Are you guilty of using lazy language? In my speech coaching sessions, one of the most frequent questions I ask is, “If it were not a thing, what would it be?” For example, one brilliant engineer preparing for his company’s User meeting said, “There are two things people love about…” You guessed it; I asked, […]
Read More...Add Historical References to Add Interest to Your Modern Day Speeches
When you give a speech and use a reference from the past, do you research it? For instance, one of my executive coaching clients asked for help with his Father of the Bride speech. He wanted to use the phrase tying the knot. I asked, “Do you know the historical reference?” We researched it and […]
Read More...Never Make the Mistake and Overlook the Power of Moments to Reflect
Alan Alda says, “The space between the lines makes a great performance.” Yes, you guessed it. That means you must never underestimate the power of the pause. This is true in acting, speaking, and music. My brother Robert Fripp, the legendary guitarist and one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists,” explains, “The music is […]
Read More...Want to Become Confident in Your Public Speaking Skills? This is How
As a professional speaker and speech coach, I am frequently asked, “Were you always this confident?” The answer is, “No.” Confidence in public speaking doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It’s built over time through a commitment to learn, improve, get coached, review your presentations, and continuously stive to hone your skills. Even those with natural […]
Read More...Do You Know How Your Visual Aids May Harm Your Audience Members?
I help high-tech companies with product launches and customer user conferences to highlight the value of their technology. It is a privilege to assist brilliant technical presenters in better understanding how to talk like real people speaking to real people. Their presentations need to simplify the complexity of technology without ever using the words basic […]
Read More...Why Is an Act of Quality Important?
My brother Robert Fripp played guitar on David Bowie’s Heroes. When my brother and I delivered our presentation, How to Be a Hero for More than One Day, I asked him, “How can we become heroes?” He replies, “By performing acts of quality.” The next logical question is, “Why is an act of quality important?”
Read More...Did You Know the Best Stories for Your Speeches Come from Entertaining Your Friends?
When crafting unforgettable presentations, the best stories often come from your life experiences—the stories you tell your friends. What captivates your friends will also captivate your audience. Think about the last time you shared a story with a friend. Perhaps it was a funny memory from your childhood, a lesson learned from a challenging project, […]
Read More...To Become a Great Public Speaker, Why Not Learn from the Best to Become the Best?
Do you aspire to be an outstanding public speaker? Here’s a secret: great public speakers are made, not born. My Journey to Becoming a Speech Expert My clients will tell you I have a unique superpower: I can listen to what people say and instantly tell them how to improve their words or delivery. However, […]
Read More...Want to Learn How to Calm Your Nerves Before Your Next Big Presentation?
It’s a common misconception that only novice public speakers feel nervous before high-stakes presentations. However, even seasoned speakers experience jitters and anxiety before taking the stage. The adrenaline rush can be overwhelming, and it’s important to remember that nerves are a sign of caring deeply about the message you want to convey. So, embrace your […]
Read More...From Boring to Brilliant
From Boring to Brilliant In the realm of professional presentations, capturing your audience’s attention from the first few seconds is our goal. According to my speaking philosophy, the initial moments of your presentation are crucial to arouse interest and set the tone for what’s to come. It’s about making your audience sit up and think, […]
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