Are you guilty of using lazy language? In my speech coaching sessions, one of the most frequent questions I ask is, “If it were not a thing, what would it be?” For example, one brilliant engineer preparing for his company’s User meeting said, “There are two things people love about…” You guessed it; I asked, […]

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Alan Alda says, “The space between the lines makes a great performance.” Yes, you guessed it. That means you must never underestimate the power of the pause. This is true in acting, speaking, and music. My brother Robert Fripp, the legendary guitarist and one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists,” explains, “The music is […]

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As a professional speaker and speech coach, I am frequently asked, “Were you always this confident?” The answer is, “No.” Confidence in public speaking doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It’s built over time through a commitment to learn, improve, get coached, review your presentations, and continuously stive to hone your skills. Even those with natural […]

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It never ceases to amaze me that intelligent, well-educated, and ambitious professionals frequently overlook developing the number-one skill guaranteed to position them ahead of the crowd: the ability to stand up and speak eloquently in public, or at least stagger to their feet and say anything at all. What terrifies so many about public speaking? […]

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How often have you wondered where the magic begins in crafting a presentation that captivates, informs, and inspires? Consider yourself the chemist concocting a potion that will enchant your audience. Let’s dive into the three essential ingredients that transform your presentation from ordinary to extraordinary. The Content: Your Main Ingredient Think of your content as […]

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It’s a common misconception that only novice public speakers feel nervous before high-stakes presentations. However, even seasoned speakers experience jitters and anxiety before taking the stage. The adrenaline rush can be overwhelming, and it’s important to remember that nerves are a sign of caring deeply about the message you want to convey. So, embrace your […]

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Remember how exciting it was when you first fell in love? Your heart somersaulted every time you met the one you loved. The two of you sat up talking all night and never ran out of something to say. You always seemed to have so much energy. The thrill of falling in love is wonderful. […]

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