The National Speakers Associations’ first president Bill Gove told me, “Fripp, the written word is for the eye. The spoken word is for the rhythm.” Understanding the difference between the written word and the spoken word was just one sign of Bill’s brilliance as a speaker. Imagine you are having a conversation with a friend, […]
Read More...How You Can Create a Great Story with a Message Every Time
What makes a Hollywood movie great? Exactly the same principles that will make a good keynote speech great. A great story with a message. Screenwriter Robert McKee says, “Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience.” We all love stories because when told well, have larger-than-life characters, […]
Read More...Great Public Speakers Know How to Connect with Their Audience
This is a great technique to be understood. If your goal is to sound clear, concise, and credible, this advice is invaluable. Nothing can turn your audience off faster than using fat words when they’re hungry for skinny ones. Or vice versa. I learned this exciting concept from Dr. David Palmer, who was a Silicon […]
Read More...Make More Sales More Often
With the Right Sales Presentations, You Can! Developing good public speaking skills helps you make more sales more often. To sell you need technical skills, product knowledge, know the details of you compared to your competition, territory management, a good relationship management system, discipline, and self-management. However, that is not enough. Too often the best […]
Read More...How to Stay Relevant in a Changing World
How do you stay relevant in your industry? At Influence 2019, the National Speaker Association Convention, I was asked to deliver a presentation on “How to Become and Remain a World-Class Speaker.” I knew I needed to consider the following issues: One, what would a client consider as world-class? Two, how do you perfect your […]
Read More...Do Your Habits Hurt Or Help You?
Good habits can determine the success of our public speaking, business communications, and careers. Habits are a part of us, built up like the layers of a pearl from our own juices. They can either provide a lustrous shield against adversity – or an imprisoning shell of our own making. They can play a significant […]
Read More...Want to Be Regarded As A Brilliant Conversationalist?
What makes someone a brilliant conversationalist? Brilliant conversationalists engage others by asking excellent questions. You can improve the quality of all of your conversations, professional and personal, when you ask good questions and then listen, really listen, to the responses. This is also one of the best ways to get smarter. Maybe you know of […]
Read More...Last Words Linger – 6 Ways to Close Your Presentation
Close your presentation with words that support your message and maximize your impact. Never end by announcing, “We’re out of time,” even if you are. Never end by thanking the audience for being there. Never assume you can “just wing it.” Plan, script, and rehearse exactly how you will close your presentation. Here are six […]
Read More...Do Your Presentations Bore The Boardroom?
Learn the Right Way to Prepare a Presentation At every stage of your career, when you open your mouth you sell yourself, your ideas, your value, and your ability. Fortunately, even if you’re not a born communicator, the ability to deliver a powerful presentation can be learned. I share this story about one intelligent and […]
Read More...Want to Know the Secret to Sell Yourself and Your Ideas to Senior Management?
As a Presentation Skills Expert, I’m often asked, “Patricia, how do I report to my senior management without being nervous?” The secret is to be prepared, clear, concise, and to act confident. Now, how do you appear confident when you’re nervous? First, prepare. Script out exactly what you are going to say, at least the […]
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