If you want to deliver a successful presentation, you will spend a lot more time preparing for your presentation than you will speaking. Even highly experienced speakers must devote time to preparation, including rehearsal. My friend and colleague, Rob Biesenbach names inadequate rehearsal as one of the “11 Deadly Presentation Sins.” In his recent book […]
Read More...Preparation Is Crucial in Crisis Communication
In the event of a crisis, your organization might be overwhelmed by the media or by the disaster itself; it could become nearly impossible to provide thoughtful responses and accurate information without a crisis communication plan already in place. In light of the recent and tragic loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, I share this […]
Read More...Audiences Want to Connect with Real People
Misuse of technology can turn speakers into mere caption readers for slides and personal communication is lost. If your listeners could experience your presentation without you, why are you there? My colleague, Sims Wyeth author of of The Essentials of Persuasive Public Speaking, offers this excellent suggestion for speakers: Turn Off The Projector by Sims Wyeth
Read More...How to Close Your Presentation – Expert Presentation Advice
The first and last thirty seconds of your speech have the most impact on your audience. Last words linger. Unfortunately, there are some common mistakes you can make in closing your presentation that will actually undermine your message. Learn how to craft the closing of your presentation so that it reinforces your message. In this […]
Read More...A Good Speech Is Like a Good Conversation
In my opinion, there is nothing more exciting than stimulating conversations with interesting people. This is one reason why I loved working in the Financial District of San Francisco as a men’s hairstylist. My clients gave me an education while I cut their hair. Now, as a professional keynote speaker, researching my clients’ companies and as […]
Read More...Edit for Clarity, Specificity & Emotional Connection
Be brief. The fewer words you can use to convey your message, the better. Jerry Seinfeld says, “I spend an hour taking an eight-word sentence and making it five.” That’s because he knows that shorter is funnier. In public speaking, shorter is more memorable and more quotable. I often advise my speech coaching clients, “Edit […]
Read More...Public Speaking Is The Number One Tool of Leadership
It is mind-boggling how many highly-intelligent, well-educated, and ambitious executives spend years finding creative ways to get OUT of public speaking of any kind. Some even panic when these opportunities arise. My friend and colleague, Sims Wyeth very wisely reminds us not to waste these opportunities. Public Speaking Is The Glue by Sims Wyeth Public speaking […]
Read More...How to Evaluate Your Presentation Flow?
The Wit and Wisdom of Phyllis Diller My friend Brian Palmer is one of the most creative and ethical professionals in our speaking industry. He is president of the National Speakers Bureau which was founded by his father, John Palmer. Back in the day, John was a well-known bandleader and performed with Phyllis Diller. Brian […]
Read More...Michael Hauge Remembers Legendary Hollywood Screenwriter Syd Field
Legendary screenwriter Syd Field was true Hollywood pioneer. He is regarded as the first to reveal the inside secrets of Hollywood screenwriting. His bestselling book, Screenplay is known as the “the screenwriting bible.” I feel fortunate to have attended his screenwriting seminars over the years; Hollywood knows how to emotionally connect with their audience in […]
Read More...Hollywood Technique: Think it. Feel it. Speak it.
Want to make a deep, emotional impact on your audience? My friend and colleague, Bob Roitblat is a professional speaker and actor. He lends us another Hollywood technique for better professional speaking. This one is: Think it. Feel it. Speak it. Think it. Feel it. Speak it. by Bob Roitblat Whether you’re an actor, business […]
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