Want to Deliver an Unforgettable Presentation? Research Your Favorite Phrases

When you deliver a speech, do you research your favorite frequently-used phrases?

One of my clients was preparing a keynote and wanted to use the phrase ‘burning the midnight oil.’  I asked, “Do you know where that comes from?” Together, we discovered it dates back to when oil lamps were used, perfectly illustrating the dedication and hard work he wanted to convey in his speech.

Deliver Unforgettable Presentations, Fripp, LaCroix, Brown

Bite the Bullet:

One client used the phrase ‘bite the bullet’ in his motivational speech. We discovered it originated from battlefield surgeries, where patients would bite on a bullet to endure pain. He included this in his speech to add a vivid historical reference that made his point about enduring hardship more compelling.

Break the Ice:

A sales team I coached wanted to ‘break the ice’ with potential clients. The phrase comes from ships breaking ice to create pathways in frozen waters, which helped them build a narrative around navigating and overcoming initial barriers in conversations.

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Want to Know How To Sound Intelligent, Powerful, Polished, Articulate and Confident?

Ambitious professionals like you must sound intelligent, powerful, polished, articulate, and confident during business presentations, interactions with senior management, and networking in your professional community. Consider these focused strategies:

How to Sound Intelligent

Pace Your Speech: Speak more slowly to allow yourself time to select the most appropriate vocabulary. This pacing gives the impression of thoughtfulness and ensures your audience can follow complex ideas more easily. For example, when explaining a new business strategy, carefully choose each word to convey your message.

Utilize Precise Language: Specificity builds credibility. Always use the correct word for what you are talking about, avoiding vague and unspecific language. Instead of referring to “things,” name the exact concept, product, or strategy you mean. This clarifies your message and enhances the perceived intelligence of your delivery.

How to Sound Powerful

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One Little-Known Secret to Sound intelligent in a Speech – Expert Advice

Avoid This Common Pitfall in Your Presentations

As an Executive Speech Consultant and creator of Fripp Virtual Training, I’m dedicated to helping you sound as intelligent and credible as possible during your presentations. Whether you’re delivering a sales presentation, a keynote speech, or a critical boardroom report, selecting the right words elevates your message and ensures it resonates and sticks. This is true in the boardroom and on the convention stage.

Specificity Adds to Your Credibility

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Want to Close Your Presentation on a High? Use the Unforgettable Six-Step Process

Many of my speech coaching clients have difficulty memorably closing their presentations. Like a great opening that arouses interest in your subject, your closing words should support your message and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Whatever you do, don’t end with: “Well, we’re out of time.” Even if it’s true, it weakens your conclusion. Avoid thanking the audience as your final statement—it’s polite but forgettable.  Before you close, you can say, “Thank you for your enthusiasm and great questions. Last story…”

Never assume you can “wing it.” A well-crafted conclusion is as critical as a strong opening.

Plan it. Script it. Rehearse it. Deliver it.

Here is the unforgettable six-step process to close your presentation:

  1. Ask a Rhetorical Question Based on Your Premise

For example, if your topic is sales, begin the close with: “How can you double your sales with your current client list?” This reinforces your central theme while encouraging reflection.

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Want to Transform Transactions into Trust: Your Key to Rewarding Business Relationships

Want to Transform Transactions into Trust: Your Key to Rewarding Business Relationships

From Sales to Relationships: The Secret Sauce

Open the Mind the Sales and Close

Let’s talk about “those people.” You know, the ones who call only when they need something. Be honest—are they your favorite people? Probably not. Now flip the script. Are you that person to your customers? Are you guilty of only reaching out when it’s time for a sale?

Imagine this instead: a sales professional calls you not to pitch but rather to share a lead or offer a tip that could help your business. Wouldn’t that make you feel more than a number on their quota sheet? That’s the power of showing you genuinely care.

Yes, success means closing deals; however, my father always taught me it’s about nurturing relationships that stand the test of time. Your ultimate goal isn’t just today’s sale. It’s to create partnerships where people enjoy doing business with you.

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We Can Be Heroes for More than One Day

Reflections on My Sermon at Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, San Francisco.

Recently, I had the honour of delivering a sermon at the Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church titled; We Can Be Heroes for More than One Day. Inspired by presentations I’ve delivered with my brother, Robert Fripp, who played on David Bowie’s Heroes, this was an experience I’ll always treasure.

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It May Surprise You, There Are No Boring Subjects, Only Boring Speakers

That Is Correct!

Make your presentations memorable.

There are no boring subjects, only boring speakers. Your content or topic doesn’t matter—when presented well, it can become interesting, educational, and emotionally engaging.

Some believe that public speaking is just about knowing your subject. Having something to say is not enough to make your message come alive.

After all, knowing the words to a song— doesn’t mean you can sing it. To truly engage an audience, you need to deliver your content in a way that captures attention.

Turning “Boring” into Brilliant

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Elevate Your Language and Stand Out in Every Conversation

On most Sundays, you will find me sipping coffee and watching my favorite news shows. I enjoy listening to intelligent and educated experts share their perspectives on the state of the world. As an executive speech coach, I find these programs an endless source of inspiration—and, occasionally, frustration.

One recurring irritant? The phrase I hear far too often: “Thanks for having me.” It’s a common go-to for experts, executives, and politicians when introduced on panels, in interviews, or during fireside chats. While polite, it’s not exactly memorable or precise.

As a presentation coach, I help my clients—from seasoned speakers to rising executives—find ways to stand out in similar settings. A crucial part is teaching them to use language that conveys their professionalism and expertise. It’s a simple change that can significantly affect how they are perceived.

Why the Words You Choose Matter

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Behind the Scenes with a Presidential Speechwriter: Insights from Terry Szuplat

Recently, at the Professional Speechwriters World Conference, I had the pleasure of attending a half-day seminar delivered by Terry Szuplat, author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience. As a speechwriter for President Obama, Terry brought a wealth of experience and an insider’s perspective that was both fascinating and inspiring. The session was a masterclass in storytelling, precision, and the art of delivering a truly resonating message.

A Glimpse into the Presidential Process

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Do You Know the Best Technique to Build a Relationship with Every Audience?

I was once asked for the number one secret of presentation success.

My reply was, “There is no one secret; however if there were, it would be that your subject is of interest to your audience.”

Your relationship with your audience is one of the most critical factors in determining the success of your presentation. Mastering the art of connection will set you apart whether you are addressing 5, 50, or 500 people. Knowing how to build that relationship from the beginning is one secret to speaking confidently and confidently.

How Do You Make a Genuine Connection with Your Audience?

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