The opening lines of your presentation – whether it’s a sales, business, or professional presentation – can be compared to the opening scenes of a movie. We all know the thrill of a blockbuster that grabs our attention from the first frame, versus the agony of a slow-starter that leaves us squirming in our seats. […]
Read More...Storytelling – Help Your Audience “See” Your Characters
My friend, Michael Hauge is a brilliant Hollywood story consultant, author, screenwriting coach, and speaker. His experience as a top Hollywood script consultant is evident in his masterful ability to bring out the emotional potential of any story. Following his expert advice, both business speakers and professional speakers can learn how to tell their stories […]
Read More...Charisma – You Have It Too
I always say, “There’s no point in going anywhere if people don’t remember you were there.” Being memorable is key to effective networking, persuasive sales conversations, and powerful presentations. You can make yourself more memorable by building emotional connections and using “you-focused” language in all of your communications – and by cultivating your natural charisma.
Read More...What Do Cutting Hair And Writing A Speech Have in Common?
Hall of Fame Speaker, in-demand speech coach, and former hairstylist, Patricia Fripp learns a valuable principle from her brother, King Crimson guitarist, Robert Fripp… What Do Cutting Hair And Writing A Speech Have in Common? One day, after I had retired as a hairstylist, I was cutting my brother’s hair, and he said, “Sister, you […]
Read More...How to Create An Outline for Your Speech
Are you agonizing over an upcoming presentation? Having trouble organizing your thoughts? Whether you are a novice preparing your very first speech, or a skilled presenter trying to develop your insights into a powerful new program, strong structure always underlies a successful presentation. In this short video, my friend and fellow presentation skills expert, Darren […]
Read More...Take Your Speech from Boring to Soaring
I was sitting across the desk from the brilliant president of a $2 billion software company…and I was about to tell him, “Sir, at this point, your speech is getting boring.” This was a problem, because as I often say, “An audience will forgive you for anything except being boring.” Now step back, and let’s […]
Read More...Are You A Financial Advisor Who Is Committed to Business Development?
If you are a financial advisor with the goal of developing your business, you must realize the importance of good communication skills. We invite you to Make 2015 Your Best Year Ever, a virtual meeting which, we promise, will give you ideas, techniques, and specific language to improve your one-on-one conversations with prospects and your […]
Read More...What You Can Do When Your Audience Tunes Out
Your audience will forgive you for almost anything – except being boring. Long before you ever take the platform, you must design and rehearse your presentation to catch your audience from the first line and keep them enthralled. Elements of a powerful presentation include: a strong opening, clear structure, emotional connection, memorable stories, well-paced delivery, […]
Read More...Speak to Promote Your Book
November is National Nonfiction Writing Month, also known as the Write Nonfiction in November Challenge. During this month, you are personally challenged to start and complete a work of nonfiction in 30 days. This can be an article, an essay, a book, a book proposal, a white paper, or a manifesto. It’s an honor to […]
Read More...Public Speaking – How to Recognize and Reject Unhelpful Feedback
An outside perspective on your presentation or public speaking skills is often the best way to discover where you can improve your content or delivery. However, ask yourself: “Is this person giving their advice truly qualified to help me? Does this person have my best interests at heart? Am I asking for their input, or […]
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