We Can Be Heroes for More than One Day

Reflections on My Sermon at Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, San Francisco.

Recently, I had the honour of delivering a sermon at the Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church titled; We Can Be Heroes for More than One Day. Inspired by presentations I’ve delivered with my brother, Robert Fripp, who played on David Bowie’s Heroes, this was an experience I’ll always treasure.

The choir’s heartfelt rendition of Heroes set the perfect stage for the message: the power of well-chosen words and the impact of acts of quality.

One story I shared was about a Chief Rabbi who, despite limited English, conveyed a profound message about the connection between faith and daily life in just 15 well-chosen words.

Twelve words of one syllable, two words of two syllables, and one word of three syllables and pronounced as if having two (business): “When you go into your shop, say ‘Hello God!’ and you will have good business.”

His simplicity and clarity were a powerful reminder of how carefully chosen words can touch the soul.

In presentations with my brother, I ask him, “How do we become heroes?” His reply was, “By performing acts of quality.”

An act of quality is ungovernable by size. This is the world of qualities; this is not the world of quantities. Quality is ungovernable by size or number.

The second principle of quality: Although we may never see the repercussions of an act of quality, and we will never see the consequences of our own act of quality, we may be confident that the right action generates just consequences.

This principle was beautifully illustrated in the biblical story of the Widow’s Offering.

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.

42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you; this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Though she gave only two small copper coins, her act of generosity, rooted in sacrifice, stands as an enduring symbol of faith. You cannot give more than you have. Her donation will not put a roof on the church. The widow’s act of quality keeps the church standing, is the reason we attend church, and is an example to us all.

Another meaningful story came from a client, Bernard, who was teaching his children the importance of giving to children who are not lucky enough to have a home.  When asked by his son, “How much should I give?” Bernard replied, “You never give it all, just enough that it hurts a little.” These words resonated deeply, reminding us that faithful giving often comes with a personal cost.

Our minister, Jenna Meyers, graciously said, “Thank you for a wonderful sermon. You are a sight to behold. I don’t know how you memorize all those well-chosen words.” The answer? Repetition and rehearsal—dozens of times! My goal was to be note-free and connect fully with the congregation.

I may not be a biblical scholar, but as an enthusiastic congregation member, I sincerely appreciate the invitation to share this message.

It reminds us that we can all be heroes every day through quality acts and well-chosen words.

What’s an act of quality you’ve experienced recently? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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It May Surprise You, There Are No Boring Subjects, Only Boring Speakers

That Is Correct!

Make your presentations memorable.

There are no boring subjects, only boring speakers. Your content or topic doesn’t matter—when presented well, it can become interesting, educational, and emotionally engaging.

Some believe that public speaking is just about knowing your subject. Having something to say is not enough to make your message come alive.

After all, knowing the words to a song— doesn’t mean you can sing it. To truly engage an audience, you need to deliver your content in a way that captures attention.

Turning “Boring” into Brilliant

After delivering my keynote at a construction industry conference, I led a breakout session and coached willing participants on their presentations.

I said, “There are no boring subjects, only boring speakers.” A gentleman in the third row raised his hand and said, “Ms. Fripp, my subject’s boring.”

I was up for the challenge and asked, “What’s your subject?”

He replied, “I teach OSHA rules and regulations for six hours.”

I’ll admit, that’s a tough one. I invited him to the front of the room and asked, “Tell me one rule.”

He responded, “You have to wear your safety goggles.”

My next question, “Please tell me about a time when someone didn’t wear their safety goggles? Let’s imagine the story from his wife’s point of view.”

This is how I suggested he could start his presentation:

A Story Makes Your Message Come Alive

“Imagine you’re a 22-year-old wife and mother of two. One morning, you kiss your 24-year-old husband goodbye as he heads to his construction job on the corner of 39th and Main, next to the Kroger store. He’s drilling through concrete to install a new pipe. Just then, a chunk of concrete flies out and hits him in the eye—because he wasn’t wearing his safety goggles. He ends up in the hospital and a few days later, you bring him home. You nurse him back to health, but now he has only one good eye. How do you feel when he returns to that same job, at that same site, knowing he might not wear his goggles again?”

With that, he had his audience’s attention. Then, he could transition smoothly into the core of his presentation:

“Welcome to OSHA. For the next 5 ½ hours, we’ll cover 136 rules and regulations. You know them. You’ve heard them. Today, let us reinforce why it’s crucial to stay vigilant and ensure that your crews follow these guidelines daily.”

The audience gasped and went wild!

“Patricia, you saved the day! I was summoned as a keynote speaker for our corporate annual sales conference on short notice.  My task was to relate technical details to a non-technical audience.

Lucky for me, I found FrippVT a week in advance. I worked tirelessly, devouring the FrippVT content most evenings until 2 a.m., to perform at the highest level possible.

Can you imagine my excitement when I walked off stage and heard, “You stole the show,” “Are you a professional speaker?” and “The audience was hanging onto your every word.”

I cannot thank you enough for creating FrippVT. Having your wisdom, advice, and guidance 24/7 throughout my preparation for this speaking engagement gave me the knowledge and skills to be a success. Consider me your biggest fan.”

Scott Lelii, Head of Digital & IT, Volvo Construction Equipment – Sales Regions North & Latin America

Take a trial of Fripp Virtual Training Powerful, Persuasive Presentations online learning.

Shep Hyken rehearsing the Fripp, Darren and Mark speaking techniques.

Deliver Unforgettable Presentations written with Darren LaCroix and Mark Brown. Shep Hyken, Hall of Fame Speaker and best-selling author, is practising some Fripp opening lines.

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Elevate Your Language and Stand Out in Every Conversation

On most Sundays, you will find me sipping coffee and watching my favorite news shows. I enjoy listening to intelligent and educated experts share their perspectives on the state of the world. As an executive speech coach, I find these programs an endless source of inspiration—and, occasionally, frustration.

One recurring irritant? The phrase I hear far too often: “Thanks for having me.” It’s a common go-to for experts, executives, and politicians when introduced on panels, in interviews, or during fireside chats. While polite, it’s not exactly memorable or precise.

As a presentation coach, I help my clients—from seasoned speakers to rising executives—find ways to stand out in similar settings. A crucial part is teaching them to use language that conveys their professionalism and expertise. It’s a simple change that can significantly affect how they are perceived.

Why the Words You Choose Matter

How you begin speaking sets the tone for your presence in the room—whether that room is a boardroom, a panel, or a broadcast interview. Starting with a generic “Thanks for having me” can be polite but forgettable. Instead, by choosing a more specific and thoughtful response, you show appreciation and subtly reinforce your expertise and the value you bring.

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Behind the Scenes with a Presidential Speechwriter: Insights from Terry Szuplat

Recently, at the Professional Speechwriters World Conference, I had the pleasure of attending a half-day seminar delivered by Terry Szuplat, author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience. As a speechwriter for President Obama, Terry brought a wealth of experience and an insider’s perspective that was both fascinating and inspiring. The session was a masterclass in storytelling, precision, and the art of delivering a truly resonating message.

A Glimpse into the Presidential Process

One of the highlights of Terry’s seminar was the use of video clips showing President Obama delivering some of the speeches we were discussing. It’s educational to hear about the techniques that make a speech effective, and it’s even better when we see them in action, particularly from a speaker as gifted as President Obama. The clips brought Terry’s advice to life, showing how a well-crafted message can create a powerful connection with the audience.

Terry also walked us through the rigorous process of preparing each of these speeches. He shared insights into what the speechwriting team did before, during, and after a presentation, shedding light on the extensive preparation required for even a single address. It was exciting to hear about the behind-the-scenes collaboration and the level of care that went into every word.

Active Involvement: Obama’s Hands-On Approach

One aspect that stood out during the seminar was President Obama’s active involvement in the speechwriting process. Terry shared visuals of the notes the President added to their drafts, showcasing how deeply he engaged with the content. Obama didn’t just read what was handed him—he refined, adjusted, and personalized the message. This approach ensured that every speech felt authentic to his voice.

Terry revealed that Obama also considered himself a better speechwriter than his speechwriting team, and the team graciously agreed. While the President certainly had a natural gift for speechwriting, the collaboration with his team allowed him to balance his demanding schedule while still delivering impactful messages. The partnership between Obama and his speechwriters highlighted a key lesson: great speeches are rarely the work of one person—they are the result of thoughtful collaboration and a deep understanding of the audience and the moment.

Key Takeaways: Crafting Memorable Messages

The seminar left me with several valuable lessons that apply to anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills:

Preparation is Everything: Whether addressing a nation or speaking at a team meeting, preparation is critical. The amount of time spent refining drafts, rehearsing, and aligning the message with the audience’s needs cannot be overstated.

Personalization Matters: A speech becomes genuinely memorable when it feels personal. As President Obama’s example showed, taking the time to make a message your own—by adding personal anecdotes, adjusting phrasing, or emphasizing key points—can make all the difference.

Storytelling Elevates the Message: Throughout the seminar, Terry emphasized the power of storytelling. A well-told story can create an emotional connection, making even complex ideas accessible and engaging. I underline this technique with my clients, and seeing it in action through Obama’s speeches reinforced its importance.

Collaboration is Key: Even the best speakers can benefit from a team that understands their style and can help refine their message. Terry’s stories about working with President Obama reminded me that great speechwriting is often collaborative, where different perspectives can strengthen the final product.

A Speech is a Performance: We brainstormed, “What is a speech?” This began with what it is not. You can look forward to another issue on that.

Inspiration for Speechwriters and Speakers Alike

Attending Terry Szuplat’s seminar reminded me of the power of well-chosen words and the impact of thoughtful speechwriting. It was a thrill to hear the stories behind the speeches that shaped significant moments in history and to learn the techniques that made them so effective. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just beginning to find your voice, the lessons from this session are a valuable reminder of what it takes to inspire an audience.

It was an experience that reinforced why I love the art of crafting and delivering great speeches and why I’m so passionate about helping others do the same.

Join FrippVT.com, and I will become your personal speech coach.

“I wanted a Super Bowl quality coach. Patricia Fripp’s help in coaching and scripting was world-class. With Fripp on your team, you can go places.” Don Yaeger, Long-Time Associate Editor for Sports

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Do You Know the Best Technique to Build a Relationship with Every Audience?

I was once asked for the number one secret of presentation success.

My reply was, “There is no one secret; however if there were, it would be that your subject is of interest to your audience.”

Your relationship with your audience is one of the most critical factors in determining the success of your presentation. Mastering the art of connection will set you apart whether you are addressing 5, 50, or 500 people. Knowing how to build that relationship from the beginning is one secret to speaking confidently and confidently.

How Do You Make a Genuine Connection with Your Audience?

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When A New Relationship Is Worth Millions Remember This Advice

Make More Sales More Often when you perfect your sales presentation

How do you handle a sales presentation when a new relationship is potentially worth millions?

These four principles will help you and your sales team build a strong foundation for a new client relationship.

Imagine my surprise when a national sales manager addressed his top 60 associates and said, “At lunch, the sales team and I agreed that we had no idea how we managed to sell anything before we met Patricia Fripp!”

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How to Calm Your Nerves Before Every Presentation

Are you ready to learn how to calm your nerves before your next big presentation?

Want to know a secret? Even the most seasoned speakers feel slightly nervous before a high-stakes presentation. It’s completely normal—just a human reaction, not a professional flaw. So, how do you transform that nervous energy into a presentation that captivates your audience? Here’s some of the advice I give my clients:

First. Master Your Material. Familiarity breeds confidence. Know your topic so well that it feels like a natural part of you. I always tell my clients, “Know your speech so well you can forget it.” In other words, you should be able to open your mouth, and the words fall flawlessly from your lips.

Second. Commit to Rehearsal. As Sir Michael Caine famously said, “Rehearsal is the work. Performance is the relaxation.” Don’t just rehearse alone; get feedback from a trusted friend, mentor, or professional coach. Rehearsing in front of others builds your confidence, helps refine your message, and allows you to receive positive feedback.

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How to Appreciate Your Life Experiences and Transform Your Speeches

When I talk to my executive speech coaching clients, I always say, “Your life experience is a reservoir of unique experiences and insights.”

I love to ask questions that pique my curiosity to help them uncover a treasure trove of content they can weave into their speeches. This approach makes them effective, memorable and authentic.

This isn’t just about storytelling; it’s a journey to understand the true essence of your communicative power. Your unique experiences resonate with others and build connections beyond the usual speaker-audience relationship.

For example, when discussing strategy, I asked my client, “When was the first time you realized the importance of strategy?” He replied, “When I was a 14-year-old ball boy before the French Open…”

Another, I asked, “How do you describe Corporate Citizenship to your children?” The reply was, “It was the day after Christmas, and I sat both of my children down…”

Another, “When did you become passionate about statistics?” I heard, “In college. Our professor was a new PhD, and we were his first class. When he began telling us…”

Another question was, “When did you become determined to be a success?” She said, “I was ten,  sitting at the kitchen table. My 36-year-old father had just died with no insurance. My 29-year-old mother of four had never worked outside of the home. She said, ‘Mary, you will never be in the position of not being able to support yourself and your family…’”

I advise my clients who need to inspire and motivate their associates, “Your audience will respect your title. They will fight in the streets when they see the person behind the position.”

As you embark on your exploration, remember that every experience, no matter how small, has the potential to inspire, influence, and ignite change.  This is an excellent time to look back on your memory.

Let’s make your message memorable, your presentation powerful, and every conversation successful.

Join FrippVT.com, and I will become your personal speech coach.

“I wanted a Super Bowl quality coach. Patricia Fripp’s help in coaching and scripting was world-class. With Fripp on your team, you can go places.” Don Yaeger, Long-Time Associate Editor for Sports

Tom Drews is reading Deliver Unforgettable Presentations, and Yoda looks over his shoulder.
Fords Saeks recommends Deliver Unforgettable Presentations.
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Want to Drive More Sales? Nobody Can Resist a Good Story Well Told

Want to Drive More Sales? Nobody Can Resist a Good Story Well Told

Please do not overlook one of the most powerful tools in sales—storytelling. If you’re in sales, you might have noticed that it often feels like our prospects are trained to resist our presentations. I promise you that a well-told story can break through even the most formidable defenses and help you close more deals.

When you’re up against intense competition, what sets you apart? It’s the story you tell. One that shows how you’ve made a real difference for your clients. These stories—whether you call them examples, case histories, or testimonials—are about your satisfied clients enjoying the benefits of your product or service.

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