How to Earn Business from Influential People (Without Selling to Them)

As I transitioned from cutting the hair of ambitious professionals and the movers and shakers in San Francisco’s Financial District, I always asked about their business. Their advice helped me, and many stories gave me great content for my earlier presentations...

Want Expert Advice to Improve Your Public Speaking and Writing?

As an executive speech coach, I often stress to my clients that specificity is the cornerstone of credibility. To communicate effectively, every word must serve a purpose. One common misstep in public speaking and writing is the overuse of conjunctions like “and” or...

The #1 Way You Can Guarantee Your Stories Are Outstanding

The Success Formulas of Good Stories Imagine sitting in a darkened theatre as the music swells, the curtains part, and you’re instantly transported into another world. That’s the magic of storytelling, not just in Hollywood; it is in every speech, sermon,...

Want to Have the Title, Salary and Respect You Want? Learn this Vital Secret

Growing up, my very glamorous mother, Edith, gave me excellent advice: “Of course, the inner you is important. However, you have to dress up and look good to attract others. They will then discover how nice and smart you are and how valuable you can be to...

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...