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.”
Read More...Mistakes Speakers Make: Why Not Do What is Second Nature for Actors?
I’m frequently asked, “Patricia, what mistakes do speakers make?” Always Make Friends with The Stage. If you’re speaking at a convention, go walk the stage the night before or early in the morning before anyone else is there.
Read More...Mistakes Speakers Make: Know When You Are Completed Your Speech
Do You Really Know When You have Completed Your Speech? One mistake is thinking that once you have prepared your content and have your PowerPoint ready, you’re done.
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...Great Advice from the Rabbi that Robert Fripp Never Forgot
My brother Robert Fripp, is an internationally-acclaimed guitarist, founding and ongoing member of King Crimson worked in a hotel dance band while going to college. It may interest you to know that he took the job over from a friend who moved to London. His friend was Andy Summers, of the famed rock band, The […]
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