In 1924, Ralph C. Smedley held the first meeting of what would eventually become Toastmasters International, created to train young men in “the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings.” In those days, the word “toastmaster” referred to a person who proposed the toasts and introduced the speakers at a banquet. Smedley named […]
Read More...Practice Does Not Make Perfect – Are You Reinforcing Bad Habits?
Are you practicing to improve? Or are you inadvertently reinforcing bad habits? Sure, the old adage says that practice makes perfect. But in fact, practice makes permanent. Practice can help you become a better speaker, but it can also make you more comfortable with your public speaking mistakes – unconscious language or gestures that detract […]
Read More...How to Make Your Business Head Shot Look Good
Does your business headshot do you justice? My friend, corporate communications expert, Rob Biesenbach was there. Rob is both an actor and a professional speaker and combines these disciplines to help executives communicate more persuasively and successfully. Like actors and professional speakers, business professionals must have a business headshot. Is your headshot up-to-date? Or are […]
Read More...Preparation Is Crucial in Crisis Communication
In the event of a crisis, your organization might be overwhelmed by the media or by the disaster itself; it could become nearly impossible to provide thoughtful responses and accurate information without a crisis communication plan already in place. In light of the recent and tragic loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, I share this […]
Read More...Are Business Cards Dead? Make What You Do Obvious
“Hello” can lead to a conversation. A conversation can lead to a relationship. A relationship can lead to profitable business. My friend and colleague, Susan RoAne is an expert in turning small talk into big business. Her book, How to Work a Room, is a bestseller. In a recent television interview, Susan explained that success […]
Read More...To Become a Better Speaker, Learn to Write More Effectively
As you strive for excellence in all areas of your business communications, remember that good speakers can benefit from learning the secrets of good writers. Developing a successful presentation begins with thoughtful structure and word choices. If you want to improve your public speaking, why not gain the advantage of improved writing skills? Make it a daily […]
Read More...How Do You Get People to Read Your Messages? 10 Tips for Writing Outstanding Email Subject Lines
Many of my readers know I am a great fan of Ragan Communications newsletter, which provides great information on speaking and writing more effectively. Email is often overlooked as an area in which we can demonstrate excellence in our business communications. I hope you find this as helpful as I do: 10 Tips for Writing Outstanding […]
Read More...Improve Your Writing & Speaking – Be Aware of These 7 Errors
Whether you own a business, report to a boss, or are searching for a job, it is important to sound intelligent in all your business communications. Never underestimate the power of your words. I share this article from Ragan Communications by Shanna Mallon describing seven errors you should avoid in your writing; many of these […]
Read More...Be Effective in Your Writing And Speaking… Purge Redundancies!
I advise speakers to, “Edit out the words that have no meaning.” Thought you would be interested in this article from Ragan Communications by Rob Reinalda. Rob and I obviously agree that “specificity builds credibility.” Thanks Rob for your good work! Your pain is adding to my education… Patricia Fripp Writers, Purge These Redundancies! Today’s […]
Read More...Connecting to Your High Stakes Audience in 8 Minutes: Emotionally and Intellectually
Are you confident your sales presentations are more compelling than your competition? Do your sales presentations connect to your audience intellectually AND emotionally? My friend Joe, a sales manager for the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, called me for help. He was confident in his one-on-one salesmanship, but he’d lined up an eight-minute presentation to […]
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