Speak with Confidence: You’re An Expert
Have you ever felt like a fraud? An impostor? Many years ago, when I was a new engineer, I felt that way. I was assigned to work on a special project, part of a much larger effort. The other engineers all knew more than I did. So did the guys in the shop. Even the […]
Public Speaking 101: Top Online Resources
Masters in Communication has laid a feast of the top online public speaking tips before you! Click here for the top 101 online resources in public speaking! This blog is #28!
It’s Not All About You: Focus on the Audience
Kaylee’s fear of public speaking was so great that she would get migraine headaches just contemplating giving a prepared speech. Kaylee, a student in my homeschool speech class last year, managed to stumble through the impromptu speaking portion of class, and was able to offer oral evaluations of other students’ speeches. But, because her fear […]
10 Ways to Be a More Confident Speaker
“We met with someone before you . . . it didn’t go well,” said my prospective client, the president of a small digital marketing firm that was looking to hire me to do some presentation skills workshops for their employees. Our meeting had gone quite well. We had dates on the calendar for the workshops. […]
My Purse Stand Up Comedy
Can you find humor in your everyday possessions? Last week I shared my Stand-Up comedy routine about my iPhone. This week, it’s my purse. This stand up routine was performed in January at Humor Mill Toastmasters‘ Annual Stand Up Comedy Night. Below are the video (4:58) and a rough transcript. I wrote it out and then […]
iPhone Stand-Up Comedy
It’s summer, so let’s have some fun this week and next with Stand Up Comedy (If I can do it, so can you!). This week and next, I will share my stand up comedy routines that I did at the last two Annual Humor Mill Toastmasters Stand Up Comedy Nights (11/2011 and 01/2013). Below is the video […]
10 Ways Professional Speaking is Different than Toastmasters
Have you thought about becoming a professional speaker–speaking as a way to share your expertise, or your inspiration? Perhaps you are a Toastmaster and have wondered how being a professional speaker is different than being a Toastmaster. I’ve been a Toastmaster for ten years, and a professional speaker for two. Here are the top […]
Improve Your Image, Improve Your Business
People form first impressions in a fraction of a second. Before you say a word, your image speaks volumes. You can go to this website to improve your marketing tenfold but this will only help so much if you’re not providing a very good first impression when you speak to your clients. You could generate […]
Tips for Presentation Handouts
To have a handout or not? That is the question. Almost any presentation could be enhanced with a handout. Handout benefits to the presenter: Your presentation will be more memorable Audience members can easily contact you Establishes your credibility Shows that you care about the audience You can have additional information on the handout A […]
Speech Inspiration from Your Favorite Childhood Book
Find inspiration for your speeches from your favorite childhood books. What significant, life-long lessons or quotes have endured into adulthood? Let your childhood speak to you as you prepare speeches. I think I was in third grade when I started reading the book, The Little Prince. When I received the book as a gift, I […]