How to Write an Inspiring Speech
When I was 17, at the start of my senior year of high school, my parents got a divorce. Not only did their marriage crumble, but so did my hopes of college. How would I ever pay for it? I descended to the valley of despair. And then one day, waiting at the dentist, I […]
Killer Keynote Speech Structure
Want a solid way to structure a keynote presentation that will be memorable and get you asked to come back? Click this link for a pdf of the diagram below: Killer Keynote Structure Do you need to create a presentation in a hurry? Do you want a repeatable method for presentation creation. Sign up for […]
Beyond Keynotes and Breakouts: Leveraging Your Time and Content
If you are reading this, you may have thought you might like to make money speaking professionally (if you are not already a professional speaker). However, even the busiest speaker can only speak at so many engagements. How can you leverage your time and content? Below are some ideas. I’d love to hear some of […]
The Book-It Method: Write a Speech by Looking at a Book
Do you need inspiration for your presentation topic? A quick way to select your main points and get that speech written? Try the method that I call, The Book-it Method. In short, you take a look at the table of contents of books on the subject matter you want to speak on. Preferably, the books […]
Post-It Note Speech Planning
Use the lowly sticky note to bring your presentations to new heights! The little squares of paper can help you design a presentation for maximum effectiveness, while allowing the flexibility of changing your mind and trying out new approaches. 1. Brainstorm with sticky notes. This can be done alone or in a group. You can […]
How to Adjust Your Speech When Your Allotted Time Changes
As the time for his speech to end came and went, the well-known, retired news anchor showed no signs of closing. My speaking slot was after his, and it was apparent I wasn’t going to get the full 60 minutes I had been asked to prepare for. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Finally, at 15 minutes […]
Speaker Checklist for the Day of the Event
The day of a speaking event can get hectic, so I use a checklist to make sure I don’t forget something critical! Speaker Checklist: Confirm time/location/agenda/AV set up Presentation Notes Equipment (computer, cords, remote, flash drive, etc.) Clothing (jacket on hanger), back-up clothing Introduction (for person introducing you—large font, name phonetically spelled) Cell phone Contact […]
Transitions in Your Speech Bridge the Gap
Transitions help your speech flow smoothly as one unified, coherent presentation. They link from one part of your speech to the next. A transition can be as simple as an extended pause. That’s right. Silence. Just be silent for a couple of beats and then go to your next point. You can accompany “movement” to […]
Help Me Write a Book on Public Speaking
Would you like to have input into a book on public speaking? What are the things you really want to know? What do you wish you knew earlier? I’m actually thinking of getting a quick Kindle book out in about a week or so using mostly a selection of my 2012 speaking tips that you have […]
Be an Audience Magnet with One Simple Act
Do you want to be a people-magnet when you speak? Did you know there is one thing that you can do that will increase your trust-level, likeability, perceived confidence (and competence) and your attractiveness? That one thing is to smile–your genuine smile! Smiling can reduce the levels of stress hormones and increase the levels of […]