Watch your use of “Basically” and “Simply” Many of my clients offer complex solutions to solve their customers’ problems, streamline their businesses, and protect their valuable assets. They engage me to help their technology experts simplify the complexity of their offerings so that their buyers will understand why it is a good investment. I tell […]
Read More...Don’t Fade into the Background
When you count your riches, do you do it in money or memories? For me, memories win out every time. At this point, most of my friends and I enjoy experiences together instead of exchanging gifts. Many years ago, on my first and only trip to speak at a series of events in South Africa, […]
Read More...Are Your Visual Aids Really Helping You Make More Sales?
When I sit down with my clients to discuss their sales presentations, I often ask, “How long is your presentation?” t used to shock me when they replied, “Twelve slides.” When I inquired, “How do you design your sales presentation?” it was dreadful to hear, “We get the slide deck.” When you begin the process […]
Read More...The Screenplay of Your Life: Time for a Rewrite?
Every story has a “Once Upon a Time.” Part Two. The place where the intricate weave of values, experiences, and influences begins to shape the fabric of our lives. When I was twelve, I knew I was more artistic than academic and enjoyed engaging with, and learning from, adults. It seemed a good idea to […]
Read More...Once Upon a Time Technique
Every story has a “Once Upon a Time.” The place where the intricate weave of values, experiences, and influences begins to shape the fabric of our lives. As a speech coach, I guide my clients to revisit their own “Once Upon a Time,” unraveling the threads of their past to better understand the tapestry of […]
Read More...Develop Your Storytelling Abilities: Life Lessons from Movie Stars and Hollywood
When we reminisce about Hollywood, it’s often the stories that movies tell that captivate us the most. Screenwriting teacher Robert McKee eloquently states, “Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact.” Storytelling: The Cornerstone of Effective Leadership Many of us […]
Read More...You Don’t Like It: Learn from It. Transform Criticism into Success
Criticism, or as you may prefer to call it, “constructive feedback,” is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to refine their presentation skills. While the sting of criticism can be unsettling, embracing it as a tool for growth is a hallmark of a seasoned professional. The Audience as Critics In my extensive career as a […]
Read More...Earn the Right to Win New Business: A Guide for Early-Career Professionals
In the competitive world of business, earning the right to win new clients is a crucial skill, especially for those early in their careers. Whether you’re a financial planner, a salesperson, or an entrepreneur, the challenge remains the same: How do you earn the trust and business of potential clients? Let’s delve into some proven […]
Read More...Make an Emotional Connection the Power of Perspective and Interactivity
To win your audience’s heart and mind, it’s essential to forge an emotional bond right from the beginning of your presentation. However, what does that really mean, and how do you execute it effectively? Case Study: Changing the Point of View During one of my training sessions, Stephen, who has lived with deafness since birth, […]
Read More...The Art of Conversation A Hidden Treasure Trove for Stories
You may be sitting on a goldmine of untapped stories to use in your presentations, and you don’t even realize it. How? By paying close attention to your everyday conversations. Let’s explore two ideas that may seem at odds but can work in tandem: The merit of recounting stories you’ve heard from others, versus the […]
Read More...
