Overview

This Data Bytes podcast episode features Beth A Walter, an Assistant Teaching Professor of Business Communication at Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, where she discussed two interesting topics. The first topic focused on the common pitfalls individuals make when communicating analytic insights in the field of data analytics. 

The second topic discussed on the podcast was executive presence, and how performing arts can improve it. Walter explained that executive presence refers to the ability to project confidence, competence, and credibility in high-stakes situations. She shared tips on how to improve executive presence, such as maintaining eye contact and body posture, and the importance of developing a strong voice. Walter also discussed how learning the performing arts can help improve executive presence, as it involves building self-awareness, practicing presence, and honing communication skills. Overall, Walter's insights were valuable for anyone looking to improve their communication skills, whether in the realm of data analytics or executive presence.

About Beth Walter

Beth Walter is Assistant Teaching Professor of Business Communication at Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). She teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses in business communication, presentation skills, professional writing, executive presence, storytelling, improv for leaders, and strategic leadership. Additionally, Beth serves as faculty director for communication programs at Tepper Executive Education and regularly consults with global companies to help them improve their internal and external communications. Formerly, Beth was an assistant professor of communication at the University of Dayton and at CMU-Heinz College for Public Policy and Information Systems. Her most recent research focuses on pedagogical methods for making the contexts and conventions of business writing and their differences more explicit and accessible for business students. Beth also researches effective strategies for corporate communication about social responsibility initiatives. Beth received two top-paper awards from the National Communication Association for her research in rhetorical theory and semiotics. Her work has been published in the Atlantic Journal of Communication, and she is a recipient of Duquesne University’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Communication and Rhetorical Studies. From 1996-2010, Beth served as President and CEO of Spotlight Performing Arts, Inc. in Pittsburgh where she directed over three dozen theatrical productions. Drawing on her former experience as an actress, stage director, and entrepreneur, Beth helps professionals at all stages of their career apply classic performance principles to communicate with impact and collaborate in teams.

Social Handles:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-a-walter-37108235/

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