For most people, even with natural talent, there is no such thing as overnight success. More often, success is a result of something my brother, Robert Fripp calls “discipline.” In case you didn’t know, Robert is a legendary guitarist who is included on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “100 Greatest Guitarists” of all time – so he knows something about success. As an executive speech coach and Hall of Fame keynote speaker, people ask me, “Can I become good enough to get paid to speak?” My response is, “I guarantee you do not lack the talent to do this. You might lack the patience. Learn to love the process.” This approach to success can also be called “grit.” Robin Koval and Linda Kaplan Thaler have just released a book on the undeniable power of grit. A few years ago, I was delighted when they included one of my stories in their bestselling book, The Power of Small. I share this excerpt from their newly released Grit to Great: How Perseverance, Passion, And Pluck Take You From Ordinary To Extraordinary with you:
Your Happy Client Can Help Make Your Next Sale
My friend Joanne Black, a leading authority on referral selling, says, “Just because clients are willing to refer you doesn’t mean they will.” Join us, Wednesday, September 9, 2015, 12:00 noon PST, for a complimentary interactive virtual training to show you how to “Pack Your Pipeline with Hot Prospects.” Register and receive a replay link, even if you are unable to attend. Enjoy these insights from Joanne:
Read More...Congratulations to Toastmasters’ 2015 World Champion of Public Speaking
This last week, I had a wonderful time at the Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas, where I delivered the opening keynote to a truly international audience. (Just in case you don’t already know, Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization teaching public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network.) One of the many highlights of this year’s convention was the final competition for the World Championship of Public Speaking. Congratulations to Mohammed Qahtani of Saudi Arabia, who emerged from a field of 30,000 contestants to become the 2015 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking! Past winners of this prestigious competition include: Ed Tate, Mark Brown, and Darren LaCroix, my co-presenters at the Lady and the Champs conventions. I share this from Toastmasters’ International:
Read More...How to Fine-Tune Your Words for Greater Impact
Are your presentations persuasive? Powerful? Subtle differences in language can make an enormous difference. Maybe you’ve already edited a script of your speech. This is a great first step, but I recommend you also record yourself and listen carefully. Then, fine-tune your words and phrases to maximize your impact. Consider both your word choices and word order. Here are a few inside secrets I share with my speech coaching and Fripp Virtual Training clients:
Read More...Toastmasters 2015 World Championship of Public Speaking
I am honored to speak this month at the 2015 Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas. The semifinalists in the 2015 Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking competition have just been announced. Those who make it to this international speech competition have won competitions, beginning with club contests and continuing through area, division, and district level contests. Just 96 of 30,000 initial participants made it. Statistically, contestants had a better chance of being admitted to Harvard! The work it takes to get to this level of competition is an education in itself.
Public Speaking – What Fortune 500s Know
Does your organization encourage, or even better, provide training to equip your employees with competitive communication and leadership skills? Have you considered your own in-house Toastmasters club or perhaps Fripp Virtual Training? If you are reluctant to allocate employee time or company resources to presentation training because you worry “they might leave,” consider what my friend and colleague Jim Cathcart says, “What if you don’t train them, and they stay?”
Read More...Public Speaking – What You Can Do to Conquer The Jitters
Delivering Your Speech Is More Than the Words
You’re waiting your turn to deliver your presentation when suddenly you realize that your stomach is doing strange things and your mind is rapidly going blank. How do you conquer the jitters? People ask me this question all the time; there is no single answer. You must prepare mentally, physically, and logistically.
Mentally
Start by understanding that you’ll spend a lot more time preparing than you will be speaking.
Read More...The Day King Crimson Exploded onto The Scene
My brother, Robert Fripp is known around the world as a legendary guitarist and a member of King Crimson, but not everyone knows he is in fact a superb and entertaining speaker! I had the pleasure of presenting with him at the 2015 Lady & the Champs Speakers’ Conference. (Our presentations were recorded and are now available.) I loved this article, featured last week on the Discipline Global Mobile website – Sid Smith shares the history of a remarkable King Crimson milestone. Enjoy!
Read More...Public Speaking – Do You Move with Purpose?
Stand still at the start of your presentation. Your audience members need a moment to become accustomed to the sound of your voice, your style of speaking, and sometimes your accent. After this, incorporate movement into your presentation, only if your movements are purposeful and support your message. Unconscious expressions of nervous energy will detract from your message.
My friend and fellow professional speaker, Darren LaCroix shares these excellent techniques to help you make the most of the stage during your presentation:
How to Successfully Moderate A Panel Discussion
Most people are aware that a formal presentation requires research and rehearsal, but keep in mind that preparation can ensure your success in all speaking situations. If you have been asked to moderate a panel, be aware that there is more to this than simply firing off a few questions and hoping your panelists will respond with scintillating conversation. My friend and retired corporate speechwriter Ian Griffin and I had a conversation about the challenges of moderating a panel. Enjoy some of the advice that came from our conversation. We hope they will help you prepare when you find yourself with the awesome responsibility.
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