A eulogy is a speech given at a memorial service in memory of a person who has died. The purpose is to recall the defining qualities and highlights of a life lived in a way that benefits the audience, particularly the family. It should capture the essence of the life lived. That means it can […]
Read More...How Do You Accept An Award? Be Gracious. Be Modest. Be Prepared!
Tips on How to Give an Acceptance Speech 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 May of 2022, Dan Maddux, my best long-time client and Executive Director of the American […]
Read More...The Most Wonderful Advice from the Rabbi on How to Have Good Business
Marketing wisdom from an unexpected source. My brother Robert Fripp is the founding and ongoing member of the band King Crimson. Rolling Stone magazine named him the 42nd best guitarist in the world, living or dead. One of the thrills of my life is when I have the opportunity to share the stage with him when […]
Read More...The Perfect Way You Can Begin Your Panel Discussion: A Specific Example
One January, Mark, a district sales manager from a biotech company, was preparing to moderate a panel at the Las Vegas National Sales Meeting. He was nervous about his new role in front of a 100-person audience. In our pre-coaching communications, I noticed his email signature line included a quote about “moving fast.” He explained […]
Read More...The Inside Secrets of How You Can Effectively Moderate a Panel
Congratulations! You’ve been asked to moderate a panel. This is a great opportunity to build your reputation and add value to your customers. Moderating a panel can be more challenging than delivering a keynote speech. As you probably realize, when you moderate a panel discussion, you have multiple responsibilities and many more elements to stay […]
Read More...Mistakes Speakers Make: Do This and You Will Never Get Invited Back
True Professionals Do Not Do This I’m frequently asked, “Patricia, what are some of the mistakes that speakers make?” One is to act like a prima donna rather than a partner with the person who invited you to speak at the meeting. Don’t be an ass. Be nice. Be friendly. Remember your place. You […]
Read More...Mistakes Speakers Make: Are You Overlooking an Important Step in Making Your Presentation a Success?
Why Not Set Yourself Up for Success and Write Your Own Introduction I am frequently asked, “Patricia, what mistakes do many speakers make?” One is not writing your own introduction. Most individuals who introduce you do not know the difference between a bio and an introduction. A bio can be long; an introduction needs to […]
Read More...Mistakes Speakers Make: I Have Had to Fight Executives About This
Always Have a Sure-Fire Opening I’m frequently asked what mistakes most speakers make. One is thinking that once they have prepared their presentation, they don’t need to script and internalize the opening. Very often I hear professional speakers and executives say, “Oh, when I get there, I’m going to see what’s going on and personalize […]
Read More...Mistakes Speakers Make: Why Not Do What is Second Nature for Actors?
I’m frequently asked, “Patricia, what mistakes do speakers make?” Always Make Friends with The Stage. If you’re speaking at a convention, go walk the stage the night before or early in the morning before anyone else is there.
Read More...Mistakes Speakers Make: Know When You Are Completed Your Speech
Do You Really Know When You have Completed Your Speech? One mistake is thinking that once you have prepared your content and have your PowerPoint ready, you’re done.
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