How to Successfully Moderate A Panel Discussion

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There is more to moderating a panel than asking a few questions and hoping panelists know how to respond.

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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Sales – How to Focus Your Conversations on Your Prospects

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A successful sales conversation is always focused on your client’s needs, even if you are amazing.

Do you think of yourself as the center of the universe? Hopefully not. Unfortunately, if we’re not thoughtful in our approach to sales conversations we can sound like we do.

When it comes to sales, the word “I” can be a barrier to connecting with prospects and clients.

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How to Prospect in Any Economic Climate

Sales Presentations Expert Patricia Fripp & Fripp Virtual Training
Patricia Fripp, explains strategies for powerful and persuasive sales presentations through Fripp Virtual Training.

Frippicism: It is not your clients’ and prospects’ job to remember you. It is your obligation and responsibility to make sure they don’t forget you. A recent Wall Street Journal article entitled, “U.S. Recovery Stumbles Yet Again,” declared that despite the current economic recovery, unusually harsh winter weather at the start of this year caused our Nation’s GDP to shrink. Regardless of the ups and downs in the economic climate, or in the weather itself, your marketing efforts must be ongoing, consistent, and relentless. Here are a few strategies to help you market yourself and your business in any economy:

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Where Will You Be on June 20th? Join Me & NSA of Arizona

Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker and Executive Speech Coach, Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE
Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker and Executive Speech Coach, Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

Where will you be on June 20th?

If you are in Arizona, and are interested in becoming a more powerful and persuasive presenter, you will definitely be at the National Speakers Association of Arizona’s meeting in Phoenix.

Whether you speak in the boardroom, training center, or convention hall… I can help you. Join me as I share the secrets to powerful presentations.

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5 Tips to Help You Deliver The Perfect Wedding Toast

Still from Toastmasters International video how to deliver a wedding toast.
Outside of the privacy of your own home, all speaking is public speaking.

Just in time for wedding season, Toastmasters International offers five excellent tips to help you deliver the perfect wedding toast. Even if you aren’t expecting to deliver a wedding toast this year, these strategies can help you prepare for occasions in your professional or personal life when you are asked to make a toast or share a few remarks. After all, outside of the privacy of your own home all speaking is public speaking.

Don’t Burn Your Wedding Toast
Toastmasters International Offers Tips for Toasting to Newlyweds

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Training Breakthrough Webinar Series

Patricia Fripp
Patricia Fripp

Just a heads up in case you are interested… Along with my good friends, Hall of Fame speaker, customer service expert, and this year’s National Speakers Association President Shep Hyken; Hall of Fame speaker, leadership expert, and popular author Mark Sanborn; and sales guru and author Jeffrey Gitomer, I am part of a Tortal Training’s Breakthrough Ideas in Training webinar series. In total, you can learn from 22 training experts.

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Sometimes It’s Better Not to Speak

Patricia Fripp & Darren La Croix in Action
Patricia Fripp & Darren La Croix in Action with Coachee Dave Chase

To be a better speaker, sometimes it’s better to not to speak. Deliver your key phrase or question and then pause… and pause… and pause. Get comfortable with silence. Darren LaCroix is a World Champion of Public Speaking, professional speaker, and presentation expert. We team up for speakers’ conferences. I share this from Darren who explains why we cannot overlook the pause:

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Toastmasters Awards Golden Gavel to Nobel Peace Prize Winner

2015 Toastmasters Golden Gavel Recipient & Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Muhammad Yunus
2015 Toastmasters Golden Gavel Recipient & Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Muhammad Yunus

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization teaching public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network.

I was honored to deliver the opening keynote at the 2015 Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas. The last time I addressed a Toastmasters International Convention was in 2001, when I watched my colleague, Darren LaCroix, win the World Championship of Public Speaking and my friend, a fellow NSA (National Speakers Association) Past President, Jim Cathcart win Toastmasters Golden Gavel Award.  The 2015 Golden Gavel going to Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh, this promises to be a truly international and exciting event!

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Do Your Audience Members Tune Out Before You’ve Gotten Started?

Screenshot from Fripp VT Patricia Fripp explains why and how to open your presentation with impact through Fripp Virtual Training.
Patricia Fripp explains why and how to open your presentation with impact through Fripp Virtual Training.

Always start your presentation with a strong opening; this is the most effective way to ensure your audience is engaged, listening with thoughtful attention, and able to follow what comes next.

It may seem natural to open with a greeting like, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be here with you today to talk to you about X…” But this is just too predictable, and you run the risk of your audience members tuning out before you’ve even gotten started!

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Thirty Seconds to Capture Your Audience

Patricia Fripp, Executive Speech Coach, Fripp Virtual Training Video
Through Fripp Virtual Training, Executive Speech Coach Patricia Fripp explains how to open a presentation.

The first 30 seconds of your presentation is the optimum time for you to capture your audience’s attention. Don’t waste it! Give your opening words some extra consideration. Always start your presentation with impact. When you engage your audience immediately, you help to ensure the overall success of your presentation. Here are a few of my favorite opening phrases. 

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