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...How You Can Write a Meaningful Eulogy That Informs and Honors
A eulogy is a speech given at a memorial service in memory of a person who has died. The purpose is to recall the defining qualities and highlights of a life lived in a way that benefits the audience, particularly the family. It should capture the essence of the life lived. That means it can […]
Read More...Powerful Presenters Know the Importance of the Pause – Do You?
The Importance of the Pause in Public Speaking and Executive Presentations can not be over estimated. Continuing my comparison with Hollywood..
Alan Alda says, “It is the stuff between the lines that makes it a great performance.”
(I know I hate that word stuff. However, it is an actual quote.)
When you pause the audience has time to digest what you have just said. The faster you speak, the more you have to open up your talk with silence.
Consider where you have a comma, period, paragraph, and exclamation mark, an underline or … Use this as a guide for pauses.
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...Mistakes Speakers Make: This Is an Easy and Fun Strategy
Great Advice…Act As Your Own Warm-Up Act I’m frequently asked, “Patricia, what are some of the mistakes that many speakers make?” One is not to act as your own warm-up act. Whenever it is appropriate, walk around and speak to the audience before you’re introduced and on stage.
Read More...Maximize Your Investment When Booking Speakers
Maximize Your Investment When Booking Speakers If you had an unlimited budget to hire the most in-demand keynote speakers and breakout speakers for your next meeting or convention life would be much easier. Since it’s not, here are some tips on getting the most for your meeting dollar. Let me tell you about a project […]
Read More...Mistakes Speakers Make: Being a Good Speaker Doesn’t Mean You Can Do This
I’m frequently asked, “What mistakes do most speakers make?” One mistake is thinking that because you are a seasoned speaker, you can wing it. I am not saying your presentation won’t be good, but how do you know if your timing is right if you aren’t prepared? How do you know if your points are […]
Read More...Powerful Presentations Must Make an Emotional Connection with Your Audience – Learn How
To win over your audience, you must connect emotionally. With well-chosen words, you can open your presentation and establish an immediate emotional bond. As a presentation skills coach, when I work with a group, I’ll invite individuals to come to the front and deliver their opening lines. On one occasion, up walked Stephen. He began […]
Read More...What Does it Take to Make Your Presentation Introductions Exciting?
The purpose of a speaker’s introduction is to establish their credentials, to create interest from the audience, and often to sell the importance of the subject to that audience at that time. Recently at a client’s conference, one of my roles and responsibilities was to introduce other speakers, all of whom I had recommended. A […]
Read More...Why Are So Many Speaker Introductions Boring? What to Do, What to Avoid
You must not embarrass the speaker with over-florid predictions of the treat
that awaits the audience. Nor should you exaggerate your speaker’s
qualifications.
You must avoid giving your speaker false starts. E.g. “…and so I take great
pleasure in introducing Paul Prolichs” [Mr. Prolichs rises] “a man who is
supremely qualified” [Mr. Prolichs drops back into his chair.]
