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.
Read More...That Is Correct!
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
Read More...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
Read More...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
Read More...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.
This short sentence gets your point across or summarizes your story. It adds clarity so that your audience grasps your message easily. These phrases are both memorable and easy for you and your audience to remember.
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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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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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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…”
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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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