In my opinion, there is nothing more exciting than stimulating conversations with interesting people. This is one reason why I loved working in the Financial District of San Francisco as a men’s hairstylist. My clients gave me an education while I cut their hair. Now, as a professional keynote speaker, researching my clients’ companies and as […]
Read More...When You Are Speaking, Are Your Hands Contradicting You?
It is not only what you say that matters, it is also how you say it – what your body language conveys. Does your delivery detract from your message? When rehearsing your presentation, your must develop a strategy for eye contact and movement that supports your message. Know the difference between purposeful movement and involuntary […]
Read More...Edit for Clarity, Specificity & Emotional Connection
Be brief. The fewer words you can use to convey your message, the better. Jerry Seinfeld says, “I spend an hour taking an eight-word sentence and making it five.” That’s because he knows that shorter is funnier. In public speaking, shorter is more memorable and more quotable. I often advise my speech coaching clients, “Edit […]
Read More...Public Speaking – Are You Afraid of Failure?
My brother, the legendary guitarist Robert Fripp says that with music as with speaking, “When you do something well, everyone says, ‘Oh, he’s a natural.’ ‘Oh, she doesn’t have to worry; this comes naturally.’ However, even when it appears effortless – even with natural talent – you still need the discipline of following the process […]
Read More...Why Bother with Public Speaking?
There is a reason why the spoken word is the best way to to explain the complex, motivate, and train – it’s human nature! My friend and colleague, presentation and persuasion expert, Sims Wyeth shares this insight into why excellent public speakers are so naturally persuasive. Why Do We Present? by Sims Wyeth Why don’t […]
Read More...Public Speaking Is The Number One Tool of Leadership
It is mind-boggling how many highly-intelligent, well-educated, and ambitious executives spend years finding creative ways to get OUT of public speaking of any kind. Some even panic when these opportunities arise. My friend and colleague, Sims Wyeth very wisely reminds us not to waste these opportunities. Public Speaking Is The Glue by Sims Wyeth Public speaking […]
Read More...How to Evaluate Your Presentation Flow?
The Wit and Wisdom of Phyllis Diller My friend Brian Palmer is one of the most creative and ethical professionals in our speaking industry. He is president of the National Speakers Bureau which was founded by his father, John Palmer. Back in the day, John was a well-known bandleader and performed with Phyllis Diller. Brian […]
Read More...Michael Hauge Remembers Legendary Hollywood Screenwriter Syd Field
Legendary screenwriter Syd Field was true Hollywood pioneer. He is regarded as the first to reveal the inside secrets of Hollywood screenwriting. His bestselling book, Screenplay is known as the “the screenwriting bible.” I feel fortunate to have attended his screenwriting seminars over the years; Hollywood knows how to emotionally connect with their audience in […]
Read More...Hollywood Technique: Think it. Feel it. Speak it.
Want to make a deep, emotional impact on your audience? My friend and colleague, Bob Roitblat is a professional speaker and actor. He lends us another Hollywood technique for better professional speaking. This one is: Think it. Feel it. Speak it. Think it. Feel it. Speak it. by Bob Roitblat Whether you’re an actor, business […]
Read More...Audiences, Prospects & Clients Are Leary of Lazy Language
It is my mission to clean up sloppy language. I share this from my friend Craig Harrison. Stop Slingin’ Slang! By Craig Harrison Despite attention to memorable press kits, meticulous grooming, and marvelous websites – speakers, trainers, and consultants often undermine their hireability through sloppy language and inappropriate word choices. Similarly, employees hurt their chances […]
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