Frequently I am asked if executives should dumb down their communications. No, not necessarily. The Patricia Fripp suggestion is to speak conversationally. If you would use that word or phrase at the dinner table, or in your boardroom include it in your speech or conversation. However, you must also consider whether you sound original and […]
Read More...Want to Improve Your Public Speaking? How about Awesome?
As an executive speech coach and frequent presenter on “How to Go From Good to Great to Awesome” I was interested and amused by this article from Ragan.com. Ragan first came to my attention when they booked me to speak at the Ragan Speechwriters Conference. Their newsletters are always amazing.
Read More...Ask Questions – The Secret of Conversation
I was a hairstylist for 24 years and as I said on 60 Minutes – and if you’re on 60 Minutes you’ll tell everybody – “I used to work on the outside of peoples’ heads, now I work on the inside, so there’s only half an inch difference.”
Read More...Options to Open Your Presentation
You have 30 seconds to command the attention of your audience. Don’t waste it! The first 30 seconds of any presentation have a great impact. Most people aren’t bad once they get going if they know what they’re talking about. However, very few know how to start and conclude on a high. Here are a […]
Read More...Make Better Word Choices – Improve Your Presentation
Subtle changes can make an enormous difference in your public speaking. These are some of the inside secrets I share with my executive speech coaching clients. In analyzing your speech, look for ways to be clearer, sharper, and more eloquent. You can look over your script. However, I find that speakers can make major improvements […]
Read More...How to Increase Sales – Improve Your Sales Presentations
Use Fewer Words First let’s learn what Jerry Seinfield says – because after all if you can learn from a marquee comedian who gets millions of dollars a year, well, it’s going to help with your sales. Jerry said, “I will take an hour to edit an eight-word sentence down to five.” Now in his […]
Read More...Do You Feel Underappreciated at Work? Try These Suggestions
I never forgot being booked to speak for Microsoft at their Women’s Conference because the chairperson had read and loved an article I wrote about what to do when you’re not being appreciated. However, I wish I had found David Spark’s article to share. Enjoy and thanks David. 9 Surefire Ways to be Appreciated at […]
Read More...Want to Communicate Effectively? Confused About Hyphens?
Confused about hyphens? I would like to share this article from Ragan Communications on the correct use of hyphens. I have keynoted the Ragan Speechwriters Conference several times and sometimes I have just attended as a participant. All Ragan’s information is helpful, especially in regards to writing. As you strive for excellence in all areas […]
Read More...12 Myths about Blogging & The Truth from An Expert
Blogging is a great way to serve your professional community and expand your marketing reach. Thank you for reading mine! For the years, I’ve had the honor of keynoting the Ragan Speechwriters Conference several times. I met amazing people who write for history – presidents and corporate leaders. Since then, when a Ragan Communications notice appears […]
Read More...The Best Way to Open a Panel Discussion – Expert Advice
If you are a leader, manager, executive, professional speaker, Toastmaster, or ambitious professional, most likely you will have the opportunity to moderate a panel. If you believe there is nothing duller than a bad speech, may I suggest a dull panel is even worst? As with any great presentation, when opening a panel discussion, the […]
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