The presidential debate last week demonstrated how important communication skills are. President Obama is generally thought of as a well-spoken man. During the debate he was anything but. The president was fumbling and looking down at the podium at his notes and maybe just an errant ink stain for all we know. The way he presented himself was in sharp contrast to a very sure Mitt Romney, who appeared confident, looking his audience in the eye–from the president to the moderator to the television viewers. GOP candidate Romney is certain to get a bump in the polls after the performance.

A performance was exactly what it was. Every day we all put on a little performance, for bosses and colleagues, for family and for our members and customers. Think about how you present yourself to all of your different audiences. Do you look them in the eye or stammer and stutter with eyes cast down? 

How do you and your employees behave when addressing a member? It may not be that obvious. It may be something as minor as folding your arms when talking to them or a tone that give away the argument you had with your significant other this morning.