Ambitious professionals like you must sound intelligent, powerful, polished, articulate, and confident during business presentations, interactions with senior management, and networking in your professional community. Consider these focused strategies: How to Sound Intelligent Pace Your Speech: Speak more slowly to allow yourself time to select the most appropriate vocabulary. This pacing gives the impression of […]
Read More...Want to Close Your Presentation on a High? Use the Unforgettable Six-Step Process
Many of my speech coaching clients have difficulty memorably closing their presentations. Like a great opening that arouses interest in your subject, your closing words should support your message and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Whatever you do, don’t end with: “Well, we’re out of time.” Even if it’s true, it weakens your […]
Read More...Elevate Your Language and Stand Out in Every Conversation
On most Sundays, you will find me sipping coffee and watching my favorite news shows. I enjoy listening to intelligent and educated experts share their perspectives on the state of the world. As an executive speech coach, I find these programs an endless source of inspiration—and, occasionally, frustration. One recurring irritant? The phrase I hear […]
Read More...Behind the Scenes with a Presidential Speechwriter: Insights from Terry Szuplat
Recently, at the Professional Speechwriters World Conference, I had the pleasure of attending a half-day seminar delivered by Terry Szuplat, author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience. As a speechwriter for President Obama, Terry brought a wealth of experience and an insider’s perspective that was both fascinating and inspiring. […]
Read More...When A New Relationship Is Worth Millions Remember This Advice
How do you handle a sales presentation when a new relationship is potentially worth millions? These four principles will help you and your sales team build a strong foundation for a new client relationship. Imagine my surprise when a national sales manager addressed his top 60 associates and said, “At lunch, the sales team and […]
Read More...Want to Drive More Sales? Nobody Can Resist a Good Story Well Told
Want to Drive More Sales? Nobody Can Resist a Good Story Well Told Please do not overlook one of the most powerful tools in sales—storytelling. If you’re in sales, you might have noticed that it often feels like our prospects are trained to resist our presentations. I promise you that a well-told story can break […]
Read More...Let Us Set the Record Straight: Clarifying the 7-38-55 Rule
The famous 7-38-55 Rule from Albert Mehrabian’s research is often misquoted, especially when people try to apply it to public speaking or keynote addresses. Let’s set the record straight. What the 7-38-55 Rule Really Means Mehrabian’s research, from which the 7-38-55 Rule is derived, was actually about a particular kind of communication: situations where a […]
Read More...How to Connect with an International Audience: Secrets of Working Effectively with Interpreters
The dictionary tells us that “translate” is a verb and means to change from one language into another or form or medium into another, essentially making sense of a language. On the other hand, “interpret” is similar yet different. The primary definition is to make sense of, assign meaning to, or explain something. Understanding this […]
Read More...Are You Overlooking a Powerful Tool to Create Compelling Content?
As a presentation skills expert, I often tell my clients that the best content for their talks comes from unexpected places. Often in fascinating conversations with intriguing people. Engaging in exciting dialogues with diverse individuals is not just a delightful experience; it’s a goldmine for your presentations and personal growth. Conversations are an endless source […]
Read More...Why I Love Open the Mind and Close the Sale and Why You Will Too
Have you noticed some wisdom that has been around for years suddenly becomes relevant, and with a dedicated person behind it, it is brought back to life to influence a new generation? As a seasoned sales presentation expert, I’ve enjoyed dissecting numerous sales books during my career. However, few have left as lasting an impression […]
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