It is never too early to begin thinking about a speech. Before they meet me, many of my corporate clients believe “preparation” starts the week before the presentation. Some believe it starts the night before. Too many believe it starts when they open PowerPoint. That is not preparation. That is assembly. A powerful presentation begins […]
Read More...Want to Know How To Sound Intelligent, Powerful, Polished, Articulate and Confident?
Ambitious professionals like you must sound intelligent, powerful, polished, articulate, and confident during business presentations, interactions with senior management, and networking in your professional community. Consider these focused strategies: How to Sound Intelligent Pace Your Speech: Speak more slowly to allow yourself time to select the most appropriate vocabulary. This pacing gives the impression of […]
Read More...Develop Your Storytelling Abilities: Life Lessons from Movie Stars and Hollywood
When we reminisce about Hollywood, it’s often the stories that movies tell that captivate us the most. Screenwriting teacher Robert McKee eloquently states, “Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact.” Storytelling: The Cornerstone of Effective Leadership Many of us […]
Read More...Find the Power in Interesting Statistics and Little-Known Facts
Are you ready to take your presentations to the next level and captivate your audience from the very beginning? One surefire way to make a memorable impact is by incorporating interesting statistics and little-known facts into your opening. In this article, we will explore a brilliant example of how industry expert Lisa Poole used these […]
Read More...“Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions.” Is it Really? Think Carefully
Is breakfast the breakfast of champions? That depends. Who is delivering the feedback? Are they qualified to give it? What is requested or unsolicited? Many years ago, I accepted an invitation to speak at my local Toastmasters Spring Conference. They considered me a local celebrity, I had already been elected the first woman President […]
Read More...How Do You Take an Opportunity to Speak and Maximize the Impact?
There is nothing more exciting for an executive speech coach than to help craft the words of a well-intentioned leader who has an exciting message to deliver and is committed to the collaborative process. Finding Opportunity in Adversity – A Timely Message Delivered by Tabassum Zalotrawala, Chief Development Officer, Chipotle Finding Opportunity in Adversity Growing […]
Read More...Find the Power in Interesting Statistics and Little-Known Facts
Are you ready to take your presentations to the next level and captivate your audience from the very beginning? One surefire way to make a memorable impact is by incorporating interesting statistics and little-known facts into your opening. In this article, we will explore a brilliant example of how industry expert Lisa Poole used these […]
Read More...How to Make Your Leadership Presentations Memorable
Robert Fripp’s Influence on Leadership Presentations Leaders always need to communicate, and in challenging times, even more frequently. My brother Robert Fripp is 1 year, 1 month, 2 days, 12 ½ hours younger than I am. He often says, “I am not surprised my sister gets paid to tell people what to do. She was […]
Read More...Are You Guilty of This Goof That Hurts Your Credibility?
When I am working with speech coaching clients or delivering presentation skills training, I ask the question, “Are you guilty of this goof that can hurt your credibility?” If you’re asking yourself what difference it could make, I’ll tell you. A huge one! In any professional setting, you are hired because what you say sounds […]
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 […]
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