Underneath what you do is who you are. Who you are is mostly immeasurable, since you are so many things. The artist Aligheiro Boetti added an ampersand between his first and last name. He did it to demonstrate that he was not single, but multiple selves. He became Aligheiro & Boetti…
I am usually allergic to buzzwords. A few years ago, when storytelling became a popular metaphor for public speaking, I began to feel a little grumpy. But I have been released temporarily from my distemper. Why? Because I’ve listened to Robert McKee and Barbara Minto, two stalwarts in support of stories with a purpose…
If you’re a new leader, with a larger team, you might want to know how to give a pep talk. There is some science to pep talks. It’s called Motivating Language Theory, and it uses three different kinds of speech. The first kind of speech is direction-giving, which is language that’s meant to reduce anxiety…
When I was a young actor in New York, I studied with Marian Rich, a renowned voice and speech teacher who had taught Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Geraldine Page, and countless other Broadway and Hollywood standouts. I was not one of her standouts by a long shot, but over a three-year period she taught me how…
Presenters wonder, “How can I connect with my audience?” You can connect with your audience in many ways, but there is a rule of thumb. Essentially, you’ve got to find some similarity or commonality with your audience. A couple of… Read More »How Can I Connect with my Audience?
Professional golfers, when putting, aim six inches beyond the cup. After all, what percentage of putts that are short go in? A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, right? “If your goal doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough,” said… Read More »Chop Wood, Speak Better