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...Public Speaking – What Fortune 500s Know
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...Public Speaking – What You Can Do to Conquer The Jitters
Delivering Your Speech Is More Than the Words You’re waiting your turn to deliver your presentation when suddenly you realize that your stomach is doing strange things and your mind is rapidly going blank. How do you conquer the jitters? People ask me this question all the time; there is no single answer. You must […]
Read More...Public Speaking – Do You Move with Purpose?
Stand still at the start of your presentation. Your audience members need a moment to become accustomed to the sound of your voice, your style of speaking, and sometimes your accent. After this, incorporate movement into your presentation, only if your movements are purposeful and support your message. Unconscious expressions of nervous energy will detract […]
Read More...How to Successfully Moderate A Panel Discussion
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? Join Me & NSA of Arizona
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...5 Tips to Help You Deliver The Perfect Wedding Toast
Just in time for wedding season, Toastmasters International offers five excellent tips to help you deliver the perfect wedding toast. Even if you aren’t expecting to deliver a wedding toast this year, these strategies can help you prepare for occasions in your professional or personal life when you are asked to make a toast or […]
Read More...Sometimes It’s Better Not to Speak
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 Awards Golden Gavel to Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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...Do Your Audience Members Tune Out Before You’ve Gotten Started?
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 […]
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