Visually Maximize Your Presentation Impact
Why Slide Image Placement Matters Take a look at the images above. Obviously, their layouts are reversed. Other than that, do you notice a difference? Do you feel a difference? Slide Structure Matters In the world of presentations, we often talk about the importance...

Two Key Words That Make Your Offer Irresistible
One challenge with business storytelling is making your narrative relevant and actionable for your listeners. If you show them the positive impact of buying your service, then they’ll take action—they'll buy. If you don't, then they won’t change; they’ll keep doing...

From Fizzle to Sizzle: How Great Leaders Attack Their Annual Kickoff Meetings
2024 is on the horizon, and that means... kickoff meetings! If you nail your presentation at the kickoff, you can set the tone for a fantastic year. But, there’s a problem with most speeches at these meetings - they don’t inspire, lull people to sleep, or have them...

One Simple Change To Elevate Your Story Impact And Influence
Imagine you're listening to a speech about a topic you love. You’re immediately drawn in to the subject. But, in a few minutes, you notice it: The speaker is talking in a never-ending drone. Soon, your mind wanders to… Your to-do list Vacation plans The last episode...

One Belief That’s Killing Your Speaking Game
The Quest for Perfection My client said a phrase I’ve heard countless times: “Michael, I really want to perfect my speech.” It’s a mantra repeated by many speakers, even professionals. The thought process is that if you rehearse enough, your speech will be flawless....

Avoid Reputation Damage With This One Speaking Mistake
You're scheduled to give a presentation at a company function. You know you should prepare, but... Your schedule is jam-packed; you can't fit in another task. Besides, you know this topic inside and out. You can "wing it." You're confident your natural charisma will...

Stop Your “Inner Heckler” From Sabotaging Your Speaking
Picture yourself at the front of a room, before a waiting audience. You have a script in hand and slides queued up. As you’re about to speak, you hear voices start to heckle you. “You’re gonna forget your lines!” “They’re waiting for you to screw up!” “They’re gonna...

Two Secrets About Why You’re NOT Afraid Of Public Speaking
Look at any list of fears, and one of, if not the top listed is (cue spooky music): Public speaking But, is it our biggest fear? Since an early age, you’ve been standing in front of other people and talking. Public speaking isn’t the horrible, fear-inducing monster...

Get People Off Their Butts And Into Action Via The Emotional “River”
Imagine a group of people floating on small rafts down a river. The water flow is calm and smooth. It’s a serene experience that leaves them relaxed and comfortable. In the speaking world, this is the equivalent of delivering a talk that's predictable, requires no...

Executive Directors, Are These 5 Communication Mistakes Costing Your Association?
Associations are pivotal in offering resources, knowledge, and networking opportunities for various professionals. Yet, they often face hurdles in establishing effective communication. Major communication challenges can cost you money and reduce your influence with...
Three Words To Catapult Your Sales Success
In the movie Glengarry Glen Ross, Alec Baldwin utters a famous line, “ABC… Always Be Closing.” It’s memorable and a decades-old mantra in the sales profession, but there’s a problem: In the long run, it doesn’t work! Yes, salespeople sold a lot of products and...

Seven Reasons Why You Should NOT Always Tell Stories
Storytelling can be a powerful tool to communicate ideas and inspire others. But, there are scenarios in which it might not be the most effective or appropriate approach. Here are some situations when stories might not be ideal for leaders: 1. Not every situation...

Three Keys To Increase Your Impact On Others
Barbara is the founder of Elysian Tech. She wants to align her executive team with the Barbara is the founder of Elysian Tech. She wants to align her executive team with the company’s new strategic direction. She recently delivered a presentation that she hoped would...

Speakers, Here Are Three Reasons Why You WANT To Make Your Audience UN-comfortable
Professional speakers primary goal is to engage, educate, and inspire our audiences, with some entertainment mixed in. With this in mind, it's important to make our audiences feel good and uplifted when we speak, right? Are you sure about that? It seems...