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...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...How You Can Build an Amazing Relationship with Your Audience Every Time
Building an extraordinary relationship with your audience is vital for the success of your presentation. This relationship hinges on two crucial elements: intellectual and emotional connection. While logic engages your audience’s thinking, it is emotion that motivates them to take action. The intellectual connection stems from the content you present and the logical reasoning you […]
Read More...Robert Fripp How to Be a Hero For More Than One Day
That is, their heroism is externally driven. The challenge comes from the outside.
The ordinary, everyday hero is reliably, repeatably & responsibly heroic on an ongoing basis.
Although this category of hero is described as ordinary, such heroism is already extraordinary.
The world continues to turn because of the heroism of ordinary heroes.
Once Upon a Time: The Path to My Present as a Speech Coach
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...“Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions.” Is it Really? Think Carefully
Is breakfast the breakfast of champions? That depends. Who is delivering the feedback? Are they qualified to give it? What is requested or unsolicited? Many years ago, I accepted an invitation to speak at my local Toastmasters Spring Conference. They considered me a local celebrity, I had already been elected the first woman President […]
Read More...What Makes a Good Story Great? Your Personal Experience
Let’s look at some not-so-basic story basics. Stories and examples are best when they come from your experience. Your audience has a chance to relive them from their perspective. Here is an important point to make your stories credible. Point one, make your story part of your own experience. If you tell a story that […]
Read More...How Do You Accept An Award? Be Gracious. Be Modest. Be Prepared!
Tips on How to Give an Acceptance Speech Accepting an award is like walking a tightrope. You need to be gracious, grateful, and humble, yet not so humble or self-deprecating that the audience thinks you are trivializing the honor. In May of 2022, Dan Maddux, my best long-time client and Executive Director of the American […]
Read More...Want to Know the Secrets to Maximize a Great Marketing Opportunity?
Give a Speech! Frippicism: People do business with people they know. Every service club and community group is looking for a free speaker next Thursday at lunchtime. Okay, it could be Wednesday morning at breakfast or even in Zoom. You get the point! If that is you, do not overlook a magnificent marketing opportunity.
Read More...Don’t Waste Words and an Amazing Opportunity When You Open Your Presentation
When you open your presentation, you have just thirty seconds to command your audience’s attention. Don’t waste your opening words. Prepare a winning opening and give it extra attention as you rehearse your presentation. A relevant and compelling quote is one way to open a presentation and engage your audience. General Eisenhower said, “Leadership is […]
Read More...