As an executive speech coach, people often ask me, “How do I come up with original stories to illustrate my key points?” Fortunately, you don’t have to have survived an avalanche, founded a pioneering tech company, or won a Nobel Prize to tell a good story – because audiences identify with and delight in stories drawn from ordinary life. In this video sample from FrippVT, I share a few strategies for finding stories and examples in your own life, or the lives of your colleagues, friends, and family:
Read More...How to Create Your “Effortless” Presentation
A powerful, persuasive, professional presentation may appear effortless to an audience… but even an “effortless” presentation requires that you first devote time and energy to organizing your content around a strong basic structure. Presentations are comprised of content, structure, and delivery. The more you clarify your content and organize your structure, the easier it will be for you to sound professional in your delivery. I share this brief video sample from FrippVT to help you develop your presentations:
Read More...Connect, Encourage & Inspire with Your Words
While you might already know my brother, Robert Fripp as one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists,” you may not know him as a superb and entertaining speaker. When we deliver presentations together, it’s always a delight – both for us and for our audiences. Robert has an extraordinary ability to connect with an audience both intellectually and emotionally. I was so encouraged and inspired by these closing words from my brother; I thought I would share them with you:
Read More...The Best Way to Promote Your Book
November is National Nonfiction Writing Month. After you’ve written a nonfiction book, you face the challenge of marketing it. My recommendation? Speak to sell your book. Speaking is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to market your book, develop a following, and expand your audience. Polish your speaking skills and start speaking on your subject in advance of publication. You can ask your audience to opt-in to your list to let them know when your book is released.
Read More...How to Become A Great Speaker Easily, Quickly, Conveniently
Join me November 19, 2015 for complimentary live training. Learn the five most important techniques that make a good presentation great. As an in-demand speech coach and Hall of Fame speaker, I share my secrets and resources with you.
Let me simplify and demystify the process of effectively designing and delivering any formal or informal presentation. Discover a cost-effective training system guaranteed to help you get results fast. Even in you can’t attend this complimentary event, register for the replay link: http://app.webinarjam.net/register/1772/0a831a6051
Read More...Communication Is The Proven Path to Leadership
“It is simply impossible to become a great leader without being a great communicator,” observes leadership writer, Mike Myatt in Forbes magazine. As a leader, the responsibility of communicating effectively rests squarely on your own shoulders. This is true even if you are fortunate enough to have a communications department or team of speechwriters at your beck and call.
Read More...Three Reasons Speakers Fail to Hit The Mark
A few years ago, I had a conversation with my friend Jeff Davidson, a prolific author and popular professional speaker, about why it is that speakers sometimes fail to hit the mark. The result of our brainstorm was the article below, which explains the three most common reasons speakers do not connect with their audiences or live up to a meeting planner’s expectations. They are still true today. Whether we are experienced professional speakers, or aspiring speakers, it is a good reminder of the continual commitment and work required to consistently deliver excellent presentations:
Four Powerful Questions to Help You Unlock Sales
My friend and fellow speaker Andrew Sobel is a leading authority on developing and sustaining long-term client relationships. He has authored over eight acclaimed and bestselling books on the subject. Early in Andrew’s career, I was his speech coach. Now as a speaker, Andrew’s message is especially relevant to companies that need to standout in increasingly crowded markets. I always remind people, “Sales conversations are most effective when they are focused on your client’s concerns – not on the product or service you provide.” Asking the right questions is the only way to understand your client’s concerns. I share this excellent article from Andrew on the subject:
Read More...Expert Advice – How You Can Prevent Miscommunication
I’m looking forward to speaking at the Assessments24x7 2nd Annual Users Conference in San Diego this week! Assessments24x7 provides corporate employers, industry coaches and consultants the analytical tools to benchmark their hiring processes, boost employee productivity, and maximize performance. Understanding another person’s behavioral style is key to understanding their communication style. Dr. Tony Alessandra, an expert in behavioral styles and founder of Assessments 24×7 explains, “…people will teach you how to communicate with them if you’re willing to learn their signals…” I share this great advice from Tony:
Read More...Everyone Wins with Adaptability – How Adaptable Are You?
I am delighted to be speaking at the Assessments24x7 2nd Annual Users Conference, October, 8th and 9th in San Diego. Assessments24x7 provides corporate employers, industry coaches and consultants the analytical tools to benchmark their hiring processes, boost employee productivity, and maximize performance. Identifying unique personal strengths is invaluable in achieving professional happiness. Is adaptability one of your personal strengths?
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