Swanage in World War II Exploring the history of a town or city adds a rich layer of appreciation to our experience of a place.I love being a tourist and understand the value of delving into the past to enhance my understanding and connection with a destination. During my vacation in Swanage, Dorset, near my […]

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As a speech coach, one of the most common questions I am asked is, “What do I do with my hands when I speak in public?” It’s a question that is natural to ask. This is what I tell my clients and audiences. It’s important to remember that your hand gestures are best when in […]

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Have you noticed; some people are very uncomfortable talking about themselves even when they are very successful? This may be because when you were young, your parents told you to not “Show Off.” Or you are uncomfortable when someone else drones on about themselves and all their much-exaggerated accomplishments. I understand. However, from time to […]

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Take advantage of every opportunity. I began my career as a hairstylist. Now that I am decades into my next career, I am often asked, “Patricia, how did you become a speaker, author, and executive speech coach?” The simple answer is by noticing and taking advantage of every chance that turned up, that seemed interesting […]

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Then remember, you can build your credibility with well-chosen words. Your management and leadership will notice. FrippVT is Easy. Convenient. Cost-Effective. One of the ways I help my clients get what they want in their lives and careers is by making them aware of how they can clean up their sloppy and nonspecific language. When […]

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Had any good conversations recently? In this message, we’re going to clarify what you may believe are two conflicting ideas. The point of retelling stories you heard, and the idea of only telling stories from your own experience. If you are retelling stories you heard in conversation, and you make heroes of the people who […]

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You will not improve what you are not aware of. We can blame a couple of years of near isolation and less in-person meetings. Without knowing it, you may be turning into a sloppy and non-specific speaker who dilutes their message. As an executive speech coach, my job is to help my clients sound as […]

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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 […]

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Frippicism: The key to career success is to learn to sell yourself and your ideas to your senior management. It’s no secret. The higher up the corporate ladder you go, the more important your public speaking skills become.  If you have your sights set on increased responsibility with the position and the salary that goes […]

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