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...Do You Know the Best Technique to Build a Relationship with Every Audience?
I was once asked for the number one secret of presentation success. My reply was, “There is no one secret; however if there were, it would be that your subject is of interest to your audience.” Your relationship with your audience is one of the most critical factors in determining the success of your presentation. […]
Read More...As a Speaker Do You Enjoy the Luxury of Being Remembered and Repeated?
Your Soundbite Statement, AKA Your Foundational Phrase Within your stories is a foundational phrase. This short sentence gets your point across or summarizes your story. It adds clarity so that your audience grasps your message easily. These phrases are both memorable and easy for you and your audience to remember.
Read More...How to Calm Your Nerves Before Every Presentation
Are you ready to learn how to calm your nerves before your next big presentation? Want to know a secret? Even the most seasoned speakers feel slightly nervous before a high-stakes presentation. It’s completely normal—just a human reaction, not a professional flaw. So, how do you transform that nervous energy into a presentation that captivates […]
Read More...How to Appreciate Your Life Experiences and Transform Your Speeches
When I talk to my executive speech coaching clients, I always say, “Your life experience is a reservoir of unique experiences and insights.” I love to ask questions that pique my curiosity to help them uncover a treasure trove of content they can weave into their speeches. This approach makes them effective, memorable and authentic. […]
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...Want to Know the Secrets of How to Become a Speaking Superstar?
Want to Know the Secrets of How to Become a Speaking Superstar? If you want to become a speaking superstar, control your pace and embrace the power of the pause. Think of a pause as a tool, not a sign of forgetting what to say next. A well-placed pause gives your audience a moment to […]
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...Want Great Speeches? Mine Your Lessons Learned in Everyday Life
Have you often noticed how the most profound lessons usually come from the most straightforward everyday experiences? You might hear a funny or profound speaker seemingly talking about mundane situations, and you think, “Nothing like that ever happens to me.” Of course, it does, or you wouldn’t relate to it. That speaker has attributes meaning […]
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