What Hollywood Teaches Us: 7 Ways to Become a Speaking Star

To become a better speaker, consider going to the movies.Learn from Hollywood

That is the premise of my popular presentation, How to Add Hollywood to Your Presentations. Think about it. If you had unlimited resources to design the keynote that would make you the most in-demand professional in your industry, where would you go for the best writers, directors, and production talent?

Hollywood.

In Hollywood, hundreds of creative professionals collaborate to produce one unforgettable movie. Most of us cannot hire that dream team; however, we can borrow their techniques. Here are seven proven Hollywood strategies you can use to make your presentations more compelling, more memorable, and more persuasive.

Read More...

Why Your Audience Connection Determines Your Presentation Success

When preparing for a presentation, most speakers focus on their content and slides.

That’s important—but it’s not enough. The real question you must ask yourself is: Who is my audience, and why should they care?

Your content may be brilliant, but your impact depends on the relationship you build with your listeners. Do they feel you understand them? Do they trust that your ideas are relevant to their world? That connection—both intellectual and emotional—is what transforms a presentation from forgettable to persuasive.

Read More...

Do You Want to Inspire Action and Commitment? Use More Active Verbs

At an all-day event, my client asked me to speak briefly to promote my afternoon session.

I said, “I know your morning is full, just give me three minutes.” I only took two and a half.

I began with an amusing story about a request for an interview, which made the point that your message must be of interest to your audience. Then I continued,

“This morning, you enjoyed your executives’ presentations because they acknowledged your contributions, celebrated your success, revealed fascinating industry statistics, previewed your company’s future, and confirmed that your executives are in harmony.”

Notice the effectiveness of those short phrases, each driven by a strong verb. They grab attention, paint pictures, and move ideas forward.

Read More...

Are You Missing Out on a Great Way to Improve Your Presentations?

From Good to World-Class: How to Improve Your Presentations

Socrates said, “Know thyself.”

I say, “Put your words under the magnifying glass.”

If you want to improve all of your presentations, here’s a simple process that works for seasoned professionals as well as ambitious beginners.

Step 1: Watch Yourself Like a Coach

Take a video of one of your best presentations and sit down to watch it—not as the speaker, but rather as a high-priced speech coach.

Read More...

8 Smart Steps to Set Yourself Up for Speaking Success

Even the most seasoned presenters know: preparation off stage sets you up for success on stage. Here are eight practical and frequently overlooked steps that will help you feel confident, in control, and ready to make your message memorable.

  1. Check in early.

Arrive with plenty of time to get familiar with the space. Notice the setup:

  • Is there a platform or stage?
  • Where will you stand when you’re introduced?
  • How many steps will you take to reach the lectern or center stage?

Pay attention to lighting and sound. Is the spotlight on you—not the banner, lectern, or ceiling? Remember, when the lights go down and the volume goes up, audiences often think they can’t hear clearly.

Read More...

The Power of Structure: Theater Meets Speaking

Recently, I had the joy of seeing the magnificent show A Beautiful Noise at The Smith Center in Las Vegas.

This is, of course, the life story of Neil Diamond. Having seen him perform live before, I knew to expect magic, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Part of the show’s brilliance is in its structure. It opens with Neil as he is now, in conversation with his therapist, looking back on his life through the lens of his songs. We are drawn into his world, from humble beginnings and self-doubt to becoming a worldwide megastar with more popularity than Elvis. Along the way, we see the highs and lows, the struggles, the joy, and the unwavering devotion to the music that gave meaning to his life and happiness to his audiences.

By the final curtain, the audience is on its feet, carried away on a wave of music and emotion.

And here’s the connection that struck me: the show’s structure is precisely the type of framework I help my clients use to craft their speeches when they share their own life experiences.

The Power of Structure: Theater Meets Speaking

Read More...

Do You Want to Build Emotional Connection with Your Audience? This is How

Eye Contact: The Silent Superpower in Presentations

Suppose you want to connect with your audience on an emotional level. In that case, whether it’s one decision-maker, a boardroom full of executives, or a conference ballroom of hundreds, your eyes are one of your most powerful tools. In Deliver Unforgettable Presentations, we emphasize that eye contact is not just about looking—it’s about connecting. Here’s how to maximize its impact.

Read More...

Avoid These Costly Sales Presentation Mistakes

Here are 12 Proven Fripp Suggestions

Sales professionals carry a unique responsibility. Every time they speak, they represent themselves, their team, and their entire organization. Whether they succeed or fail can come down to one factor—how well they present their message.

Even the most experienced sales professionals can benefit from expert coaching. Why? Because clear messaging, emotional connection, and persuasive structure are not optional—they are essential. These are the top 12 mistakes I see in the first coaching sessions with my clients. By the time we’re done, they know how to avoid them and win more business.

Read More...

Do You Agree Many Political Speech Openings Miss Opportunities?

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.

Read More...

The Actor’s Secret That Makes Great Speakers Unforgettable

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.

Read More...