Accepting an award is like walking a tightrope. You need to be gracious, grateful, and humble, yet not so humble or self-deprecating that the audience thinks you are trivializing the honor. In general, Academy Award speeches are not the best examples of great acceptance speeches. There are, however, many unforgettable moments. A few of my […]

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Imagine the impact if your team’s sales presentations are not just good… they were magnetic. This is not a far-fetched dream; it’s a very achievable reality. The Challenge: A Common Hurdle in Sales Not long ago, a prospect called and said, “Help! My team’s presentations are terrible. We do not consistently tell the same story, […]

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As a presentation skills expert, I’m often asked, “Where do I find good stories and examples for my presentations?” The answer lies in our everyday experiences. Here are a couple from my own journey, focusing on the important role of customer service. Consider this: every interaction your organization has with customers either strengthens or weakens […]

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When you count your riches, do you do it in money or memories? For me, memories win out every time. At this point, most of my friends and I enjoy experiences together instead of exchanging gifts. Many years ago, on my first and only trip to speak at a series of events in South Africa, […]

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Every story has a “Once Upon a Time.” The place where the intricate weave of values, experiences, and influences begins to shape the fabric of our lives. As a speech coach, I guide my clients to revisit their own “Once Upon a Time,” unraveling the threads of their past to better understand the tapestry of […]

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When we reminisce about Hollywood, it’s often the stories that movies tell that captivate us the most. Screenwriting teacher Robert McKee eloquently states, “Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact.” Storytelling: The Cornerstone of Effective Leadership Many of us […]

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To win your audience’s heart and mind, it’s essential to forge an emotional bond right from the beginning of your presentation. However, what does that really mean, and how do you execute it effectively? Case Study: Changing the Point of View During one of my training sessions, Stephen, who has lived with deafness since birth, […]

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 That Leads to Contacts and Contracts Let’s talk about one of my favorite subjects: making an unforgettable impression in business. You know, the kind of impression that not only lands the deal it also solidifies your reputation as someone people simply must do business with. A Tip of the Hat to Business Success I’m sure […]

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Give a Speech! Every service club and community group is looking for a free speaker next Thursday at lunchtime. Okay, it could be Wednesday morning at breakfast or even in Zoom. You get the point! If that is you, do not overlook a magnificent marketing opportunity. Here is a roadmap of everything you need to […]

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