Frippicism: It is difficult to be creative in isolation. Collaboration is beneficial in much of what we do. Collaboration works for speakers, especially when we are trying to come up with new or improved speech ideas. I often brainstorm with copywriting genius David Garfinkel and the two of us used to collaborate with the San Francisco […]
Read More...Want to Be an Effective Speaker? Eliminate Pointless Phrases
As an executive speech coach, I recommend that in preparing your presentation you record yourself and then listen carefully to find and eliminate all non-words, clichés and redundancies from your talk; these will only dilute your message and bore your audience! Lisa Braithwaite wrote this great article on “filler phrases” which appeared in Ragan Communications. […]
Read More...The #1 Best way to Make An Impact With Your Speech – Customize
If you are looking for the number one best way to make an impact with your speech – the answer is simple. Customize! Be aware of your audience’s needs and concerns as you develop every aspect of your speech. Here is an overview of top techniques to customize your presentations. These techniques are used by […]
Read More...Lost Your Voice and Need to Speak?
One of my really good pals, a great high energy professional speaker and fellow members of Speakers Roundtable, got so excited in a presentation that he lost his voice. He found this solution and said it worked! Thanks so much Adam Drake for sharing this information. I recommend you take Adam’s tips to protect your […]
Read More...The 12 Most Cringe-Worthy Business Phrases
One of my roles as an executive speech coach is helping my clients sound original, fresh and thoughtful. Phrases and words that are redundant and overused should be banished; whether you’re writing or speaking, these will weaken your message and cause your audience to tune out. Ragan Communications featured this article by Marc Ensign. Marc […]
Read More...Ten Pitfalls to Avoid in Public Speaking
Whenever you open your mouth – whether your audience is one person or a thousand – you usually want to get a message across. Maybe you want your opinions heard at meetings, or you’re giving a formal presentation. Possibly, you’re even in a position to advise your sales team or CEO on an important presentation. […]
Read More...Your Presentation – Remember the Three S’s of Dynamic Stories
As an executive speech coach I’ve had corporate speakers bring me sheets of statistics and say, “Here’s what I want to talk about.” “Why should your audience care about all this?,” I ask. “Where is the excitement? Where is the story?” Then we set about turning the numbing data into stimulating descriptions of what it […]
Read More...Executive Presentations Need to Sound Original and Thoughtful
Frequently I am asked if executives should dumb down their communications. No, not necessarily. The Patricia Fripp suggestion is to speak conversationally. If you would use that word or phrase at the dinner table, or in your boardroom include it in your speech or conversation. However, you must also consider whether you sound original and […]
Read More...Life Lessons Through Laughter And Ethics: Mary Ellen Did it Right! Do You?
When you speak to business and professional speakers and Toastmasters, as I do, about public speaking and advanced presentation techniques, it is assumed that you will be quoted. In fact, I encourage the best way to learn a public speaking technique or idea is to teach someone else what you think you just learned. However, there is a […]
Read More...Ever Wondered How to Open Your Presentation with Impact?
Ever Wondered How to Open Your Presentation with Impact? This is how I opened my keynote presentation for District 12 Toastmasters Spring conference. “In July 1978 at the Galt House Hotel in Louville, KY at my second NSA convention Dr. Kenneth McFarland who was considered the Dean of all American speakers and the person we […]
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