In a recent interview, I was asked, “What advice do you have for virtual meetings? I have been coaching people virtually for at least 10 years. Even before Zoom was invented, I had my own virtual studio. Although I still speak professionally, my major business now is helping other people with their presentations, whether they […]

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“Good structure gives you the confidence to be creative.” Patricia Fripp How often have you sat in an audience and been mesmerized by a speaker? Was it their compelling content? Were their stories scintillating? Were they able to reach out and grab you in such a way that you thought, “Wow, the speaker is talking […]

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The Secret of Conversation is to Ask Questions Your prospects and customers can give you important feedback, both directly and indirectly, but perhaps there is another great way to find out how you are doing. This is a blast from my past. After addressing a group of sales contest winners in Hawaii, I was on […]

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The Secret to Discovering Innovation and Solutions An advantage of having long-time clients is not only the friendships that develop but also the lessons you learn from them. One of the American Payroll Association’s Women of the Year and past board members is Patty Lake. She accepted a new position heading up a large payroll […]

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What makes a Hollywood movie great? Exactly the same principles that will make a good keynote speech great. A great story with a message. Screenwriter Robert McKee says, “Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience.” We all love stories because when told well,  have larger-than-life characters, […]

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Welcome to part three of a four-part series on the best formula for a presentation closing that resonates. End on a high point. Options for Closing Techniques: The last thirty seconds of your speech must send people out energized and fulfilled. This means you need to finish with something inspirational that supports your theme. 1 • “The […]

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