You have probably complained about delivering virtual presentations and that you are much better speaking with a live audience. Now that you have the opportunity, you are terrified.
In case we have not had the pleasure of meeting, I am presentation skills expert, Patricia Fripp. As your personal speech coach, it is my pleasure to give you seven, simple, proven principles to set you up for success.
Roger and I were both born in England and immigrated to California. Roger in 1962 me in 1966.
We both came to America to find fame and fortune. I am not sure about Roger, I thought everyone in America was rich and the streets were paved with movie stars.
We are both proud to have accomplished our own version of the American dream.
Roger’s father was a taxi driver and his mother a homemaker and accountant. Although he said he came from humble beginnings, it might interest you to know that to become a London taxi driver takes 3-4 years of study. They are considered the best in the world.
Read More...The purpose is to recall the defining qualities and highlights of a life lived in a way that benefits the audience, particularly the family.
It should capture the essence of the life lived. That means it can be a historical snapshot and amusing as well as poignant.
As you will read from this example from my brother Robert Fripp, it gives the background and insight into the loved one’s life for those who do not know the entire life story.
The Eulogy for Edie Fripp was delivered by her son Robert at Wimborne Minster on July 30, 1993, during the service to celebrate her life and commemorate her death.
Read More...Accepting an award is like walking a tightrope. You need to be gracious, grateful, and humble, yet not so humble or self-deprecating that the audience thinks you are trivializing the honor.
In May of 2022, Dan Maddux, my best long-time client and Executive Director of the American Payroll Association honored me with their inaugural Partner of Excellence Award. This was presented at the opening General Session. Dan told the audience, “This award is for Patricia’s 30 years of contributing to the leadership development and presentation skills of APA’s members and leaders.”
Although Dan told me I could take as long as I wanted, it was more appropriate to be short and sweet.
In my short presentation, I said, “It is a privilege to be honored for my contribution to the success of others. For decades, I have sat in the audience and felt like a proud parent as I watched APA members and leaders deliver powerful and important presentations. Thank you for the award. As long as you invite me, I look forward to being with you.”
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My brother Robert Fripp is the founding and ongoing member of the band King Crimson. Rolling Stone magazine named him the 42nd best guitarist in the world, living or dead. One of the thrills of my life is when I have the opportunity to share the stage with him when he has not strapped on his guitar. Robert is a deep thinker. Certainly, one of the most articulate speakers I have heard.
Enjoy this excerpt from our speech, Beginner to Mastery. In most of our speeches, I ask Robert questions. His answers are brilliant and his stories amusing. His comments are well thought through.
Robert tells the audience, “In 1966-68, when I was 18-21, I paid my way through Bournemouth College, where I was studying economics, economic history, and political history with a special paper on social conditions 1850-1900, by playing at the Majestic Hotel in Bournemouth. The Majestic was a well-known Jewish hotel, run by the formidable Fay Schneider.
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One January, Mark, a district sales manager from a biotech company, was preparing to moderate a panel at the Las Vegas National Sales Meeting.
In our pre-coaching communications, I noticed his email signature line included a quote about “moving fast.” He explained that he had a new role and was “moving fast” to understand new products, clients, and products.
His panel’s task was to encourage the audience to embrace new jobs in different areas and to realize that they would have to move fast to get up to speed in different roles in new territories.
I asked, “What experience do you have with Las Vegas?”
He said, “After last year’s sales meeting, my wife Tammy came in for the weekend. We went to see David Copperfield, and he made her disappear.”
Read More...Congratulations! You’ve been asked to moderate a panel. This is a great opportunity to build your reputation and add value to your customers.
As you probably realize, when you moderate a panel discussion, you have multiple responsibilities and many more elements to stay aware of. You will set the tone for the session, raise the audience’s expectations, and keep the discussion cohesive so it moves along well. These thirteen strategies can help you:
Read More...Never Make the Mistake and Underestimate the Power of a Moment to Reflect
Alan Alda says, “It is the space between the lines that make it a great performance.”
That means you must never underestimate the power of the pause. This is true in acting as well as in speaking and music.
My brother Robert Fripp, the legendary guitarist and one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists,” explains, “The music is between the notes, not in the notes.”
Your words do not simply convey your message; it is also with your pauses.
Read More...One is thinking they have to write out their complete speech. What I recommend you do instead is follow a logical presentation preparation process.
I’m frequently asked, “Patricia, what are some of the mistakes that speakers make?”
Don’t be an ass. Be nice. Be friendly.
Remember your place. You are there to contribute to the meeting and take a problem off the meeting planner’s list, not add to it.
Some of the most famous and in-demand speakers are easy to deal with. Yes, they know how to be a success and communicate what they need in advance.
The very dynamic Executive Director, Dan Maddux has entertained me with many stories of celebrities and professional speakers who were a delight to work with and those who were really nasty.
You may be interested to know that some of their highest-rated speakers are not the best speakers; they are really nice to the audience members and happy to go to the booths of their sponsors.
If you need help, FrippVT could be your answer. Take a trial.
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. For the first time in my speaking career, I know exactly want I am doing when I walk on stage.”
Mitzi Perdue, author of How to Make Your Family Business Last
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