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...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 […]
Read More...Techniques Behind Memorable Stories
Techniques Behind Memorable Stories Many presenters make the mistake of thinking that a story must be dramatic and life-changing to be memorable. In reality, we can garner meaning from simple, everyday-life stories, and that makes them relatable. Then-Now-How Formula This is where I was; this is where I am now; this is how I got […]
Read More...How Do You Accept an Award? Be Prepared for When It Happens
Be Gracious; Be Modest; Be Prepared! Tips on How to Give an Acceptance Speech
Read More...Wear a Fancy Hat and Other Great Ways to Make a Lasting Impression
Let the competition make mistakes. Here are ways to leave a great lasting impression. From an interview with Sales and Marketing Management. Patricia Fripp chooses her hats carefully and her words even more carefully. The sales presentation and executive speech coach says a stylish hat has proven to be a reliable conversation starter—and starting a […]
Read More...Your First 30 Seconds: Innovative Openings Launch Memorable Meetings
Can you imagine how exciting it was, back in 2009, to sit in an aisle seat reading an airline magazine and see others read the same article? Especially as I was heavily featured in what they were reading. After reading it, I thanked Leonard Navarro for opening his article with my comments. His reply was, […]
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