Avoid Reputation Damage With This One Speaking Mistake

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...
Get People Off Their Butts And Into Action Via The Emotional “River”

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...
Improve the Impact of Your Speech Rehearsals With This One Trick

Improve the Impact of Your Speech Rehearsals With This One Trick

Picture this… You’ve written your speech. You’re satisfied with the flow of ideas. Now it’s time to internalize your talk. You begin practicing out loud. Five minutes into your rehearsal, your phone rings. Ahh! You forgot to turn off your ringer! But, you need to take...
3 Benefits Metaphors Bring to Your Speech

3 Benefits Metaphors Bring to Your Speech

Does Your Story Make Your Listener’s Brain Work Too Hard? In his bestselling book, ‘Building a StoryBrand,’ Donald Miller points out the human brain has two main functions: Survival Conserve calories Too many speakers make their audiences work too hard to...
Oh No! Some People in the Audience Don’t Like Me! What Do I Do?

Oh No! Some People in the Audience Don’t Like Me! What Do I Do?

Have You Fallen for the ‘Speaking Trap?’ My friend Tom frequently gives presentations. Recently he told me, “Six weeks ago, I got a last-minute opportunity to speak in person again. I grabbed it. “Then I learned it was a presentation to a group of high school kids....