EEC 205: How to be Authentic without Losing Credibility with Elaine Bennett

Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC talks with Elaine Bennett about the importance of "being you" in all communication as they answer the following questions.

• What are the top communications mistakes that keep executives from advancing?
• How can clients position themselves for growth through speaking?
• Why you shouldn't try to be Oprah (unless you're Oprah)
• Why do you hate bullet points so much?
• What kind of humor works best in a business setting?

Elaine Bennett

Elaine Bennett's name may sound familiar. She is an award-winning speechwriter and definitely not the lady from Seinfeld, whose last name was Benes.

Elaine is a strategic messaging consultant. She advises clients from Fortune 50 CEOs to entrepreneurs on their messaging. She also creates and delivers trainings on how to improve the writing of everything from internal communications to speeches. Her 2019 TEDx Talk tackles the topic of how language can change the world. She began her career on Wall Street 25+ years ago, as speechwriter for the CEO of Salomon Brothers. When scandal forced the executive to resign, Warren Buffett stepped in as Interim CEO—and Elaine's newest client. Mr. Buffett offered Elaine one of his highest compliments:

"You have a terrific ear and you turn straight thinking into straight writing."

And that's what she's been doing ever since—melding the mind of a businessperson with the sensibility of an outsider to tell complex stories in a sophisticated but relatable way. Or as another client put it, "Elaine is the Obi-Wan of speechwriting."

Excellent Executive Coaching Podcast

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The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals.

Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of www.mkbconseil.ch a company specialized in leadership development and executive coaching.