Your First Thirty Seconds: Arouse Interest in Your Subject

Imagine you have just thirty seconds to transform a room of strangers into a captivated audience that will hold on to your every word. This is your moment to make a powerful first impression in any presentation—whether it’s a high-stakes sales presentation to win a...

Hollywood Movie Stars Show Us Lessons in Kindness and Authenticity

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...

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...

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...

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...

Add Historical References to Add Interest to Your Modern Day Speeches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...