Whether you own a business, report to a boss, or are searching for a job, it is important to sound intelligent in all your business communications. Never underestimate the power of your words. I share this article from Ragan Communications by Shanna Mallon describing seven errors you should avoid in your writing; many of these […]
Read More...Developing Good Original Content… What on Earth Do I Talk About?
Whether your goal is to deliver an effective business presentation… or to become an in-demand professional speaker your presentations must contain great content. Public speaking classes are full of tips on what to do with your hands, how to stand, and how to make eye contact. As important as mastering all of these public speaking […]
Read More...Have You Considered Collaborating?
Frippicism: It is difficult to be creative in isolation. Collaboration is beneficial in much of what we do. Collaboration works for speakers, especially when we are trying to come up with new or improved speech ideas. I often brainstorm with copywriting genius David Garfinkel and the two of us used to collaborate with the San Francisco […]
Read More...Connecting to Your High Stakes Audience in 8 Minutes: Emotionally and Intellectually
Are you confident your sales presentations are more compelling than your competition? Do your sales presentations connect to your audience intellectually AND emotionally? My friend Joe, a sales manager for the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, called me for help. He was confident in his one-on-one salesmanship, but he’d lined up an eight-minute presentation to […]
Read More...The #1 Best way to Make An Impact With Your Speech – Customize
If you are looking for the number one best way to make an impact with your speech – the answer is simple. Customize! Be aware of your audience’s needs and concerns as you develop every aspect of your speech. Here is an overview of top techniques to customize your presentations. These techniques are used by […]
Read More...Are You Clear on Your Own Message?
Legendary Hollywood producer Sam Goldwyn said, “If I want to send a message, I’ll use a telegram.” Yet, all great films – and good speeches – have a message. Some recent movies go on and on with explosions and car chases. They’re exciting, but at the end, the audience is often left with a big, […]
Read More...Lost Your Voice and Need to Speak?
One of my really good pals, a great high energy professional speaker and fellow members of Speakers Roundtable, got so excited in a presentation that he lost his voice. He found this solution and said it worked! Thanks so much Adam Drake for sharing this information. I recommend you take Adam’s tips to protect your […]
Read More...The 12 Most Cringe-Worthy Business Phrases
One of my roles as an executive speech coach is helping my clients sound original, fresh and thoughtful. Phrases and words that are redundant and overused should be banished; whether you’re writing or speaking, these will weaken your message and cause your audience to tune out. Ragan Communications featured this article by Marc Ensign. Marc […]
Read More...Want to Become an Effective Public Speaker? Ten Intriguing Rhetorical Devices
Ragan Communications is a great source of information for communicators. They hold various conferences including the Ragan Speechwriters Conference that I have been honored to keynote. The more you study writing and public speaking the more you realize there is to learn. This list is challenging me and certainly teaches me new information. Hope you enjoy!
Read More...Executive Presentations Need to Sound Original and Thoughtful
Frequently I am asked if executives should dumb down their communications. No, not necessarily. The Patricia Fripp suggestion is to speak conversationally. If you would use that word or phrase at the dinner table, or in your boardroom include it in your speech or conversation. However, you must also consider whether you sound original and […]
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