One Easy Way To Alienate (Or Piss Off) Your Audience, And Guarantee Your Message ISN’T Heard

One Easy Way To Alienate (Or Piss Off) Your Audience, And Guarantee Your Message ISN’T Heard

“I know I’m over time, but I’ve got two more points I want to make.   ~ A common speaking refrain I was sitting in a room with about 100 other people. The speakers were sharing updates on various activities within our city. The final speaker was clearly over his...
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...

Public Speaking Is Your Number One Fear… Or Is It?

Look at any list of fears and phobias. You’ll find public speaking listed at or near the top. This makes sense, right? Everybody knows public speaking is a terrifying experience. Why is this activity considered our #1 fear? There are various opinions. For years,...
Earn Trust With One Simple Step In Your Story

Earn Trust With One Simple Step In Your Story

  (This is the second of four posts about quickly gaining buy-in to your message. If you missed the first post, click here) You’ve opened your story and your audience is leaning in to hear more. You’ve created tension and the cortisol is pumping through...
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...
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....