Each year, on January 18th, I find myself pondering with a blend of celebration and introspection. This date marks a pivotal moment in my life, a day that set the course for an extraordinary journey. The First Glimpse of a New World Decades ago, as a young 20-year-old, I vividly recall peering through the porthole […]
Read More...Punch Up Your Presentations with Your Life Experiences
As a presentation skills expert, I’m often asked, “Where do I find good stories and examples for my presentations?” The answer lies in our everyday experiences. Here are a couple from my own journey, focusing on the important role of customer service. Consider this: every interaction your organization has with customers either strengthens or weakens […]
Read More...Every Moment Counts: Lessons in Opportunity from TV to YouTube Stardom
Want Success? You Never Know Where Your Next Big Break Is Coming From! A Blast from the Past Frippicism® Opportunity does not knock once. It knocks all the time we do not always recognize the sound. Earlier in my speaking career, I was mostly a keynote speaker. Recently, I was having fun reviewing a couple […]
Read More...Want to Make More Sales? Please Lose These Words
Watch your use of “Basically” and “Simply” Many of my clients offer complex solutions to solve their customers’ problems, streamline their businesses, and protect their valuable assets. They engage me to help their technology experts simplify the complexity of their offerings so that their buyers will understand why it is a good investment. I tell […]
Read More...Are Your Visual Aids Really Helping You Make More Sales?
When I sit down with my clients to discuss their sales presentations, I often ask, “How long is your presentation?” t used to shock me when they replied, “Twelve slides.” When I inquired, “How do you design your sales presentation?” it was dreadful to hear, “We get the slide deck.” When you begin the process […]
Read More...How to Win With An Audience Who Does Not Speak Your Language
Twelve Years Later: Reliving the Unforgettable Presentation Experience In 2011, Salve Finance from Slovakia invited Darren LaCroix and me to deliver a presentation skills program in Las Vegas. The audience was their sales winners. Our challenge was… nobody spoke English. As their president, Peter explained, “Our generation grew up speaking Russian. We did not learn […]
Read More...The Screenplay of Your Life: Time for a Rewrite?
Every story has a “Once Upon a Time.” Part Two. The place where the intricate weave of values, experiences, and influences begins to shape the fabric of our lives. When I was twelve, I knew I was more artistic than academic and enjoyed engaging with, and learning from, adults. It seemed a good idea to […]
Read More...Once Upon a Time Technique
Every story has a “Once Upon a Time.” The place where the intricate weave of values, experiences, and influences begins to shape the fabric of our lives. As a speech coach, I guide my clients to revisit their own “Once Upon a Time,” unraveling the threads of their past to better understand the tapestry of […]
Read More...Earn the Right to Win New Business: A Guide for Early-Career Professionals
In the competitive world of business, earning the right to win new clients is a crucial skill, especially for those early in their careers. Whether you’re a financial planner, a salesperson, or an entrepreneur, the challenge remains the same: How do you earn the trust and business of potential clients? Let’s delve into some proven […]
Read More...Make an Emotional Connection the Power of Perspective and Interactivity
To win your audience’s heart and mind, it’s essential to forge an emotional bond right from the beginning of your presentation. However, what does that really mean, and how do you execute it effectively? Case Study: Changing the Point of View During one of my training sessions, Stephen, who has lived with deafness since birth, […]
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