Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward…as I remember them. Navigating the glittering world of Hollywood, it’s easy to be dazzled by the spotlight. Yet, some stars shine brightly on and off the screen, teaching us invaluable life lessons. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were such luminaries, exemplifying kindness, authenticity, and the importance of setting one’s values. […]
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Read More...Add Historical References to Add Interest to Your Modern Day Speeches
When you give a speech and use a reference from the past, do you research it? For instance, one of my executive coaching clients asked for help with his Father of the Bride speech. He wanted to use the phrase tying the knot. I asked, “Do you know the historical reference?” We researched it and […]
Read More...Secrets to Help Your Audiences Remember Your Message: Your Phrase That Pays
Every day, we are bombarded with more information than we can remember. Whatever your role, you want your message to be remembered and repeated to others. When we do that, we are speaking to the audience of our audience. In selling, managing, inspiring, leading, training, copywriting, and, in fact, all forms of communication, we must […]
Read More...The #1 Skill to Increase Your Business, Career, and Reputation
It never ceases to amaze me that intelligent, well-educated, and ambitious professionals frequently overlook developing the number-one skill guaranteed to position them ahead of the crowd: the ability to stand up and speak eloquently in public, or at least stagger to their feet and say anything at all. What terrifies so many about public speaking? […]
Read More...To Become a Great Public Speaker, Why Not Learn from the Best to Become the Best?
Do you aspire to be an outstanding public speaker? Here’s a secret: great public speakers are made, not born. My Journey to Becoming a Speech Expert My clients will tell you I have a unique superpower: I can listen to what people say and instantly tell them how to improve their words or delivery. However, […]
Read More...USA Today Used a Frippicism™
On Monday, January 22, several pals texted, “USA Today has used another of your quotes in their ‘Don’t Quote Me’ segment.” It was “If you don’t act as if your name is on the door, it never will be.” Consider this: every interaction your organization has with customers either strengthens or weakens your relationship. Especially […]
Read More...Everyday Heroes Walk Among Us
My brother Robert Fripp played on David Bowie’s Heroes. One of the lines is “We can be heroes, just for one day.” However, there are those in our midst who are heroes every day, for decades. If you were to ask my brother, “How do we become a hero?” Robert would tell you, “By performing […]
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