICI CIC Pageant Coach Colorado

Walk up to the microphone on stage in front of thousand of people, lights glaring in your eyes, introduce yourself wearing a figure-hugging evening gown and three-inch heels and explain to the audience why it’s important for girls in third-world countries to get a good education. Or tell us what you value and what are you doing in your life right now to reflect those values. Or explain why mental health is important in middle school and what’s going wrong in most of our schools today.

Sound easy? It’s not. Just try it. These requirements may seem trivial when you know they are part of what’s expected in pageants. But pageants aren’t what they used to be. They are not the “beauty pageants” of years ago.

When I explain to people that I’m a pageant coach for girls and young women, I use the term “scholarship competitions” because that’s what they are. Most organizations that have competitions offer prize money to help with college tuition as well as other gifts and services such as modeling contracts, acting lessons, scholarships to specialty schools, etc.

These competitions demand leadership qualities that go far beyond physical beauty. Contestants are judged on verbal and non-verbal communication; how they walk into a room full of strangers and introduce themselves, how they move from one side of the stage to the other while holding the audience’s attention. They are graded on how they speak, what they think about themselves and others, and what they’re doing in their daily lives to back up their talk. Judges take note of posture, body control, style and wardrobe choices that speak volumes about who that girl is and what she thinks of herself.

She needs to formulate an answer that shows her ability to think outside the obvious, beyond selfish or superficial needs, without using filler words: “um, like, so, well, uh…” and without sounding like a “valley girl” or a robot. She needs to be genuine, authentic, and relatable.

As a multiple-title winner from my late teens and early 20’s and as a former judge for pageants, I have the experience and understanding of what is needed to do well in these competitions. As a former professional dancer and actor I understand performance, movement, body awareness, voice and presence. And as a certified personal image and wardrobe consultant I understand the power of color, line, shape, wardrobe, hair and makeup choices.

Recently my coaching client Lujane Yacoub, pictured above, won Miss Universe Bahrain! She will compete in the Miss Universe competition later this year. What an amazing experience! The opportunities this win will give her are limitless. Best wishes for good luck in all future endeavors, Lujane!

Pageant coaching Colorado, Miss America.

Another client of mine, a lovely 13 year-old girl won a national title which was her very first competition! She was a diligent student and practiced everything I taught her in our coaching sessions. She was the only competitor to implement certain moves that I taught her for the evening gown portion of that competition. My formula for answering any question brilliantly and authentically sealed her fate as the winner when she answered her on-stage question with heart-felt sincerity in front of the entire audience.

If you would like to learn these techniques and do your best in competitions and other challenges, check out my pageant coaching packages on my website and then let’s talk. Learn to communicate your best and boldest self!

Pageant Coach CO, pageant coaching colorado, pageant coaches CO https://marianrothschild.com/pageant-coaching-denver-colorado/

Makeup Lesson Right Here in Boulder

Finally learn how to apply makeup on the face you want the world to see!

Many women never learned how to apply makeup in their teens, twenties, or anytime. Now that the world has opened up and you’re going out again you want to look great! How do those women on TV or some younger women apply makeup so well? What’s the trick? Have a private makeup lesson in just two hours.

There are YouTube videos but they don’t address your specific needs, coloring, face shape and features. You want help but not from a video or from some 16 year-old who overdoes her own makeup so much it’s scary.

I can help. I’ve been doing makeup since majoring in Theatre in college and performing in professional plays, TV commercials and films since I was in my 20’s. I’ve been giving professional makeup lessons since 2010. And I do professional makeup application for photos and film.

You can finally learn how to apply makeup on yourself for day, evening, and special events in a private, stress-free lesson. We’ll go step-by-step in chronological order of application with worksheets that you take home, and lists of all necessary products and tools. You’ll learn how to accent the eyes, make them stand out beautifully, how and what colors to use on your face, cheeks and lips.

You’ll learn subtle contour tricks to make your neck more sculpted, cheekbones stand out, and, if you want, your nose to appear smaller!

I’ll take before and after pictures on your phone. You can print one out and always have a reference photo. You’ll also bring home step-by-step instructions and a detailed shopping list along with recommendations.

Make a date for after the appointment because you’re going to look fabulous. And you’ll know how to reproduce your most beautiful face to the world whenever you want!

Call now to book your appointment: 720-933-9247 Marian Rothschild Certified Personal Image Consultant, Makeup Artist, Boulder, CO.

Check out more makeup lesson info here. See additional photos on my Before & After page and also on my Makeup Artist page. Finally, have a private makeup lesson, right here in Boulder!

Body Language for Business

Body language for business, at work and during any business dealings–especially subconscious moves–could be self sabotaging. Nonverbal communication is part of your professional image. 

 

 

Whether you’re in a setting up a screen share, in a private meeting, giving a presentation, or simply walking to your desk or cubicle, you are sending non-verbal messages with your body language. Here are several ways:

Holding hands out in front of you in a “stop” motion when speaking with colleagues, coworkers, and supervisors could be interpreted as unwillingness to listen to what others have to say because it appears that you are trying to stop them from speaking.

In the photo on the left, we’re not sure if Quentin Tarantino is waving hello or wanting the viewer to back off, especially with that scowl on his face.

 

When speaking to a group, everything about your message needs to be clear and in alignment. Do your posture, hand placement, gestures, and movements convey confidence and expertise, or do they communicate fear, distrust, or uncertainty?

 

 

 

Pursing lips, looking upward and squinting face and eyes before speaking or answering can be interpreted as low confidence, uncertainty, or confusion about the question or how to answer. The same interpretation can be assumed from bad posture, while sitting, standing, or walking: lack of confidence, apathy, or stressed.

 

 

Thumb and forefinger on chin might be interpreted as judgmental, lording over the listener.

Sitting with legs and arms crossed, hunched over; you appear to be closed off, have low energy, are apathetic and want to be left alone. 

 

 

 

Hands over the mouth could be seen as disbelief, hesitancy, or reluctancy to speak.

All of these subconscious moves, mannerisms, and positions may be undermining your career advancement without anyone being able to identify and communicate the specific problem that’s holding you back. 

 

If you would like an honest assessment of your body language, professional image, and personal brand, give me a call. Let’s just have a conversation to see what any challenges might be. No obligation. Then you can proceed with some coaching if you’d like, to increase influence with clear communication.

Call now, 720-933-9247 to set up your free 30 minute phone consultation with Certified Personal Image Consultant Marian Rothschild.

Transition Your Wardrobe (men too)

Cooler temperatures, leaves changing, darkness comes earlier.  Autumn is here!

Some days it will still be in the 60’s, then dip down to the 40’s. It may be difficult to know when to put away your summer wardrobe and what to wear for this time of transition.

Here are a few examples of how to go from summer styles to fall outfits, using one basic piece and adding different pieces to stay warm and weather appropriate.

 

A lightweight multi-colored skirt worn with a light cotton sweater, bright necklace and white sandals was wonderful a couple months ago.

 

Now pair that same skirt with a long-sleeved sweater, black beaded necklace, and light gray booties for sensational seasonal styling. (No tights required if temps are 50 or above.)

 

 

 

 

This red print dress works great for transitioning because of its bold colors and medium weight. In August we’d style it with a colorful necklace, cuff, strappy wedges, rolling the sleeves up for cool comfort.

 

 

 

For chillier temps, add a structured jacket in one of the colors in the dress fabric, change out the accessories, and choose a 2″ – 3″ heeled bootie for a great office or business professional image.

 

 

 

Guys, this styling can work with your wardrobe, too. Here’s an example of a casual summer outfit, like what you wore for warm-weather lunches or weekend BBQs: blue cotton shirt (with subtle print), plaid shorts, and sandals.

 

 

 

Now add a navy V neck sweater over that shirt, change out the shorts for jeans (Levi’s or Lucky are two affordable and great-looking options), and swap the sandals for some tan slip ons. These Ecco’s are super comfortable and go with everything!

 

 

Do you have wardrobe pieces you’d like to transition for cooler weather?

I can help!

Call me for a free 30 minute phone consultation (720-933-9247) and let’s get started updating your wardrobe to look and feel fantastic for work and weekends. Don’t wait; Look Good Now!

Instant Updates for a Competitive Edge

Instant Updates for a Competitive Edge

Lately I’ve been working with professionals over 40 who want to stay relevant within their fields and with their personal image. Whenever I do webinars and presentations, people always ask how to maintain an appropriate business appearance but not look too old, especially next to colleagues who are 20 years younger.

I can’t help them stay relevant in their specific industries, but here are 11 tips for retaining a current, stylish, yet business- and age-appropriate appearance.

  • Don’t necessarily try to look younger. Just being current is what’s important. Your personal and professional image have to be authentic, not forced or fake.

 

  • Do an online search for men’s or women’s business casual style 2018 images. There’s hundreds of pages to view, especially on Pinterest. See what fashionable styles you like and figure out how to transition your wardrobe and accessories into more current looks that will work for you.

 

  • Instant style update for men: a brown leather jacket (that fits well), with a vertical-stripped, slim-fit dress shirt from a brand like Boss or John Varvatos, and brown leather pointed-toe buckle-strapped oxfords or brown leather boots.

 

  • An instant update for women: a long, knee-length cardigan or jacket in navy, teal, or tan, with a lighter colored top underneath, long necklace, tapered ankle slacks and pointy flats.

 

 

  • Your clothes need to fit your body really well, not be too baggy nor too tight. Clothes should skim your body, not hang off or look like they’re painted on. If you’ve got more than a couple of inches of extra pant fabric, especially around your pant legs and waist, you need to take those slacks to the tailor for alterations. If the buttons on your shirt or blouse are about to pop open, that top is too tight.

 

  • Sleeve hems should hit 1/2” below your wrist when your arms are relaxed at your sides, not in the middle of your hand. Men’s slacks can be ankle-length but only if the pants are fashion forward and tapered. Otherwise, trousers should be 1”-2” from the floor. For business casual, in or out of the office, women’s skirts and dresses should be just below the knee, at the knee, or at the very shortest, at the top of the knee. Women’s tapered slacks can be ankle length, more or less.

 

  • Get a current haircut. Look back at those images and see what’s trendy. Don’t go with anything that won’t work for your hair’s texture, but maybe try something new. Your same old hairstylist may be stuck in a rut and keeping you in a ’do that’s fuddy duddy. If you haven’t changed hairstylists in several years, find someone who will see you in a whole new light. Ask a friend who has a great cut who they go to and call to make an appointment.

 

  • It’s okay for women to color their hair to cover their gray, but not men. Every man I’ve ever seen who has colored his hair or has had it colored professionally looks artificial. Don’t do it, guys. But women, if you feel like gray hair is weighing you down, aging you prematurely, then by all means have your hair colored. Go back to your natural hair color from when you were in your teens. That will probably be the most flattering.

 

  • Update your glasses every few years. Even if they are just reading glasses, get a stylish pair that flatter your face and suit your personality.

 

  • Being the best version of yourself includes eating right and exercising. Get thee to the gym, or yoga studio, out on the running trails, and do it regularly. You’re going to look and feel younger if you stay in shape. That means moving, not just once in a while, but regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to go on a diet, just maintain healthy habits because you want to be healthy…right?

 

  • If you think your clothes, accessories, and overall style are frumpy and outdated, they probably are. Time to update. Clean out your closet and get rid of pieces that no longer do you any good. Get some current fashions that you love and that fit and flatter you.

 

I can help: this has been my area of expertise for over 12 years. I help busy men and women update their personal image for increased influence and sizzling success. Call for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see how you can update your look and feel great: 720-933-9247.