YOLO Speaking
YOLO, an acronym that’s been popular among mostly younger people for the past year or so, stands for “You Only Live Once.” It seems to be an excuse for risky behavior. Have they forgotten you actually get to live every day, but you only die once? The sentiment is a recent version of “Carpe Diem.” […]
Humor Lessons from Stand Up Comedy
Do you want to add some punch to your presentations? Do you want to leave your audience laughing?Or at least keep them awake? Add some humor! People are more receptive when they are laughing. I know what some of you are thinking. “But I’m not funny! I can’t even tell a joke!” Forget about trying to […]
Speech prop idea: Balloons
The full-size red ladder was an impressive prop. It was unique and it helped make the speaker’s point that to have a competitive advantage you not only have to be better you have to be different. Props can differentiate you as a speaker, making you and your concepts more memorable, giving you that competitive advantage. […]
Can They Hear You Now?
You’ve spent hours perfecting your presentation. You have crafted engaging content. You have practiced your delivery. You will have wasted your time if your audience can’t hear you. Three of the top reasons that the audience might not hear you are: Inadequate amplification (or distorted amplification) Background noise Hearing impairment Inadequate amplification Many speakers think […]
How to Smile More During Your Presentation
“When I see pictures or video of myself speaking, I look mean! Frankly, I look like a bitch,” said my new presentation client. “I smile in conversation, when I’m off stage, but I don’t smile enough during my presentations. What can I do?” My client clearly knew the value of connecting with her audience through […]
Smile More to Persuade
With very little effort, you can become a more persuasive speaker. It’s as simple as smiling more. Even the shortest of exposures to a smiling face can influence decisions. In a research project discussed in Francesca Gino’s recent book, Sidetracked: Why Our Decisions Get Derailed, and How We Can Stick to the Plan, college students […]
Why Do Some Speakers Shine and Others Choke?
Do you want to shine in front of an audience? To perform at your best? Imagine that you have been a public speaker for 10 years and that you are about to speak in front of a large audience. Do you think your performance will be enhanced or worsened compared to when you practiced alone? […]
Speak Conversationally
Have you ever given a prepared speech that fell flat? Have you gone into “speaker mode?” Has your speech felt a little stilted? Been there. Done that. A couple of years ago, I watched a video of myself in “speaker mode” or “performance mode” and I cringed. I had all the right elements: Carefully crafted […]
The Goldmine in Your Backyard: Turn Your Speeches into Blogs, Books and More!
Don’t let your speech be a “one and done” event. Multiply your efforts with multiple channels of distribution by re-purposing your speeches into blog posts, articles, books and more. By re-purposing your speech content, you can establish yourself as a subject matter expert, and earn additional income from speeches you’ve already written, or will write. […]
Does Your Presentation Pass the Hallway Test?
Imagine for a moment that you and I work in the same office building. One day, as I am passing you in the hallway, I look at you and say, “How many of you have ever eaten at Arby’s?” How would you react? Would you, confused, turn around to see if I was talking to […]