My friend Pat Ferdinandi is a video strategist who helps individuals and organizations demonstrate their value and establish client trust through video. More than one billion unique users visit YouTube each month. Whether your videos are posted to YouTube or created exclusively for is specific clients, video is one of the most effective ways you […]
Read More...Do You Know How to Deliver A Wedding Toast? Toastmasters’ Tips for The Perfect Toast
In 1924, Ralph C. Smedley held the first meeting of what would eventually become Toastmasters International, created to train young men in “the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings.” In those days, the word “toastmaster” referred to a person who proposed the toasts and introduced the speakers at a banquet. Smedley named […]
Read More...Practice Does Not Make Perfect – Are You Reinforcing Bad Habits?
Are you practicing to improve? Or are you inadvertently reinforcing bad habits? Sure, the old adage says that practice makes perfect. But in fact, practice makes permanent. Practice can help you become a better speaker, but it can also make you more comfortable with your public speaking mistakes – unconscious language or gestures that detract […]
Read More...How to Become a Well Paid Professional Speaker – Expert Advice
If your goal is to become a professional speaker here is my advice as a past president of the National Speakers Association. Many of the best strategies to build your speaking business are the same you would use to establish any new business. My overnight success took many years of gradual, constant growth. I worked […]
Read More...How to Make Your Business Head Shot Look Good
Does your business headshot do you justice? My friend, corporate communications expert, Rob Biesenbach was there. Rob is both an actor and a professional speaker and combines these disciplines to help executives communicate more persuasively and successfully. Like actors and professional speakers, business professionals must have a business headshot. Is your headshot up-to-date? Or are […]
Read More...Silicon Valley Executives Can Improve Persuasion Skills with New Interactive Online Training
How often do we ask our friends and associates “What’s new?” As you will read I am now virtually everywhere! Silicon Valley Executives Can Improve Persuasion Skills with New Interactive Online Training from Patricia Fripp, Nationally-Renowned Executive Speech Coach Best Online Training Presentation Techniques Are Now Available for 3-Day Free Trial SAN FRANCISCO, MAY 13, […]
Read More...Are You Using Filler Words?
As an executive speech coach, I recommend that when preparing your presentation, you record yourself and then listen carefully to identify and eliminate all unnecessary words and phrases. Cut out anything that will dilute your message, including your personal verbal “tics,” clichés, and filler words. Business communications expert, Ben Decker of Decker Communications reminds us […]
Read More...Preparation Is Crucial in Crisis Communication
In the event of a crisis, your organization might be overwhelmed by the media or by the disaster itself; it could become nearly impossible to provide thoughtful responses and accurate information without a crisis communication plan already in place. In light of the recent and tragic loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, I share this […]
Read More...To Become a Better Speaker, Learn to Write More Effectively
As you strive for excellence in all areas of your business communications, remember that good speakers can benefit from learning the secrets of good writers. Developing a successful presentation begins with thoughtful structure and word choices. If you want to improve your public speaking, why not gain the advantage of improved writing skills? Make it a daily […]
Read More...How Do You Get People to Read Your Messages? 10 Tips for Writing Outstanding Email Subject Lines
Many of my readers know I am a great fan of Ragan Communications newsletter, which provides great information on speaking and writing more effectively. Email is often overlooked as an area in which we can demonstrate excellence in our business communications. I hope you find this as helpful as I do: 10 Tips for Writing Outstanding […]
Read More...