Vervet monkeys have three confirmed predators: leopards, eagles, and pythons. With that many enemies, they are always on guard for danger, and when they perceive a threat, they give an alarm that is specific to the threat. If it’s an… Read More »Vervet Monkeys to the Rescue
Use analogies and metaphors to your advantage. To remind you: an analogy uses the word “like,” as in “this drug is like a protective shield around the cells.” A metaphor links an idea to an unrelated object, as in, “Our… Read More »The Power of Analogies and Metaphors
On June 13th, 2008 when Tim Russert, the beloved NBC Meet the Press journalist died, Peggy Noonan wrote in her Declarations column, “When somebody dies we tell his story and try to define and isolate what was special about it–what… Read More »Character and Public Speaking
Most company websites have a tab on the navigation bar that says What We Do. I don’t want a What We Do tab. I want a Why I do what I do tab. What is my purpose, what do I… Read More »My Search For The Ultimate “Why?”
Gary Forman is a friend of mine and a really good speech writer. He came over to my place to get my feedback on a speech he was working on. It was short and fierce, and so was he–a fierce… Read More »Youie Youness of You
There are dangers all around us. Not climate change, not food poisoning, not a car accident. Nope, it’s the danger of impromptu speaking. The CEO asks you a question. You stutter and can’t spit out an answer. Or your boss… Read More »How to be an Off-The-Cuff Hero