Recently, I had the joy of seeing the magnificent show A Beautiful Noise at The Smith Center in Las Vegas. This is, of course, the life story of Neil Diamond. Having seen him perform live before, I knew to expect magic, and I wasn’t disappointed. Part of the show’s brilliance is in its structure. It […]
Read More...Do You Want to Build Emotional Connection with Your Audience? This is How
Lady and the Champs Speaking Conference in February has early sign up until January 31, 2011. You can hear and learn from Patricia Fripp, Darren LaCroix, Ed Tate, Mark Brown & Craig Valentine.
Read More...Do You Agree Many Political Speech Openings Miss Opportunities?
You know how often I speak and write about the critical importance of a strong speech opening. The first words your audience hears don’t just begin your message; they set the tone, command attention, and signal your confidence. In short, the opening arouses interest in the subject and the speaker. This is true whether you’re […]
Read More...The Actor’s Secret That Makes Great Speakers Unforgettable
The Secret to Impactful Speaking and Performing “What an actor has to do is be personal in public,” said the legendary acting teacher, Lee Strasberg. That phrase resonates deeply with anyone who has stood on a stage or in front of a camera—or who leads a team, pitches an idea, or delivers a keynote. Strasberg […]
Read More...Do You Want to Know the Secret to Conquer Your Jitters When Speaking?
Here is the good news. Your audience will not know how you feel; they will only see how you act. Delivering Your Speech Is More Than the Words You’re waiting your turn to deliver your presentation when suddenly you realize that your stomach is doing flips and your mind is rapidly going blank. How do […]
Read More...Making It Look Easy Isn’t Easy
Making It Look Easy Isn’t Easy When we watch a brilliant comedian, captivating speaker, or talented entertainer, it’s easy to think, “They make it look so effortless!” That’s precisely the point. The smoother the performance, the more hours of preparation, refinement, and quiet struggle are behind it. Years ago, I had the privilege of hearing […]
Read More...Lost Without PowerPoint? 7 Tips to Make It Powerful
When I ask my clients, “How long is your presentation?” it scares me when they answer, “Twelve slides.” Even worse is when I ask, “How do you design your presentation?” and they respond, “We get the slide deck.” Let’s be clear: PowerPoint is a very valuable tool, not a presentation. If you start with your […]
Read More...Norfolk: A Vacation Destination Full of History, Charm, and Creative Fuel
Whenever I return to the UK, I explore somewhere new I have never visited, even after decades of back-and-forth trips across the Atlantic. This time, it was Norfolk, and what a delightfully surprising choice it was. One of my greatest pleasures is listening to thrillers on Audible. Recently, I’ve been captivated by J.M. Dalgliesh’s Hidden […]
Read More...Are You Looking for a Secret Weapon to Make Your Presentations Successful?
Audience interaction is more than asking questions or inviting a show of hands. It is about engagement, connection, and curiosity. In my decades as a keynote speaker and executive speech coach, I have learned that when you interact with your audience, they feel seen, heard, and valued. They do not sit back passively; they lean […]
Read More...Mentors and Coaches Shorten Your Learning Curve and Get You Results Faster
Mentors and Coaches Shorten Your Learning Curve and Get You Results Faster There are two primary ways to learn: on your own or from learned others. In my experience, the second option accelerates success and deepens insight. When I was a young hairstylist in England, my first mentors were senior stylists, coworkers, and generous bosses […]
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