No, it is NOT! How often have you heard, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” and believe it or questioned it? This is only the first part of a quote from Oscar Wilde. It’s absolutely clear what Oscar Wilde meant (so many forget the second half of the quote) when he wrote “Imitation is […]
Read More...What Happened on April 18? A few highlights.
On the evening of April 18, 1775, Dr. Joseph Warren summoned Paul Revere and gave him the task of riding to Lexington, Massachusetts, with the news that British soldiers stationed in Boston were about to march into the countryside northwest of the town. Paul Revere never shouted the legendary phrase later attributed to him “The […]
Read More...Looking for a Great Suggestion to Help You Make More Sales?
Have you noticed, some of your prospective clients act as if they have attended a seminar on How to Resist a Good Sales Presentation? Even the most hardened prospect can’t resist a good story when it is well told. Keep in mind, when you tell stories of satisfied clients in the same situation they are […]
Read More...This Habit Will Dash Your Hopes of Success. Do You Irritate Your Audience?
Whenever you open your mouth, whether your audience is one person or one thousand, you want to get a specific message across. Maybe you want your opinions heard at a meeting, or you will be giving a formal talk. Perhaps you deliver sales presentations. To present, persuade, and propel with the spoken word, be aware […]
Read More...Want to Know a Terrific Technique That Transforms Speaking and Writing?
As a speech coach, I introduce my clients to the importance of using parallel structure in speaking and writing. Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is the repetition of a grammatical structure within a sentence or multiple sentences. This technique can make your speech or writing more memorable and easier to understand. When you write […]
Read More...What Do You Do with Your Hands When Speaking?
As a speech coach, one of the most common questions I am asked is, “What do I do with my hands when I speak in public?” It’s a question that is natural to ask. This is what I tell my clients and audiences. It’s important to remember that your hand gestures are best when in […]
Read More...Want to Know Why Your Weak Words Are Taking Away Your Power?
My speech coaching clients frequently hear me say, “Are you going to do it, or kind of do it? Remember, you do not kind of or sort of do anything.” Even seasoned executives who should know better, use these weak words and phrases. Often, I believe they are attempting to sound humble. However, it only […]
Read More...Are You Missing Out on a Great Way to Improve Your Presentations?
𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 said, “𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟.” Patricia Fripp (that’s me!) says, “Put your words under the magnifying glass.” 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 all of 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, just follow these simple steps. If you have a video of a presentation that you felt went really well, sit down and watch it. However, change your perspective. Imagine you […]
Read More...Help! How Do I Deliver a Great Presentation? Lose Your Sloppy Language
The World is Full of Sloppy Speakers…You Do Not Want to Become One Many excellent presentations sound “conversational.” However, be aware that there is a distinct difference between an ordinary conversation (with run-on sentences, unfinished thoughts, sloppy language) and a presentation delivered in a conversational style. The best way to improve formal presentations and reports is […]
Read More...“Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions.” Is it Really? Think Carefully
Is breakfast the breakfast of champions? That depends. Who is delivering the feedback? Are they qualified to give it? What is requested or unsolicited? Many years ago, I accepted an invitation to speak at my local Toastmasters Spring Conference. They considered me a local celebrity, I had already been elected the first woman President […]
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