Seven Reasons Why You Should NOT Always Tell Stories

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...
Are You Sending Your Audience On A Detour With This One Mistake?

Are You Sending Your Audience On A Detour With This One Mistake?

I was listening to a speaker talk about fishing experiences when he was a child. He was expertly demonstrating casting a line into a lake, only to pull an empty fishing hook out of the water. After doing this three times, he then pulled a stuffed fish out of his...
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...
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....