Speaking tips blog
Communication matters. What are you saying?
Four Reasons to Write Your Own Book to Help Your Speaking Skills
Similarities between Writing and Speaking Writing and Speaking have a few similarities. My book is done. And as much as it feels like a huge weight has been lifted, Rule #1 (It's not about me) suggests that you probably don't care. So rather than talk about all the...
Don’t stink! Communication advice from ESPN Commentators
When your opportunity knocks, will you be ready? This week marks one of my favorite times of year: the beginning of college football! While I never played the sport, I've become a big fan, and I follow it as my schedule allows (which is less and less with each passing...
Three speaking principles learned from a football team’s preparation
My son decided (at the last minute, per his custom) to try out for the football team at his high school (international readers, this is American football, which is played mostly with your hands). We've played before in recreation leagues - this is our first foray...
Ah, Vacation!
Like millions of families this summer, we will soon pack up and go on a summer vacation. Unlike Clark Griswold, we won't load up the station wagon and go to Walley World (and I likely won't see it, but sequels are rarely as good as the original). We will spend a...
The two best phone apps that will make you a better speaker.
[fusion_text]The 2009 iPhone commercial coined the phrase “There’s an app for that!” And with over 3 million apps across the various mobile device platforms, it’s hard to imagine a task for which someone hasn’t created an electronic aid. It makes sense that there...
Spring is in the Air
In central North Carolina, spring is (finally!) underway. Apologies to our friends in the Northeast still digging out from their late snowstorms, but spring in the south is a glorious time. There are buds on the trees. The temperatures are bearable to watch sports...
I have a speech coming up and I don’t know what to say. What should I do?”
Last month we looked at the most often asked question of us here: "Can you make me a confident speaker?" This month, we look at the second most common query: "I have a speech coming up and I don't know what to say. What should I do?" In speaking circles, an...
Three steps to confidence as a speaker
"Can you make me a confident speaker?" It's the question we get here at MillsWyck Communications more than any other. And the answer we give is surprising to most people. No. Not according to Webster's definition I expect you believe. You want us to change your...
A speech coach looks at the SOTU address
Disclaimer: This has nothing to do with policies and partisan beliefs. If you're looking for someone complaining about tax reform or social policies, you're in the wrong place. I am commenting as a speech coach. What can the common man without a few hundred million...
Another phrase that you shouldn’t say…
Today's Drabble cartoon picked up one of our favorite phrases that shouldn't be said, and even in the cartoon, they tell you why. Always love to see how the humorists in the cartoons pick up on the most offensive things that speakers say, which begs the question: Why...
The key element to answering tough questions
I have found that answering questions is one of the most difficult things to do as a communicator. Especially in sales, where you are being compared to other people/products and one element of weakness can mean a lost close. We teach a wonderful method to handle...
The best communicators, and why they are the best
Decker Communications publishes an annual list of their best and worst communicators every year. It usually is taken from the biggest stories and personalities and their presence. It's always an entertaining trip down memory lane from the perspective of a speech...
