You know how often I speak and write about the critical importance of a strong speech opening.

The first words your audience hears don’t just begin your message; they set the tone, command attention, and signal your confidence. In short, the opening arouses interest in the subject and the speaker.

This is true whether you’re addressing a conference, leading a sales meeting, or standing on the world stage in a political arena.

Open your presentation with impact

The Political Trap: Protocol Over Power

Yes, political speeches come with their own rules and expectations. I understand that protocol often requires recognizing dignitaries, thanking the host, and following formalities. After all, the political stage is also a diplomatic one.

However, I believe this: You can honor protocol and still open with power.

Some of the most memorable lines in political speeches; those that move minds, shape history, or inspire action, are too often buried halfway through the script. By the time the speaker gets to them, attention has already wandered.

Let’s not waste the audience’s freshest attention span on “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” Let’s use it to make an impression that sticks.

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The Secret to Impactful Speaking and Performing

“What an actor has to do is be personal in public,” said the legendary acting teacher, Lee Strasberg. That phrase resonates deeply with anyone who has stood on a stage or in front of a camera—or who leads a team, pitches an idea, or delivers a keynote.

Strasberg wasn’t just teaching actors to “perform”; he was urging them to connect with their audience. His method encouraged authenticity, vulnerability, and presence. The same is true for speakers. Being in front of an audience makes you larger than life. That’s the nature of the stage. But size without sincerity is hollow. You must be both commanding and personal. That’s where the magic happens.

Let’s take this idea from theory to the screen…

Modern Movie Examples: When Actors Are Personal in Public

  1. A Star Is Born (Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga)

Watch Ally’s first solo performance. She’s terrified. She doesn’t perform at the audience—she invites them in. That vulnerability is what makes the moment unforgettable. It’s personal. It’s public. It’s powerful.

  1. King Richard (Will Smith)

Smith plays Richard Williams, the intense, flawed, loving father of Venus and Serena. His speeches to his daughters and their coaches aren’t textbook performances—they’re emotionally charged, deeply personal declarations. Audiences felt it. So did the Academy.

  1. CODA (Emilia Jones)

In the final performance scene, Ruby sings while using sign language to communicate with her deaf family. She doesn’t just sing the song—she communicates meaning. The audience within the film, as well as the one watching it, is moved. That’s personal in public.

What This Means for Speakers

As a speaker, you may rehearse every word, every movement, and every pause. That’s essential.  However, our real job is to connect. Your audience wants to feel that you see them and that you let them see you.

Being personal in public means:

Sharing your real emotions—not reciting them

FrippVT Powerful, Persuasive Presentations online learning platform.

Telling stories only you can tell

Letting your personality shine through your structure

Rehearsing until you sound spontaneous. I say to my clients, “Know it so well, you can forget it.” It is in your body.

Yes, the stage magnifies you. Your humanity is what audiences remember.

As I remind my clients and FrippVT members: Your audience may not remember your exact words, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

“The information in FrippVT is as valuable as any college course I’ve taken. This is a resource that everyone should be aware of. The investment is worth ten times more than I paid and has been life-changing. My fees, recommendations, and referrals have increased dramatically. I am delighted.” Mitzi Perdue, author of “The information in FrippVT is as valuable as any college course I’ve taken. This is a resource that everyone should be aware of. The investment is worth ten times more than I paid and has been life-changing. My fees, recommendations, and referrals have increased dramatically. I am delighted.” Mitzi Perdue, author of How to Make Your Family Business Last

“Your presentation skills program was a game changer. The breakout sessions were especially impactful—engaging, insightful, and energizing. Our post-event survey results were some of the best we’ve seen. Thank you for your incredible support. We’re already looking forward to our next collaboration!” Jake Powers, Senior Director Marketing, Extreme Networks

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Here is the good news. Your audience will not know how you feel; they will only see how you act.

Delivering Your Speech Is More Than the Words

You’re waiting your turn to deliver your presentation when suddenly you realize that your stomach is doing flips and your mind is rapidly going blank. How do you conquer the jitters? People often ask me this question, and there is no single answer to it. The secret is to prepare mentally, physically, and logistically.

Mentally

Begin by understanding that you’ll spend a lot more time preparing than speaking. As a general rule, allocate three hours of preparation for a half-hour speech, resulting in a six-to-one ratio. When you’ve become a highly experienced speaker, you might be able to cut your preparation time. Until then, don’t skimp, because preparation is critical to success, even for skilled speakers.

Part of your preparation will be to memorize your opening and closing lines. Rehearse so you can effectively cover your key points from notes and know your opening and closing by heart, ensuring you can begin well and close on a high note. This will help you connect with your audience when you are most nervous.

It may help to remind yourself that your audience does not know what you intended to say. They can’t see your nervousness if you smile, pause, breathe and act as if you are confident. With a promising beginning, you will soon feel that way.

Logistically

Arrive at the room where you’ll be speaking as early as possible so you can get comfortable in the environment. If you will be speaking from a stage, go early in the morning when no one is there and make friends with the stage. Then, during your presentation, you can concentrate on your audience, rather than worrying about how long it takes to reach the lectern or how close the seats are to the stage. Check that your introducer has your intro. Take one with you in case.

Physically

If you are addressing a small meeting, to help cope with anticipation, shake hands and make eye contact with everybody before your presentation begins. For larger meetings, greet and shake hands with people in the front row, at least, and some of the attendees as they enter the room. We as speakers are rarely nervous about individuals; we are only nervous when faced with the thought of an entire audience. When you have met some of the audience, introduced yourself at their lunch table or in the front row of a large group, and you have connected with them, they become less intimidating. Additionally, when you take the time to communicate with your audience personally, they will be rooting for your success. I call this “Being your own warm-up act.”

Use a performer’s warm-up. In the privacy of a restroom or backstage, try this: shake your hands, loosen your jaw, gently move your neck, and bounce on your feet. Release the tension before you walk on stage.

Stand before you speak. Avoid remaining seated too long. Sitting compresses your energy. Robin Williams was known for doing jumping jacks backstage to elevate his energy. You don’t need to go that far, however, move!

When it comes to managing physical tension before a speech, understand that it is natural to feel nervous. Try this acting technique: Shake the tension out of your hand, do a few head rolls and exaggerated chewing to relax your jaw and head. Then shake your legs one at a time. Of course, this has to be done in the privacy of the bathroom or backstage. This technique helps physically release tension from your body.

Don’t get stuck sitting down right before speaking. If you are going to talk about an hour into the agenda, sit in the back of the room so that for some portion of that hour, you can stand up. It isn’t easy to immediately jump into your presentation and be dynamic when you have been sitting down and relaxed. Robin Williams was well known for doing jumping jacks before going on stage to raise his energy level.

Sitting in the back of the room allows you easy access to the bathroom before a speech. One of the greatest orators of the twentieth century, Winston Churchill, said, “Never pass up the chance to go to the bathroom.” This is very true with delivering presentations.

Fripp Virtual Training, FrippVTWhether you are a beginner or an experienced speaker, you can dramatically improve the quality of your presentations with Fripp Virtual Training. Get results easily, conveniently, and cost-effectively.

FrippVT is a state-of-the-art, web-based training that emulates live training and coaching. Sign up for your complimentary trial and discover how FrippVT can transform you and your team. Take advantage of your free trial.

“After spending 25-plus years as a professional fundraiser, by actively taking the FrippVT courses, I have a newfound respect for my strengths and areas I can improve.”  Scott P. Nicholson, Director of Operations, Exhibit Arts

Patricia Fripp is a presentation skills expert who speaks, writes, and consults with others who want to enjoy more influence and impact.

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Making It Look Easy Isn’t Easy

When we watch a brilliant comedian, captivating speaker, or talented entertainer, it’s easy to think, “They make it look so effortless!” That’s precisely the point. The smoother the performance, the more hours of preparation, refinement, and quiet struggle are behind it.

Years ago, I had the privilege of hearing Bud Friedman, founder of the legendary Improv Comedy Clubs, speak. In the Q&A, I asked, “Mr. Friedman, is there such a thing as natural talent?”

He smiled and said, “Yes… ButMaking it Look East Isn't Easy there is no such thing as overnight success. Jay Leno is naturally talented—and it took him 15 years.”

That moment stayed with me. It confirmed what I’ve seen over decades as a speaker, coach, and audience member: polish comes from practice.

Jay Leno: From Improv Regular to Late-Night Legend

Let’s use Jay Leno as the perfect example. In the early 1970s, Leno would drive from Boston to New York for the slimmest chance to get stage time at the original Improv Comedy Club. He often slept in his car, waiting to perform. He was persistent, funny, and—most importantly—willing to put in the reps.

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Let’s be honest—we all have too much to do.

If you’re anything like me, there are times you feel overwhelmed just looking at your to-do list.

My brilliant friend Ford Saeks often says, “Fripp gets more done in an hour than most people do in a day.” I appreciate the compliment. I only wish it were always true!

Here’s what I’ve learned:

We don’t save time, we prioritize differently. That’s why the idea of saving just 15 minutes a day is more powerful than it sounds.

My Best Time-Saving Technique? Say “No” (and Mean It)

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When I ask my clients, “How long is your presentation?” it scares me when they answer, “Twelve slides.” Even worse is when I ask, “How do you design your presentation?” and they respond, “We get the slide deck.”

Let’s be clear: PowerPoint is a very valuable tool, not a presentation. If you start with your slides, you’re putting the cart before the horse and sabotaging what could be a compelling and successful message.

Design First. Slides Later.

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To continue the stories of my vacation!

Origins & Saxon Glory

I have often told my American friends, “You do not know what old is, unless you travel to England and Europe.”

My brother Robert Fripp and I had fun visiting our home town of Wimborne. It was founded around 705 AD when St Cuthburga established a double monastery for monks and nuns. Nestled beside the River Allen, it is a theological and cultural hub in Dorset.

This foundation would shape the town’s spiritual identity for centuries, enduring Viking raids in 1013 and evolving into a collegiate church by the Norman Conquest.

Architectural Legacy & Royal Connections

I was confirmed in the Minster church, which is still a thriving part of the community and tourism. Romanesque and Gothic in style, it dates primarily from the 12ᵗʰ century, though Victorian restorations refined its grandeur.

I never get tired of visiting the Minster’s chained library (one of only four in England), a 14ᵗʰ‑century astronomical clock, and tombs honoring King Ethelred I, brother of Alfred the Great, as well as John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset.

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Whenever I return to the UK, I explore somewhere new I have never visited, even after decades of back-and-forth trips across the Atlantic. This time, it was Norfolk, and what a delightfully surprising choice it was.

One of my greatest pleasures is listening to thrillers on Audible.

Hidden Norfolk series

Recently, I’ve been captivated by J.M. Dalgliesh’s Hidden Norfolk series. Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Norfolk, these stories combine atmospheric landscapes with cleverly crafted mysteries. His lead detective, Tom Janssen, must solve crimes without the crutch of firearms, because in the UK, most police don’t carry guns. That adds a layer of intelligence, restraint, and psychological tension, making each story feel even more real.

What I appreciate most is how Dalgliesh brings Norfolk to life. You don’t just follow the plot, you walk the windy beaches, peer into tight-knit communities, and feel the weight of every decision a detective must make.

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Then perhaps you need to take a vacation?

I am now one week into my three-week vacation in the UK.

This isn’t just a holiday, it’s a meaningful pause, a reconnection with my roots, and a chance to enjoy quality time with some of my favorite people.

My long-time friend and negotiation expert, Derek Arden, met me at Heathrow airport.

In the UK, he’s my chauffeur, train schedule interpreter, and enthusiastic tour guide around Dorset. We talk non-stop, and as fellow lifelong learners, our conversations stimulate us to be better and more creative in serving our clients and audiences.

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Audience interaction is more than asking questions or inviting a show of hands.

It is about engagement, connection, and curiosity. In my decades as a keynote speaker and executive speech coach, I have learned that when you interact with your audience, they feel seen, heard, and valued. They do not sit back passively; they lean in.

When we train and work with audiences of executives, engineers, or ambitious professionals, the moment our audience participates, the experience becomes theirs, not ours.

A few simple techniques work wonders:

Ask a rhetorical question that makes them think.

Refer to what someone said earlier.

Ask them for their examples that also reinforce our points of wisdom.

Acknowledge their challenges and link our content to their world.

Interaction transforms a presentation from a one-way delivery into a two-way connection.

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