From a young girl who loved to work in my father’s office during school holidays, I have always been fascinated with business. The first day I went to work as an apprentice hairdresser, Dad said, “In your career, do not concentrate on making a lot of money. Rather, concentrate on becoming the type of person […]
Read More...From Styling Hair to Shaping Words: What’s Your Origin Story
My journey into professional speaking and coaching began in an unlikely setting — a bustling salon on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. At 18, I worked with experienced stylists from the West End of London, masters of their craft who could whip up hairstyles I had never seen before. However, they thought […]
Read More...How to Be a Wild Success When You Walk off Stage to Applause
If you want your speech to resonate profoundly and earn enthusiastic applause, remember that success depends on what you say and how confidently and naturally you deliver your message. This means beginning your preparations earlier than you think necessary—the French call this “répétition,” emphasizing the importance of rehearsal.
Read More...Want Expert Advice to Improve Your Public Speaking and Writing?
As an executive speech coach, I often stress to my clients that specificity is the cornerstone of credibility. To communicate effectively, every word must serve a purpose. One common misstep in public speaking and writing is the overuse of conjunctions like “and” or “but” to begin sentences. My English teacher told the class, “Originally intended […]
Read More...Want to Transform Transactions into Trust: Your Key to Rewarding Business Relationships
Want to Transform Transactions into Trust: Your Key to Rewarding Business Relationships From Sales to Relationships: The Secret Sauce Let’s talk about “those people.” You know, the ones who call only when they need something. Be honest—are they your favorite people? Probably not. Now flip the script. Are you that person to your customers? Are […]
Read More...We Can Be Heroes for More than One Day
Reflections on My Sermon at Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, San Francisco. Recently, I had the honour of delivering a sermon at the Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church titled; We Can Be Heroes for More than One Day. Inspired by presentations I’ve delivered with my brother, Robert Fripp, who played on David Bowie’s Heroes, this was an experience I’ll […]
Read More...It May Surprise You, There Are No Boring Subjects, Only Boring Speakers
That Is Correct! There are no boring subjects, only boring speakers. Your content or topic doesn’t matter—when presented well, it can become interesting, educational, and emotionally engaging. Some believe that public speaking is just about knowing your subject. Having something to say is not enough to make your message come alive. After all, knowing the […]
Read More...Elevate Your Language and Stand Out in Every Conversation
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. […]
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