For sixteen years, the brilliant speaker, author, and consultant Alan Weiss, PhD and I delivered seminars together called The Odd Couple. One technique I learned from Alan, and have continued to use, is the practice of asking, “And your question is?” How often, in the Q&A portion of a presentation, have you felt like pulling […]
Read More...What Makes an Unforgettable Moment from Academy Award Speeches?
Accepting an award is like walking a tightrope. You need to be gracious, grateful, and humble, yet not so humble or self-deprecating that the audience thinks you are trivializing the honor. In general, Academy Award speeches are not the best examples of great acceptance speeches. There are, however, many unforgettable moments. A few of my […]
Read More...Celebrating a Life-Changing Journey: January 18th, A Day of Reflection
Each year, on January 18th, I find myself pondering with a blend of celebration and introspection. This date marks a pivotal moment in my life, a day that set the course for an extraordinary journey. The First Glimpse of a New World Decades ago, as a young 20-year-old, I vividly recall peering through the porthole […]
Read More...Punch Up Your Presentations with Your Life Experiences
As a presentation skills expert, I’m often asked, “Where do I find good stories and examples for my presentations?” The answer lies in our everyday experiences. Here are a couple from my own journey, focusing on the important role of customer service. Consider this: every interaction your organization has with customers either strengthens or weakens […]
Read More...Be the Star of Your Own Show: Hollywood’s Advice on Dressing for Success
Do you hold the position, earn the salary, or command the respect you believe you deserve? If not, I encourage you to dress and speak for the role you aspire to, not merely the one you currently have. When I was growing up, my mother gave me great advice. “Patricia, of course, it is the […]
Read More...Shift Your Perspective: Embrace 2024 with Fresh Eyes
As we stride into 2024, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of recency bias – the tendency to overemphasize recent experiences or the latest information when forecasting future events. This bias can skew our expectations, leading us to believe that the near past is a mirror of what’s to come. However, there’s an alternative viewpoint […]
Read More...The Shocking Truth Unveiled! A Journey Through Time
As a budding entrepreneur embarking on my journey with my upscale men’s hairstyling salon, I vividly remember attending my first management seminar. This was, of course, many moons ago, yet one statement from that day has stayed with me: ‘Your business is as good as your worst employee.’ Quite the alarming thought, isn’t it? Fast […]
Read More...Every Moment Counts: Lessons in Opportunity from TV to YouTube Stardom
Want Success? You Never Know Where Your Next Big Break Is Coming From! A Blast from the Past Frippicism® Opportunity does not knock once. It knocks all the time we do not always recognize the sound. Earlier in my speaking career, I was mostly a keynote speaker. Recently, I was having fun reviewing a couple […]
Read More...Want to Make More Sales? Please Lose These Words
Watch your use of “Basically” and “Simply” Many of my clients offer complex solutions to solve their customers’ problems, streamline their businesses, and protect their valuable assets. They engage me to help their technology experts simplify the complexity of their offerings so that their buyers will understand why it is a good investment. I tell […]
Read More...The Screenplay of Your Life: Time for a Rewrite?
Every story has a “Once Upon a Time.” Part Two. The place where the intricate weave of values, experiences, and influences begins to shape the fabric of our lives. When I was twelve, I knew I was more artistic than academic and enjoyed engaging with, and learning from, adults. It seemed a good idea to […]
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