A former Citibank employeee in New York who was fired from her job is suing her former employers claiming that she was forced out of her job because she was too good looking. Debrahlee Lorenzana says she was subject to "improper comments" and was reprimanded for dressing sexily - when all she was doing was dressing professionally. Her bosses told her that "as a result of the shape of her figure, such clothes were purportedly 'too distracting' for her male colleagues and supervisors to bear," she says. See the full story here http://www.businessinsider.com/debrahlee-lorenzana-citi-2010-6
My observations in this part of the world is that dressing for body type is particularly challenging especially given the generous proportions that God dished out to our women – they tend to dress in clothes that are too tight and men in clothes that are too big. Dressing correctly for your particular body shape is key to being seen as a professional and more so when working in a conservative occupation like banking or law. When it comes to what to wear for work, I’m sure you must have heard ‘dress for the job you want and not the job you have’ - you must be aware of the image are sending out.As a woman you should be known for the statistics coming out of your mouth and not the vital statistics your clothes are straining to cover. For example a man wearing a suit that is two sizes too large for him doesn’t present a very good image. Fit and wearing appropriate clothes for the job should never be underestimated in being perceived as competent and knowledgeable in whatever profession you may be. Tailored clothes are infinitely better than too tight or too big. Here’s a quick tip – identify a good tailor who can adjust the clothes you buy so that they fit your unique body shape without necessarily sacrificing your own personal style.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Giving a talk? Mind your language
What language should you use when giving a speech or talk? There are so many ways to say the same thing that it is unnecessary to repeat words unless you want to add impact ‘It is essential that we get costs under control; I say again, essential if we are to make a profit this year.’ Repeated words make the audience bored, so use alternatives ‘It is essential that we get costs under control; this is crucial if we are to make a profit this year.’
Where does one draw the line between blatant marketing and delivering valuable information in an interesting way? Let’s take two examples: ‘At Excellent Marketing Ltd we have all the expertise and solutions you need for an innovative campaign to increase your business in these difficult times.’ ‘In these difficult times an innovative campaign is vital if you are to increase your business. There are a number of options available and we at Excellent Marketing Ltd would be delighted to discuss them with you.’
How do you start your speech or presentation? You can open with ‘Good morning ladies and gentlemen, my name is….and I am going to talk to you about….’ which is fine but a bit commonplace. You can ask a question ‘How many of you are wondering how long I am going to talk for this morning? Don’t worry, I am not going to keep you long, but what I have to say will encourage you to take an entirely different approach to marketing your products. My name is… ‘
It is as well to try and avoid common cliché phrases like ‘It gives me great pleasure....’ or jargon like ‘I would like 'it goes without saying' or 'at the end of the day' …’ develop your own style, use your own words and phrases. This is fundamental if your speeches are to be remembered and your message taken to heart.
A quick tip - never clear your throat at the microphone. Clear it before you get up to speak, no-one in the audience should hear the sound of phlegm being removed.
Where does one draw the line between blatant marketing and delivering valuable information in an interesting way? Let’s take two examples: ‘At Excellent Marketing Ltd we have all the expertise and solutions you need for an innovative campaign to increase your business in these difficult times.’ ‘In these difficult times an innovative campaign is vital if you are to increase your business. There are a number of options available and we at Excellent Marketing Ltd would be delighted to discuss them with you.’
How do you start your speech or presentation? You can open with ‘Good morning ladies and gentlemen, my name is….and I am going to talk to you about….’ which is fine but a bit commonplace. You can ask a question ‘How many of you are wondering how long I am going to talk for this morning? Don’t worry, I am not going to keep you long, but what I have to say will encourage you to take an entirely different approach to marketing your products. My name is… ‘
It is as well to try and avoid common cliché phrases like ‘It gives me great pleasure....’ or jargon like ‘I would like 'it goes without saying' or 'at the end of the day' …’ develop your own style, use your own words and phrases. This is fundamental if your speeches are to be remembered and your message taken to heart.
A quick tip - never clear your throat at the microphone. Clear it before you get up to speak, no-one in the audience should hear the sound of phlegm being removed.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
50-year-old Glenfiddich Whisky
For those of you who enjoy the finer things in life including aged whisky here's one for you - Not so much a drink as an investment, Glenfiddich's 50-year-old is one of the rarest and indeed most expensive drams that the whisky maker has ever distilled. With just two casks having made the requisite half-century innings, only 500 bottles will be released at a rate of 50 a year over the next decade, and each will retail for £10,000 (or a staggering Ksh 1,260,000) read more here
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