You’re a Diva, if:

•You can be tough without wearing a pinstripe suit -- Dianne Feinstein (paraphrased).

•You believe "Life is not a final. It’s daily pop quizzes." -- Ann Crittenden.

•You don’t retreat from a down economy, but become successful because of it.

June is National Effective Communication Month. Communication is so valuable in life, and yet we are so lazy about according it the importance it deserves.

Our speech is a window through which others view us, and yet we seem to forget that crucial fact when we are interviewing, making a presentation – or simply speaking to others.

Have you ever drawn a conclusion about someone before ever talking to him, and then re-drawn your conclusion – for the worse -- afterwards?

I talk to my clients about nickel words and dollar words. Words and how we use them – how we frame them and style them -- can make so

much difference in how we are perceived and received. Challenge yourself to use words that represent the type of person you desire to put forth to the world.

For example: Chances are, in an interview you’ve used the words "I’m a hard worker." But since everyone says that, the words have become empty of significance. They show, in fact, a limited power of expression. It is better to use words that describe your talents, your experience, your expertise – (leader, trainer, coach, strategic planner, process improver, et al) – words that actually say something meaningful about you and your potential value to an organization.

I’m not suggesting you go so far as to use the kind of words Bill O’Reilly, for example, uses during his news show each night – seldom-heard, difficult to pronounce -- but I do suggest you challenge yourself to rise above lazy, meaning-deficient jargon. While you may be an energetic talker, you may not be saying anything. Make yourself significant by using descriptive words that will set you apart!

When I introduce myself, I sometimes tell people I’m a cheerleader. Not a fancy word, but one that creates a picture of me as an upbeat, motivational person. The word perfectly describes my line of work as a coach and inspirational speaker. Many interesting conversations are inspired as a result.

Try saying what you want to be heard, in one simple sentence or two. Resist the urge to drag your listener along your cliché-laden trail. Keep in mind that everyone’s time is important. An effective communicator gets to the point -- in business and in life.

Challenge yourself this month to make a big payment on your personal effectiveness and self-image debt by becoming a better communicator.

"Saying nothing... sometimes says the most." -- Emily Dickinson.

"There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave: The one you practiced, the one you gave and the one you wish you gave." -- Dale Carnegie.

"Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is spoken out loud." -- Hermann Hesse.