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 […]
Read More...What Do You Do with Your Hands When Speaking?
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 […]
Read More...You Have Achieved Great Success. How Do You Talk About It Without Showing Off?
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 […]
Read More...Want to Get Ahead? Here are 6 Characteristics that Will Help
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 […]
Read More...How to Be Prepared for Last-Minute and Planned Formal and Informal Introductions
Professionals must often deliver formal, prepared presentations. They must also give frequent, unplanned presentations. Imagine this scenario: You are in a virtual or in-person meeting when the executive leading the meeting notices you in the audience. She says, “I didn’t know you were going to be here. We are 10 minutes ahead of schedule. Why […]
Read More...Want to Get Promoted to the Next Level 2023? Improve Your Language
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 […]
Read More...Are You Overlooking One of the Best Ways to Find Stories?
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 […]
Read More...Beware. You May Become a Sloppy Speaker and Not Know It
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 […]
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...How to Present to Senior Management Without Being Terrified
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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