Patricia Fripp Blog

As a speech coach, I introduce my clients to the importance of using parallel structure in speaking and writing.

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is the repetition of a grammatical structure within a sentence or multiple sentences. This technique can make your speech or writing more memorable and easier to understand.

When you write the copy for a presentation, or have your talking points on a PowerPoint slide, begin with a verb. Verbs inspire action and commitment.

As a speech coach, one of the most common questions I am asked is, “What do I do with my hands when I speak in public?” It’s a question that is natural to ask. This is what I tell my clients and audiences.

It’s important to remember that your hand gestures are best when in sync with your words. If your words are powerful and impactful, your gestures should be as well.

Remember, in public speaking your hands are a powerful tool.

They can be used to emphasize key points, make gestures, and create a sense of connection with your audience. However, if not used effectively, they can also be a major distraction and take away from the impact of your message.

Keep in mind that your hands should be natural and relaxed. Avoid any unnatural or forced gestures, as they will come across as inauthentic and distracting. Instead, focus on using natural gestures that help you emphasize key points and connect with your audience.

Patricia Fripp explains that specificity builds credibility through Fripp Virtual Training. — Executive Speech Coach Patricia Fripp explains the importance of specificity The World is Full of Sloppy speakers through Fripp Virtual Training.

The World is Full of Sloppy Speakers…You Do Not Want to Become One

Many excellent presentations sound “conversational.” However, be aware that there is a distinct difference between an ordinary conversation (with run-on sentences, unfinished thoughts, sloppy language) and a presentation delivered in a conversational style.

The best way to improve formal presentations and reports is to clean up your daily language used in informal interactions.

Do Your Irritate Your Audience?

Whenever you open your mouth whether your audience is one person or one thousand, you want to get a specific message across. Maybe you want your opinions heard at a meeting or you will be giving a formal talk. Perhaps you deliver sales presentations. To present, persuade, and propel with the spoken word, be aware of this major pitfall: irritating non-words.

“Ur, um, hr, u know, kinda, um, ya know…”

Pay attention to whether you are unconsciously using these common non-words.

Is breakfast the breakfast of champions? That depends.

Who is delivering the feedback? Are they qualified to give it?

What is requested or unsolicited?

Many years ago, I accepted an invitation to speak at my local Toastmasters Spring Conference. They considered me a local celebrity, I had already been elected the first woman President of the National Speakers Association, and my speaking career was on the rise.

After delivering my well-received keynote I was on my way to set up for the first of my two interactive breakouts. A Toastmaster with an unknown amount of experience asked, “Can I give you some constructive criticism?” I replied, “No.” His reply was “Please.” Again, I replied, “No.” He asked, “Why?” “Because you will irritate me. I do not want to run the risk that my irritation will take away from the experience of my next two audiences.”

How to talk about yourself without feeling immodest. — When you’re asked to talk about yourself and your career history, how do you avoid coming across as dull and self-absorbed?

Have you noticed that some people are very uncomfortable talking about themselves even when they are very successful?

This may be because when you were young, your parents told you not to “Show Off.” Or you are uncomfortable when someone else drones on about themselves and all their much-exaggerated accomplishments.

I understand. However, from time to time, we are all inevitably required to introduce ourselves to new colleagues, coworkers, or team members and share our career history.

What can you do to avoid coming across as overbearing and self-absorbed?

Present your career history as a story, giving credit to parents, mentors, or role models. Think of everyone who helped you become who you are. What advice did they give? Who modelled how to become successful? Who offered encouragement when you most needed it?

Hall of Fame speaker and author Scott McKain is reading how to improve stories in Deliver Unforgettable Presentations

Techniques Behind Memorable Stories

Many presenters make the mistake of thinking that a story must be dramatic and life-changing to be memorable. In reality, we can garner meaning from simple, everyday-life stories, and that makes them relatable.

Then-Now-How Formula

This is where I was; this is where I am now; this is how I got there.

Hollywood movies have a formula for successful storytelling that we can use. The hero or protagonist in your story is not necessarily a heroic character – just the person through whose eyes we see the story. This might be you or another person.

For that, we need to provide a backstory: enough information for your audience to see the character, identify with them, relate to their emotions or situation, and empathize with them. A good way to do that is to offer “a day in the life.”

Be Gracious; Be Modest; Be Prepared!

Tips on How to Give an Acceptance Speech

Dan Maddux honoring Patricia Fripp with the first Partner of Excellence Award

Take advantage of every opportunity.

I began my career as a hairstylist. Now that I am decades into my next career, I am often asked, “Patricia, how did you become a speaker, author, and executive speech coach?” The simple answer is by noticing and taking advantage of every chance that turned up, that seemed interesting and intriguing. Opportunity does not knock just once. It knocks all the time, though you may not recognize the sound. One opportunity is to learn from successful people by finding out how they achieved their success. Behind the hairstyling chair, I learned from my clients. As a speaker, I learned about the companies and industries I was hired to speak to. Now, as an executive speech coach, I learn how innovative executives build their companies and how marketing executives design and promote campaigns. And get paid! What a bonus. The secret is to be genuinely interested and ask questions.

The key to connection is conversation. The secret of conversation is to ask questions.

Ask good questions.

Successful people will share their knowledge and experiences with you if you ask good questions that stimulate their thinking and responses. The quality of the information you receive depends on the quality of your questions. The key to connecting with others is conversation, and the secret of conversation is to ask the right questions. A conversation can lead to a relationship, and a nurtured relationship can produce amazing results.

All I’ve ever wanted in business is an unfair advantage.

Patricia Fripp presentation expert — Presentation expert Patricia Fripp tells us how to succeed in business.

Before you raise your eyebrows, let me define the term. An unfair advantage is not lying, cheating, or stealing. It’s exactly the opposite. You get an unfair advantage by doing everything just a little bit better than your competition. Even if you’ve been in business for many years and you’re at the top of your profession, in a competitive world you also need to do everything just a little bit better today than you did yesterday. That’s your unfair advantage.

It’s not always easy. We often look at others and admire their skills, expertise, and accomplishments and devalue our own.

For many of us mere mortals, the dedication and discipline we commit to in order to become great in one discipline leads us to feel that we do not have time to master other skills. The principles in one discipline, however, are exactly the same as in others. What makes us great in one area can be transferred to others.

Expert Advice about Presentation Skills
from Patricia Fripp

Want to Know a Terrific Technique That Transforms Speaking and Writing?

As a speech coach, I introduce my clients to the importance of using parallel structure in speaking and writing.

What Do You Do with Your Hands When Speaking?

As a speech coach, one of the most common questions I am asked is, “What do I do with my hands when I speak in public?” It’s a question that is natural to ask. This is what I tell my clients and audiences.

Remember, in public speaking your hands are a powerful tool.

Help! How Do I Deliver a Great Presentation? Lose Your Sloppy Language

The World is Full of Sloppy Speakers…You Do Not Want to Become One