Use this Hollywood formula for successful storytelling and make your presentation powerful and persuasive.

The hero or protagonist in your story is not necessarily a heroic character – just the person through whose eyes we see the story. (more…)

Some people are very comfortable with talking about themselves – sometimes too comfortable. The uncomfortable feeling you get, when someone drones on about themselves, is why you may find it difficult to talk about yourself without feeling immodest.

I understand. However, from time to time we are all inevitably required to introduce ourselves to new colleagues, coworkers, or team members and share our career history. (more…)

Tell me what you say you want. Show me one week of your life and I will tell you if you will get it. The start of a new year is naturally a time to challenge everything you do, expand your thinking, refocus your efforts, and rededicate yourself to your future. If you haven’t done this already this year, why not do it today? Adopt these five practices to reach your career goals:

5 Ways to Get The Professional Life You Want

1. Take advantage of every opportunity.

Before I became a Hall of Fame keynote speaker and in-demand executive speech coach, I started my career as a15-year-old shampoo girl at the Carlton Hotel in England. As I said on 60 Minutes, “I used to work on the outside of peoples’ heads, now I work on the inside, so there’s only half an inch difference.” How did I do it? By preparing for, noticing, and seizing every chance that came my way. (more…)

What’s your message? Legendary Hollywood producer Sam Goldwyn was quoted as saying, “If I want to send a message, I’ll send a telegram.” Yet, great films and good speeches do have a message. Some recent movies consist mainly of CGI explosions and chase scenes. They’re exciting, but at the end, the audience is usually left with a big “So what?”

In a speech, the funniest or most exhilarating story will be pointless if you don’t tie it into your theme and provide a lesson for the listener. (more…)