Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network. Before I became a professional keynote speaker and long before I became an in-demand speech coach… I joined Toastmasters. This year, for the first time, Toastmasters International is holding its International Convention outside North America, in Kuala […]
Read More...Do You Know How to Deliver A Wedding Toast? Toastmasters’ Tips for The Perfect Toast
In 1924, Ralph C. Smedley held the first meeting of what would eventually become Toastmasters International, created to train young men in “the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings.” In those days, the word “toastmaster” referred to a person who proposed the toasts and introduced the speakers at a banquet. Smedley named […]
Read More...Practice Does Not Make Perfect – Are You Reinforcing Bad Habits?
Are you practicing to improve? Or are you inadvertently reinforcing bad habits? Sure, the old adage says that practice makes perfect. But in fact, practice makes permanent. Practice can help you become a better speaker, but it can also make you more comfortable with your public speaking mistakes – unconscious language or gestures that detract […]
Read More...Toastmasters’ Golden Gavel Award
Before I became a professional keynote speaker, before I had the honor of serving as the first female president of the NSA (National Speakers Association), and long before I became an in-demand speech coach… I joined Toastmasters. Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network. […]
Read More...What Do Public Speaking And Ballet Have in Common?
I recently heard from my friend Carol Andrew, a fellow Dorset girl – from the same small region of England as I am! Not only do we both live in the United States now, but we are also both National Speakers Association members, both speakers, and both speech coaches. Unlike me, Carol studied at London’s […]
Read More...Silicon Valley Executives Can Improve Persuasion Skills with New Interactive Online Training
How often do we ask our friends and associates “What’s new?” As you will read I am now virtually everywhere! Silicon Valley Executives Can Improve Persuasion Skills with New Interactive Online Training from Patricia Fripp, Nationally-Renowned Executive Speech Coach Best Online Training Presentation Techniques Are Now Available for 3-Day Free Trial SAN FRANCISCO, MAY 13, […]
Read More...How to Maximize Your Webinar Success
I was recently featured in an article called, “How to Give a Killer Webinar: Tips from the Pros,” by Michael Ventimiglia, who asked a dozen marketing, presentation, and webinar experts, “What are your best tips for giving a webinar?” I share a few of the very useful strategies Michael gathered from the pros: Before Your […]
Read More...Are You Using Filler Words?
As an executive speech coach, I recommend that when preparing your presentation, you record yourself and then listen carefully to identify and eliminate all unnecessary words and phrases. Cut out anything that will dilute your message, including your personal verbal “tics,” clichés, and filler words. Business communications expert, Ben Decker of Decker Communications reminds us […]
Read More...Do Not Memorize Your Speech
Even highly experienced speakers must rehearse for a presentation. Do not confuse rehearsal with memorization. You should not memorize your entire presentation, but rather your opening, key points, and conclusion. Then, rehearse enough so you can “forget it.” This allows you to retain your spontaneity and deliver your presentation with the authenticity that makes a […]
Read More...What Makes A Good Presentation Great?
What makes a good presentation great? A great presentation connects with your audience, holds their attention, and has the power to delight, inspire, persuade, or inform. Exceptional speakers know how important it is to start every presentation with a compelling opening; this sets the tone for your presentation and provides momentum for everything that follows. […]
Read More...