One Simple Trick To Increase Curiosity In Your Story

One Simple Trick To Increase Curiosity In Your Story

Bluma Zeigarnik, circa 1921 It’s 2008. I’m a Certified Financial Planner, presenting a retirement planning workshop to 49 successful business women. Five minutes into my presentation, a woman named Leslie stands up, and asks a question that will eventually change the...
Jump-Start Your Influence With One Presentation Hack

Jump-Start Your Influence With One Presentation Hack

What is the most important role of a speaker or salesperson? I hear different answers when I ask this question in my presentations. They each have merit, but I rarely hear the response that is the key purpose of giving a presentation. It’s this… To show people how to...
One Belief That’s Killing Your Speaking Game

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

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...
Two Secrets About Why You’re NOT Afraid Of Public Speaking

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...