This is the Perfect Time to Rewrite the Screenplay of Your Life

Lessons from Hollywood  (The first in a series)

Sir Michael Caine, a fellow Brit and iconic movie star, spoke a profound truth: “To be a movie star, you must invent yourself.” This statement echoes through the halls of Hollywood and beyond, demonstrated by legendary figures like Cher, Madonna, and Cary Grant. They crafted personas that captivated audiences worldwide—much like you and I strive to script our lives. I feel I have reinvented the early me. This proves the concept is not reserved for celebrities.

The Act of Creation

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Do You Realize You Can Make Every Conversation an Education?

From a young girl who loved to work in my father’s office during school holidays, I have always been fascinated with business.

The first day I went to work as an apprentice hairdresser, Dad said, “In your career, do not concentrate on making a lot of money. Rather, concentrate on becoming the type of person others WANT to do business with. Then, most likely, you will do very well.”

As I transitioned from men’s hairstyling for ambitious professionals and the movers and shakers in San Francisco’s Financial District, my education increased with each conversation.

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How to Earn Business from Influential People (Without Selling to Them)

As I transitioned from cutting the hair of ambitious professionals and the movers and shakers in San Francisco’s Financial District, I always asked about their business. Their advice helped me, and many stories gave me great content for my earlier presentations on Getting, Keeping and Deserving Your Customers.

Here is one example from long before we had LinkedIn, YouTube, and email. I am sure you agree; the PRINCIPLE is still sound.

John, a successful young financial planner, told me a compelling story demonstrating a powerful approach to building credibility and trust with high-value clients, especially when you are the new contender in a competitive field.

The Journey Begins

John told me, “When I was thirty-three, I transitioned from another industry into my father’s established financial planning firm. Although my father was well-respected, I started from scratch—no personal reputation and no clients.”

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From Styling Hair to Shaping Words: What’s Your Origin Story

My journey into professional speaking and coaching began in an unlikely setting — a bustling salon on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands.

At 18, I worked with experienced stylists from the West End of London, masters of their craft who could whip up hairstyles I had never seen before. However, they thought lunch hours were for eating lunch. Many of our clients were affluent or on vacation and were flexible with their schedules. For me, lunch hours were opportunities to welcome five more clients who worked in the banks and office and did not have other options.

I still remember a pivotal moment when my boss, Mr. Steele, told me, “Patricia, you bring in 30% more income to the salon than the other stylists.”

These colleagues were more seasoned and talented, earning three times my base pay. I asked myself, “Where can tenacity and relentless effort pay off?” The answer seemed clear: the colonies. Every January, I celebrate arriving in America.

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How to Be a Wild Success When You Walk off Stage to Applause

If you want your speech to resonate profoundly and earn enthusiastic applause, remember that success depends on what you say and how confidently and naturally you deliver your message. This means beginning your preparations earlier than you think necessary—the French call this “répétition,” emphasizing the importance of rehearsal.

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Want Expert Advice to Improve Your Public Speaking and Writing?

As an executive speech coach, I often stress to my clients that specificity is the cornerstone of credibility. To communicate effectively, every word must serve a purpose. One common misstep in public speaking and writing is the overuse of conjunctions like “and” or “but” to begin sentences. My English teacher told the class, “Originally intended as a verbal flourish, these conjunctions can overwhelm your message if not used judiciously.” Here’s how a few changes will help you deliver more compelling content. After all, we do not change what we are not aware of.

Better Ways to Begin Sentences

Conjunction Misuse: A Childlike Voice The tendency to start sentences with “and” or “but” can reduce sophisticated discourse to the simplicity of a child’s recount of a day trip: “We visited a dairy farm. And we saw cows. And they milked one of the cows. And we saw an old-fashioned butter churn. And…”

This approach may seem endearing in informal settings, but it lacks professional polish.

Strategic Alternatives to Starting with And/But Here are five refined strategies to replace starting sentences with “and” or “but,” enhancing the flow and impact of your writing:

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The #1 Way You Can Guarantee Your Stories Are Outstanding

The Success Formulas of Good Stories

Imagine sitting in a darkened theatre as the music swells, the curtains part, and you’re instantly transported into another world. That’s the magic of storytelling, not just in Hollywood; it is in every speech, sermon, or business presentation you’ve ever enjoyed and remembered. I guarantee that stories played a pivotal role in making those moments memorable.

Everyone loves a good story. That is part of their power. They are our culture’s way of teaching values, preserving family legacies, and making history resonate with us. In the business world, stories are not just tools they are essential frameworks through which we clarify complex concepts and forge strong connections with colleagues, customers, and diverse audiences.

Wise leaders and skilled sales professionals develop an arsenal of impactful stories that provide clear, dramatic examples. Good stories set us apart from the competition, illustrating our messages in ways that inspire, educate, and persuade.

When your story captivates an audience, whether one person or a thousand, it must resonate emotionally and reveal a clear lesson tied directly to your point. Remember, while your audience may not recall every detail, a well-told story allows them to visualize and remember your message, increasing the likelihood that it will be shared and remembered.

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Want to Have the Title, Salary and Respect You Want? Learn this Vital Secret

Growing up, my very glamorous mother, Edith, gave me excellent advice: “Of course, the inner you is important. However, you have to dress up and look good to attract others. They will then discover how nice and smart you are and how valuable you can be to them.” This advice has never steered me wrong.

Edith Head is a true icon in the world of costume design. During her illustrious career, she won eight Oscars, the record for the most by a woman. Thus, she is a legendary figure in the history of Hollywood fashion.

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Want to Deliver an Unforgettable Presentation? Research Your Favorite Phrases

When you deliver a speech, do you research your favorite frequently-used phrases?

One of my clients was preparing a keynote and wanted to use the phrase ‘burning the midnight oil.’  I asked, “Do you know where that comes from?” Together, we discovered it dates back to when oil lamps were used, perfectly illustrating the dedication and hard work he wanted to convey in his speech.

Deliver Unforgettable Presentations, Fripp, LaCroix, Brown

Bite the Bullet:

One client used the phrase ‘bite the bullet’ in his motivational speech. We discovered it originated from battlefield surgeries, where patients would bite on a bullet to endure pain. He included this in his speech to add a vivid historical reference that made his point about enduring hardship more compelling.

Break the Ice:

A sales team I coached wanted to ‘break the ice’ with potential clients. The phrase comes from ships breaking ice to create pathways in frozen waters, which helped them build a narrative around navigating and overcoming initial barriers in conversations.

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Want to Know How To Sound Intelligent, Powerful, Polished, Articulate and Confident?

Ambitious professionals like you must sound intelligent, powerful, polished, articulate, and confident during business presentations, interactions with senior management, and networking in your professional community. Consider these focused strategies:

How to Sound Intelligent

Pace Your Speech: Speak more slowly to allow yourself time to select the most appropriate vocabulary. This pacing gives the impression of thoughtfulness and ensures your audience can follow complex ideas more easily. For example, when explaining a new business strategy, carefully choose each word to convey your message.

Utilize Precise Language: Specificity builds credibility. Always use the correct word for what you are talking about, avoiding vague and unspecific language. Instead of referring to “things,” name the exact concept, product, or strategy you mean. This clarifies your message and enhances the perceived intelligence of your delivery.

How to Sound Powerful

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