A few years ago I attended my aunt’s memorial service, where anyone was invited to say a few words. I felt the need to tell a quick story that would remind everyone about her contagious enthusiasm for birds. No matter… Read More »Rehearsed vs. extemporaneous speaking
You must know what TED Talks are. If you do, skip the rest of this paragraph. If you don’t, please go to www.ted.com and click on any one of the videos that you see. Or go to one of my… Read More »Tips from TED: 10 Commandments of Public Speaking
Define a problem that your audience faces. Then solve it. The human mind tends to fixate on problems: rubber-necking is a case in point. Presentations about problems have both emotional and intellectual appeal. The problem, well-defined, elicits our feelings; the… Read More »10 Commandments of Great Business Presenters
I have a client—let’s call him Drew—who is a successful consultant. He works with small companies to improve their sales results, but he’d like to move up in the world, work with larger companies, and speak at more prestigious events. His… Read More »Your voice and speech
I’m on my way to the office from the gym, feeling hungry and wondering what I can have for breakfast that won’t take too much time, when I pass the Hunger Construction Baked Potato Food Truck. Two guys in the… Read More »Manna falls
Whenever I’ve been a panelist, I start out thinking it’s easy—a no brainer—and then, as I get closer to the event, I change my mind. I begin to realize that I will be on display for all to see and… Read More »How to be a good panelist