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....
Stop Your “Inner Heckler” From Sabotaging Your Speaking

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...

Storytelling Insight: Should You Start With Your Story Or Your Message?

A common question in storytelling is, “Do I write the story and then create the message or do I start with the message and then work on the story?” There’s not a right or wrong answer to this. However, I’m a big fan of having the message first and then...
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...
Executives, STOP Thinking Public Speaking is Magic. Here Are Three Secrets to Influential Speaking.

Executives, STOP Thinking Public Speaking is Magic. Here Are Three Secrets to Influential Speaking.

“Michael, your presentations are awful. You fix this, or you’re finished.” Those are the words my boss said that “inspired” me to improve my public speaking skills. Up until then, I stood up and spoke to groups under duress. With my job at risk, I searched for...