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 […]
Read More...What Women Must Know to Command the Stage Without Distractions
When professional women step onto the stage to present, we want to look confident, competent, and polished. Of course, we want to look good; however, never at the expense of our message. Every choice we make either reinforces our message or distracts from it. Your audience should be captivated by your words, more than your […]
Read More...Blank Page to Standing Ovation: The Fripp Formula for Powerful Presentations
Your Speech Structure Frees You to Be Creative As you prepare your upcoming presentations, your content is everything you want to say. Your structure helps you organize your brilliant ideas so they land with clarity and impact. Think of it like this: Your content is the flesh over your structure, which is the skeleton. One […]
Read More...
