Techniques Behind Memorable Stories Many presenters make the mistake of thinking that a story must be dramatic and life-changing to be memorable. In reality, we can garner meaning from simple, everyday-life stories, and that makes them relatable. Then-Now-How Formula This is where I was; this is where I am now; this is how I got […]
Read More...How Do You Accept an Award? Be Prepared for When It Happens
Be Gracious; Be Modest; Be Prepared! Tips on How to Give an Acceptance Speech
Read More...Want to Know the Secret of Powerful Presentations?
Emotional Connection To win over your audience, you must connect emotionally. With well-chosen words, you can open your presentation and establish an immediate emotional bond. s 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. […]
Read More...Do You Believe Good Public Speaking Is Just Knowing Your Subject?
There are no boring subjects. There are only boring speakers. It doesn’t matter what your content or topic is, when presented well, it can be interesting and educational and make an emotional connection to the audience. There are some who claim that public speaking is merely knowing your subject. They take the attitude that having […]
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...The Perfect Way You Can Begin Your Panel Discussion: A Specific Example
One January, Mark, a district sales manager from a biotech company, was preparing to moderate a panel at the Las Vegas National Sales Meeting. He was nervous about his new role in front of a 100-person audience. In our pre-coaching communications, I noticed his email signature line included a quote about “moving fast.” He explained […]
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: The Extra Effort Will Not Get the Result You Want
Don’t Write Out Your Complete Speech I’m frequently asked, “What are the mistakes that speakers make?” One is thinking they have to write out their complete speech. What I recommend you do instead is follow a logical presentation preparation process. Think, what is the big idea of your speech, your premise, or your central theme?
Read More...Mistakes Speakers Make: Do This and You Will Never Get Invited Back
True Professionals Do Not Do This I’m frequently asked, “Patricia, what are some of the mistakes that speakers make?” One is to act like a prima donna rather than a partner with the person who invited you to speak at the meeting. Don’t be an ass. Be nice. Be friendly. Remember your place. You […]
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.”
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