Patricia Fripp Blog

My brother Robert Fripp played on David Bowie’s Heroes. One of the lines is “We can be heroes, just for one day.”

However, there are those in our midst who are heroes every day, for decades. If you were to ask my brother, “How do we become a hero?” Robert would tell you, “By performing acts of quality. Acts of quality are ungovernable by size. A small act of quality is as important to the world as a large act of quality.”

One of the reasons I was so excited to join the Golden Gate Breakfast Club twenty-four years ago, was because of the quality of the members. Many would be considered pillars of the community—judges, admirals, generals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Many were much older than I was, and that was the appeal. To be around people of quality. Heroes in their worlds; although, no doubt they would scoff at the suggestion.

In the bustling city of San Francisco, CA, on March 2, there was a celebration of a remarkable man. Les Andersen, at the venerable age of ninety, was honored for his extraordinary career with the Boys and Girls Clubs. This momentous occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others, especially when dedicating their life to service and community improvement.

The Unmatched Buzz of Being “Fripp the Sister”

Imagine the electrifying atmosphere of a concert, the anticipation in the air, fans buzzing with excitement. There I am, not on the stage, yet at the heart of it all—the merchandise table. Yes, you heard it right. While my career as a presentation skills expert is both exhilarating and fulfilling, nothing quite matches the adrenaline rush I get from being the “guest star merchandizer” at my brother Robert Fripp’s concerts.

Adventures in Merchandising: A Family Affair

Robert, an internationally acclaimed guitarist of King Crimson, and his business partner David Singleton are currently enchanting audiences on their Englishmen Abroad speaking tour. I had the joy of joining them in Santa Cruz, Sacramento, and San Francisco.

Picture this: the crowd’s anticipation building, there I was saying, “Welcome music fans. Can I help you with your merchanting opportunities? Tell your friends Robert Fripp’s sister took your money.” The moment Robert introduces me—“Our guest star merchandizer, my sister Patricia Fripp”—and the crowd erupts, that’s when I feel an indescribable buzz.

When you have regular access to thought-provoking speakers, in the same meeting with interesting audience members, your life will be greatly improved.

We are all familiar with the expression, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person!” Which leads to a new non-paying, volunteer position.

I accepted the position of president for the Golden Gate Breakfast Club (GGBC). The GGBC was founded in 1946. Our website proclaims, “Come meet people who look at the world from the ‘Sunny-Side Up!’” For decades members have met weekly to interact with each other and hear fascinating speakers. Our members are from various industries, and we benefit from a mixture of ambitious professionals and some active retirees. We are all lifelong learners.

In a world where knowledge is the cornerstone of progress, the convergence of ambitious professionals and active retirees in meetings featuring thought-provoking speakers is a catalyst for unparalleled growth and learning. Three times a month we meet in Zoom, which gives us access to members and speakers from around the globe.

For sixteen years, the brilliant speaker, author, and consultant Alan Weiss, PhD and I delivered seminars together called The Odd Couple.

One technique I learned from Alan, and have continued to use, is the practice of asking, “And your question is?”

How often, in the Q&A portion of a presentation, have you felt like pulling your hair out because someone is droning on before they ask a question?

In 2022, my brother guitarist Robert Fripp and his business partner David Singleton were on a speaking tour on the East Coast of Canada and the US. Their final performance was in Chicago. I attended with my good friend and fellow speaker, Bob Roitblat.

All was going wonderfully well until at 9:55 p.m. when my brother said, “We now have five minutes and three people to ask their question.”

The next fan standing at the center microphone spent fourteen minutes waffling on about every King Crimson and solo Fripp album he had and every performance, city, and year he had seen a show. All before he got to his question. I was in agony. I kept saying to Bob and the other fans next to us, “And your question is?” I wanted to stand on my chair and shout those four simple words.

However, I was concerned my brother would tell me off! Or, I might ruin the evening for him. Although I am certain I would have received applause from the other fans!

As Robert and David will be touring the West Coast in February and March for their Gentlemen Aboard speaking tour, I finally got up the nerve to mention this experience to Brother. Then asked, “Would you have been upset?”

Academy Award speeches are not the best examples of great acceptance speeches. There are, however, many unforgettable moments.

Here you will find my second list of favorite Oscar segments. We will look to see why. Learn from Hollywood

Oscar examples that make the speech bigger than the recipient.

Meryl Streep, Best Actress, The Iron Lady, said, “This is such an honor. But the thing that counts the most with me is the friendships, and the love, and the sheer joy we have shared making movies together.”

Steven Soderbergh, Best Director, Traffic, said, “I want to thank anyone who spends part of their day creating. I don’t care if it’s a book, a film, a painting, a dance, a piece of theatre, or a piece of music. Anybody who spends part of their day sharing their experience with us. I think the world would be unlivable without art.”

Accepting an award is like walking a tightrope.

You need to be gracious, grateful, and humble, yet not so humble or self-deprecating that the audience thinks you are trivializing the honor. In general, Academy Award speeches are not the best examples of great acceptance speeches.

There are, however, many unforgettable moments.

Fripp presentation about Life Lessons from Movie Stars and Hollywood

A few of my personal favorites:

When Russell Crowe won an Oscar for The Gladiator (2000), he dedicated it to “Everyone who has seen the downside of disadvantage.” Then he won the 2002 Golden Globe Award for A Beautiful Mind. First, he gave credit to the characters in the film, offering special thanks to “John and Alicia Nash, for living such an inspirational love story.” He added, “A Beautiful Mind is just a movie, folks, but hopefully it will help us open our hearts to believe that something extraordinary can always happen in our lives.” Wow! His use of alliteration ‘downside of disadvantage’ makes my toes tingle and my eyes water.

It’s okay to be excited. The audience is on your side.

Sally Field’s joy when she won the 1979 Academy Award for Norma Rae has never been forgotten: “You like me! You really like me!”

And when she won the 1987 Oscar for Moonstruck, Cher said, “I know this does not mean I am somebody, but I am on my way to becoming somebody.”

Sales Presentations Skills Training is a Great Idea

Imagine the impact if your team’s sales presentations are not just good… they were magnetic. This is not a far-fetched dream; it’s a very achievable reality.

The Challenge: A Common Hurdle in Sales

Not long ago, a prospect called and said, “Help! My team’s presentations are terrible. We do not consistently tell the same story, and our company has set ambitious goals for this year. I heard from a colleague that you can help.”

This wasn’t just about improving their slide deck. It was about transforming their entire approach to communication.

The Solution: Tailored and Effective

I suggested a simple yet impactful strategy that works for my best clients. “Let me hear your core presentation, and I’ll offer my suggestions and recommendations. If you like them, we can improve your presentation and then teach that to your team members.” This led to an eye-opening meeting. Larry delivered his best presentation, and as promised, I suggested how it could be more impactful.

Each year, on January 18th, I find myself pondering with a blend of celebration and introspection.

This date marks a pivotal moment in my life, a day that set the course for an extraordinary journey.

Robert and Patricia Fripp on the way to the Majestic

The First Glimpse of a New World

Decades ago, as a young 20-year-old, I vividly recall peering through the porthole of my room on the USS United States. My eyes caught the first light of dawn illuminating the Statue of Liberty. That iconic symbol of freedom and hope was my welcome to a new country, a new life. With just $500 in my pocket, no job, and no contacts, I stepped into the vast unknown. Or as I considered, a great adventure.

A Post-War British Perspective

Reflecting back, I realize that my departure from Britain was during a time when the nation was still healing from the scars of World War II. My experience with America was limited to what was depicted in movies. I firmly believed that in America everyone was rich and the streets were paved with movie stars! Naïve and optimistic, I never considered the possibility of failure – a mindset that served me well. It was nice to know, if I was ever without money or unhappy, my father would send me a ticket to go back. It was a source of pride, that once I left home at 18, I never asked my parents for money.

Take the money when customers want to give it.

As a presentation skills expert, I’m often asked, “Where do I find good stories and examples for my presentations?”

The answer lies in our everyday experiences. Here are a couple from my own journey, focusing on the important role of customer service.

Consider this: every interaction your organization has with customers either strengthens or weakens your relationship. This includes every letter, ad, phone call, and especially each employee interaction, from the CEO to the technicians and maintenance crews. It’s a sobering thought, isn’t it?

Do you hold the position, earn the salary, or command the respect you believe you deserve?

If not, I encourage you to dress and speak for the role you aspire to, not merely the one you currently have.

When I was growing up, my mother gave me great advice. “Patricia, of course, it is the inner you that is most important. However, you have to dress up and look good so that you can attract others. They will then discover how nice and smart you are and how you can be of value to them.” This principle, emphasized by my mother and echoed through the annals of Hollywood, remains as relevant today as ever.

Hollywood’s history is rich with icons like Edith Head, an eight-time Academy Award winner for Costume Design. Her work in classics such as The Heiress and All About Eve shaped the visual language of an era. Edith said, “You can have everything you want as long as you dress for it!”

Expert Advice about Presentation Skills
from Patricia Fripp

Everyday Heroes Walk Among Us

My brother Robert Fripp played on David Bowie’s Heroes. One of the lines is “We can be heroes, just for one day.”

The Thrill of the Merch Table: My Ultimate High

The Unmatched Buzz of Being “Fripp the Sister”

Adventures in Merchandising: A Family Affair

The Power of Lifelong Learning

When you have regular access to thought-provoking speakers, in the same meeting with interesting audience members, your life will be greatly improved.

And Your Question Is?

One technique I learned from Alan, and have continued to use, is the practice of asking, “And your question is?”

All was going wonderfully well until at 9:55 p.m. when my brother said, “We now have five minutes and three people to ask their question.”

Crafting a Winning Oscar Speech: Why Every Word Counts

Oscar examples that make the speech bigger than the recipient.