It might seem like the stuff of waking nightmares, but for the people looking to make lasting connections or effective presentations, it’s all too real.

The thought of getting up in front of a group of team leaders, colleagues, or clients, and simply rambling due to a lack of strategic, well-crafted messaging is unpleasant, to say the least. It’s also costly, both in terms of reputation and influence.

Instead of rambling, what if you knew the exact words to say and how to say them? What if they were at the tip of your tongue, even in the most high-pressure situations? Not only would you lose the fear of failure, but you’d also become a magnet — able to attract people to you, rather than push them away.

I, too, struggled with introducing myself and my company, until my communications coach gave me this simple but effective sound bite — 16 words that turned me into a networking magnet. To read about the sound bite and better understand how crafting one of your own can empower you both in your personal and professional interactions.  This could be one of the best decisions you've ever made.