As a speech coach, I introduce my clients to the importance of using parallel structure in speaking and writing. Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is the repetition of a grammatical structure within a sentence or multiple sentences. This technique can make your speech or writing more memorable and easier to understand. When you write […]
Read More...Want to Know Why Your Weak Words Are Taking Away Your Power?
My speech coaching clients frequently hear me say, “Are you going to do it, or kind of do it? Remember, you do not kind of or sort of do anything.” Even seasoned executives who should know better, use these weak words and phrases. Often, I believe they are attempting to sound humble. However, it only […]
Read More...Why Do Middle Aged Executives Do This? It Makes Me Want to Scream!
Yes, it makes me want to scream! Because “super” is not really super. It appears that a huge amount of the population has come to believe that everything even slightly pleasant, wonderful, important, revolutionary, impressive, or valuable is now super. How about super-exciting, super-good, or super-great? Our language is full of hundreds of descriptive words. […]
Read More...The Best Way to Build Your Consulting and Speaking Business – Expert Advice
A great way to build your business is to collaborate with other speakers and consultants. Yes, you can combine your communities and mailing lists; however, what you learn from smart partners is invaluable. Here is advice you can benefit from that comes from the consultant’s consultant. Alan Weiss, Ph.D., CPAE, CMC is the author of […]
Read More...Gary Was Not One of the Guys
Can you relate to his situation? The executive assistant ushered me into a very impressive office with a great view. Her well-dressed and handsome boss Gary stood up to welcome me. Gary is a successful banker, and we had recently met at a conference where I delivered a speech titled How to Inspire Action and […]
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: Can You Help Me Write Four Speeches?
Create One Masterpiece; Then Personalize It I’m frequently asked, “What are the mistakes that speakers make?” One is thinking, “Oh, I can write four speeches.”
Read More...The #1 Way You Can Guarantee Your Stories Are Outstanding
The Success Formulas of Good Stories If you’ve heard a speech, sermon, or business presentation that you enjoyed and remembered, I guarantee that at least one aspect that made it memorable was stories. Everybody loves a good story, and that is their power. No matter what our culture, we grow up feeling that hearing a […]
Read More...The No #1 Way You Can Close Your Presentations – Part 2
Welcome to part two of a four-part series on the best formula for a presentation closing that resonates. If you plan to include Q & A, indicate how much time has been allotted. To keep the session flowing, I recommend that you say, “What are your short, specific questions?” Be sure to let your audience […]
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 […]
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