Member since August 2023
Carole Bober Gentry is an energetic communications pro, public speaker, trainer and mentor with 35+ years of experience in public and media relations, employee engagement, public affairs, community outreach and event planning. The former managing director of communications for Maryland Lottery and Gaming, Carole's diverse background includes: advertising copywriter, congressional campaign manager, fundraiser and author.
Carole has brought her enthusiasm and energy to numerous conferences across the country and in Canada, covering her favorite topic: effective communication. Her keynote and session presentations have earned her high praise from a diverse range of audiences, including sales, marketing, human resources, gaming, management, and other professional organizations. Carole’s charismatic style, keen sense of humor and passion for helping others are infused into her unique and memorable multi-media presentations on effective workplace communications.
My passion? Showing people the power of effective communication. I know what you're thinking -- why do we need this? We communicate constantly: talking, texting, sending messages and sharing our thoughts and opinions all day (and night) long. But that doesn't make us very good communicators. Why? Because quantity doesn't mean quality. Real communication -- effective communication -- creates connections, in both our personal and professional lives.
My presentations and sessions provide people with insights into how they communicate -- or THINK they communicate. I offer sessions that are entertaining and informative, allowing for an exchange of ideas, as people have a laugh while they learn to be better communicators. That makes me super jazzed, which is why I love what I do!
BODY LANGUAGE SPEAKS VOLUMES:
Years ago, my then-teenage son threw the New Year's Eve party-of-the-century at my house while I was out of town. When I returned home and discovered what happened, he denied everything. When I asked him for the truth, my body language was on full display: I was scowling, with furrowed brow, narrowed eyes and hands on hips as I pointed my finger in his direction. My body language clearly said...ANGRY MOTHER ABOUT TO ERUPT.
My son's body language, however, told a different story. He denied the party, trying to sound innocent, but his body language didn't sync with his words. He was shifting on his feet, arms folded, eyes darting from left to right. His body language gave him away. He was clearly guilty as charged. Words matter, of course. But watch out. Non-verbal signals (like body language and facial expressions) can reveal your true feelings, often contradicting the very words you are saying.
When you start out as the youngest of four -- and the only girl in the bunch, you learn that effective communication is a survival tool!
My big brothers weren't the affectionate, protective kind; they were more of the pick-on-our-sister- til-she-cries type of siblings. It used to make me mad, but as I got older, I realized that their teasing was a gift, inspiring me to be a stronger negotiator, a better leader, a more empathetic colleague and friend. I appreciate my siblings for their early "input" (code word for teasing.) Without them (Oh, brother!) I wouldn't be where I am today!
The right communication tools are the key to building better relationships. For sales professionals, product is certainly important, but good customer service plays a critical role. This session focused on customer service training to help the team build brand loyalty and increase sales.
Exercises were designed to help attendees learn how to:
- Improve listening skills
- Address customer concerns
- Seek problem-solving solutions
- Maintain open lines of communication and more.
Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1LcugY7LtU&t=7s
Communicating effectively is a challenge for all of us, no matter where we live. But there are 10 top tips that can help you become a more effective communicator.
This session offered advice on:
- Body language
- Listening skills
- Saying no to negativity
- Better messaging to getting rid of "killer fillers" and more.
Watch this short video clip, taken at a conference in the country music capital of the world (Nashville) and see how it hits all the right notes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfr75D9chgM&t=112s
Our “personal space” – the space we need to feel safe and secure – is important to our overall well-being. Yet threats to our personal space are everywhere. How do you protect your personal space and communicate your needs?
This short video clip offers tips on:
- Handling personal space issues
- Respecting boundaries
- Setting expectations
- Communicating your needs and more.
Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/vBg5lJsCK4w
On average, people speak a minimum of 7,000 words a day! Yet, they still use plenty of unnecessary extras, called “Fillers.” These useless add-ons can interfere with what you’re trying to say and make you appear less polished, less intelligent and less professional.
Attendees learned simple tips on how to fight fillers by:
- Slowing down
- Using fewer sentences
- Becoming self-aware
- Getting comfortable with silence and more.
Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9aT7F-NVLk
Email Overload Alert! On average, people send and receive more than 120 emails per day. And that's just at work! The problem is, we don’t always have the time, interest, or energy to answer all of them. So what do you do? This short video reviews the unspoken rules about responding – or not responding – to email.
Tips include:
- Response timing: the 24-hour rule
- Sending a quick note when you're too busy
- Setting aside time each day to check your email and more.
Watch this short video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtTZQD_J-4I&t=56s
BODY LANGUAGE SPEAKS VOLUMES:
Years ago, my then-teenage son threw the New Year's Eve party-of-the-century at my house while I was out of town. When I returned home and discovered what happened, he denied everything. When I asked him for the truth, my body language was on full display: I was scowling, with furrowed brow, narrowed eyes and hands on hips as I pointed my finger in his direction. My body language clearly said...ANGRY MOTHER ABOUT TO ERUPT.
My son's body language, however, told a different story. He denied the party, trying to sound innocent, but his body language didn't sync with his words. He was shifting on his feet, arms folded, eyes darting from left to right. His body language gave him away. He was clearly guilty as charged. Words matter, of course. But watch out. Non-verbal signals (like body language and facial expressions) can reveal your true feelings, often contradicting the very words you are saying.
When you start out as the youngest of four -- and the only girl in the bunch, you learn that effective communication is a survival tool!
My big brothers weren't the affectionate, protective kind; they were more of the pick-on-our-sister- til-she-cries type of siblings. It used to make me mad, but as I got older, I realized that their teasing was a gift, inspiring me to be a stronger negotiator, a better leader, a more empathetic colleague and friend. I appreciate my siblings for their early "input" (code word for teasing.) Without them (Oh, brother!) I wouldn't be where I am today!
The right communication tools are the key to building better relationships. For sales professionals, product is certainly important, but good customer service plays a critical role. This session focused on customer service training to help the team build brand loyalty and increase sales.
Exercises were designed to help attendees learn how to:
- Improve listening skills
- Address customer concerns
- Seek problem-solving solutions
- Maintain open lines of communication and more.
Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1LcugY7LtU&t=7s
Communicating effectively is a challenge for all of us, no matter where we live. But there are 10 top tips that can help you become a more effective communicator.
This session offered advice on:
- Body language
- Listening skills
- Saying no to negativity
- Better messaging to getting rid of "killer fillers" and more.
Watch this short video clip, taken at a conference in the country music capital of the world (Nashville) and see how it hits all the right notes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfr75D9chgM&t=112s
Our “personal space” – the space we need to feel safe and secure – is important to our overall well-being. Yet threats to our personal space are everywhere. How do you protect your personal space and communicate your needs?
This short video clip offers tips on:
- Handling personal space issues
- Respecting boundaries
- Setting expectations
- Communicating your needs and more.
Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/vBg5lJsCK4w
On average, people speak a minimum of 7,000 words a day! Yet, they still use plenty of unnecessary extras, called “Fillers.” These useless add-ons can interfere with what you’re trying to say and make you appear less polished, less intelligent and less professional.
Attendees learned simple tips on how to fight fillers by:
- Slowing down
- Using fewer sentences
- Becoming self-aware
- Getting comfortable with silence and more.
Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9aT7F-NVLk
Email Overload Alert! On average, people send and receive more than 120 emails per day. And that's just at work! The problem is, we don’t always have the time, interest, or energy to answer all of them. So what do you do? This short video reviews the unspoken rules about responding – or not responding – to email.
Tips include:
- Response timing: the 24-hour rule
- Sending a quick note when you're too busy
- Setting aside time each day to check your email and more.
Watch this short video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtTZQD_J-4I&t=56s