How to Prepare and Present Powerful Talks 2001 Back in 2001, at the Toastmasters International Convention, I was invited to deliver the opening keynote speech. In this 10-segment series, you will view the anatomy of a keynote presentation. You will notice I have made comments about how I would give advice to the 2001 speaker, […]
Read More...A Great Second Step for You to Structure Your Presentation
Clarifying Your Central Theme or Premise (Part 2) Your first step in creating your speech structure is to answer this question: “Based on my subject, what is my premise or central theme?” This is the big idea you want to get across. Every TV show, movie, and book has a clear premise. So does your […]
Read More...How to Write a Great Commencement Speech
The TV Show West Wing Made Speechwriting Sexy At least when Rob Lowe is the speechwriter and he is writing for the President played by Martin Sheen. However, the members of the Professional Speechwriters Association, some of who have written for US Presidents, felt a certain pride, at least when the show was running. Speechwriters […]
Read More...How to Make Your Virtual Presentations as Effective as In-Person
Your virtual presentations can be as effective as in-person presentations – even better! Virtual presentations can have a lasting impact. When you make your message memorable, your communication clear, and your presentation powerful, you position yourself for success. Can Virtual Presentations Really Be as Effective as In-Person? As THE presentation skills expert, I’m suggesting that […]
Read More...How to Find Great Lessons in Everyday Life
How Do You Come Up with Stories for Your Presentations? Stories are key to effective presentations. How do you find them? Great lessons can be found in everyday life. How often have you heard a speaker who is funny or profound while seemingly talking about everyday situations? You might think “Nothing like that ever happens […]
Read More...How to Reveal the Person Behind the Position – Advice for Leaders
Effective Leaders Reveal the Person Behind the Position Great communication is central to effective leadership. This is even more true for leaders in challenging times. When I work with leaders as an executive speech coach, I encourage them to reveal the person behind the position in their presentations.
Read More...How to Inspire Action – Honor Everyday Heroes
Effective Leaders Recognize Everyday Heroes Communication is key to effective leadership. In fact, in challenging times it becomes even more important to communicate well. As a leader, how do you inspire others to action? One way is to recognize and share the stories of everyday heroes.
Read More...Expert Advice for Leaders – How to Communicate Your Ideals
How do you communicate your ideals? Leaders are most effective when they communicate well. In challenging times, communication becomes even more important. As an executive speech coach, I work with leaders to help them convey complex issues and ideals in their presentations. We make these concepts understandable to an audience, usually through stories.
Read More...How to Make Your Leadership Presentations Memorable: Honor Heroes
Great Leadership Presentations Honor Heroes Communication is critical to effective leadership. In challenging times, this is even more true. When you prepare a presentation, remember the everyday heroes in your organization. My brother Robert Fripp is 1 year, 1 month, 2 days, 12 ½ hours younger than I am. He often says, “I am not […]
Read More...Stories Are the Best Way to Inspire & Motivate
Stories are the best way to inspire and motivate. I was coaching an executive with the Gap. He needed to inspire action and commitment. I first asked him to tell me about himself. He said,“I’m a newly promoted vice president and this is my first speech to the company since my promotion.”
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