“It is simply impossible to become a great leader without being a great communicator,” observes leadership writer, Mike Myatt in Forbes magazine. As a leader, the responsibility of communicating effectively rests squarely on your own shoulders. This is true even if you are fortunate enough to have a communications department or team of speechwriters at […]

Read More...

I’m looking forward to speaking at the Assessments24x7 2nd Annual Users Conference in San Diego this week! Assessments24x7 provides corporate employers, industry coaches and consultants the analytical tools to benchmark their hiring processes, boost employee productivity, and maximize performance. Understanding another person’s behavioral style is key to understanding their communication style. Dr. Tony Alessandra, an expert […]

Read More...

Are your presentations persuasive? Powerful? Subtle differences in language can make an enormous difference. Maybe you’ve already edited a script of your speech. This is a great first step, but I recommend you also record yourself and listen carefully. Then, fine-tune your words and phrases to maximize your impact. Consider both your word choices and […]

Read More...

Does your organization encourage, or even better, provide training to equip your employees with competitive communication and leadership skills? Have you considered your own in-house Toastmasters club or perhaps Fripp Virtual Training? If you are reluctant to allocate employee time or company resources to presentation training because you worry  “they might leave,” consider what my […]

Read More...

Most people are aware that a formal presentation requires research and rehearsal, but keep in mind that preparation can ensure your success in all speaking situations.  If you have been asked to moderate a panel, be aware that there is more to this than simply firing off a few questions and hoping your panelists will […]

Read More...

Where will you be on June 20th? If you are in Arizona, and are interested in becoming a more powerful and persuasive presenter, you will definitely be at the National Speakers Association of Arizona’s meeting in Phoenix. Whether you speak in the boardroom, training center, or convention hall… I can help you. Join me as […]

Read More...

To be a better speaker, sometimes it’s better to not to speak. Deliver your key phrase or question and then pause… and pause… and pause. Get comfortable with silence. Darren LaCroix is a World Champion of Public Speaking, professional speaker, and presentation expert. We team up for speakers’ conferences. I share this from Darren who […]

Read More...

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization teaching public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network. I was honored to deliver the opening keynote at the 2015 Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas. The last time I addressed a Toastmasters International Convention was in 2001, when I watched my colleague, Darren LaCroix, win the World […]

Read More...

Always start your presentation with a strong opening; this is the most effective way to ensure your audience is engaged, listening with thoughtful attention, and able to follow what comes next. It may seem natural to open with a greeting like, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be here with you today to […]

Read More...

The first 30 seconds of your presentation is the optimum time for you to capture your audience’s attention. Don’t waste it! Give your opening words some extra consideration. Always start your presentation with impact. When you engage your audience immediately, you help to ensure the overall success of your presentation. Here are a few of […]

Read More...