Are you ready to learn how to calm your nerves before your next big presentation? Want to know a secret? Even the most seasoned speakers feel slightly nervous before a high-stakes presentation. It’s completely normal—just a human reaction, not a professional flaw. So, how do you transform that nervous energy into a presentation that captivates […]
Read More...How to Appreciate Your Life Experiences and Transform Your Speeches
When I talk to my executive speech coaching clients, I always say, “Your life experience is a reservoir of unique experiences and insights.” I love to ask questions that pique my curiosity to help them uncover a treasure trove of content they can weave into their speeches. This approach makes them effective, memorable and authentic. […]
Read More...Let Us Set the Record Straight: Clarifying the 7-38-55 Rule
The famous 7-38-55 Rule from Albert Mehrabian’s research is often misquoted, especially when people try to apply it to public speaking or keynote addresses. Let’s set the record straight. What the 7-38-55 Rule Really Means Mehrabian’s research, from which the 7-38-55 Rule is derived, was actually about a particular kind of communication: situations where a […]
Read More...Want to Know the Secrets of How to Become a Speaking Superstar?
Want to Know the Secrets of How to Become a Speaking Superstar? If you want to become a speaking superstar, control your pace and embrace the power of the pause. Think of a pause as a tool, not a sign of forgetting what to say next. A well-placed pause gives your audience a moment to […]
Read More...How to Connect with an International Audience: Secrets of Working Effectively with Interpreters
The dictionary tells us that “translate” is a verb and means to change from one language into another or form or medium into another, essentially making sense of a language. On the other hand, “interpret” is similar yet different. The primary definition is to make sense of, assign meaning to, or explain something. Understanding this […]
Read More...If It Were Not a Thing, What Would It Be?
Are you guilty of using lazy language? In my speech coaching sessions, one of the most frequent questions I ask is, “If it were not a thing, what would it be?” For example, one brilliant engineer preparing for his company’s User meeting said, “There are two things people love about…” You guessed it; I asked, […]
Read More...Add Historical References to Add Interest to Your Modern Day Speeches
When you give a speech and use a reference from the past, do you research it? For instance, one of my executive coaching clients asked for help with his Father of the Bride speech. He wanted to use the phrase tying the knot. I asked, “Do you know the historical reference?” We researched it and […]
Read More...Never Make the Mistake and Overlook the Power of Moments to Reflect
Alan Alda says, “The space between the lines makes a great performance.” Yes, you guessed it. That means you must never underestimate the power of the pause. This is true in acting, speaking, and music. My brother Robert Fripp, the legendary guitarist and one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists,” explains, “The music is […]
Read More...Want to Become Confident in Your Public Speaking Skills? This is How
As a professional speaker and speech coach, I am frequently asked, “Were you always this confident?” The answer is, “No.” Confidence in public speaking doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It’s built over time through a commitment to learn, improve, get coached, review your presentations, and continuously stive to hone your skills. Even those with natural […]
Read More...Why Is an Act of Quality Important?
My brother Robert Fripp played guitar on David Bowie’s Heroes. When my brother and I delivered our presentation, How to Be a Hero for More than One Day, I asked him, “How can we become heroes?” He replies, “By performing acts of quality.” The next logical question is, “Why is an act of quality important?”
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