Speaking tips blog
Communication matters. What are you saying?
Andrew Luck is nervous, should you be?
Andrew Luck was the Number 1 pick in the most recent NFL draft. By most accounts, that rates him as the best new player in the league. He played his first (preseason) game this week, starting to earn some of the $14.52 MILLION paid to sign and the $4+ MILLION a year...
What NOT to wear, Dilbert style
Last week I wrote a newsletter article (not subscribed? You can here) about what NOT to wear. I described the rule as "a half level above your audience," indicating that you need to be dressed better than the norm, but not so much that people will dismiss you as...
Wow, 2.4%! (Is that a lot?)
Today at church they presented the new fiscal year budget by way of public announcement. It was a typical non-profit budget announcement: Here's what we did last year; Here's what we're changing this year; We'd love for you to be involved (last year less than 2% of...
You could cause a revolution through your speaking
A few weeks ago, the family and I took in Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. There is lots to do and see, but I was particularly intrigued with the "characters" who interact with modern visitors as though they were from the 18th century. I really enjoyed a...
Your customers don’t really care about your policies
Twice in recent days I've had the "opportunity" to contact Customer Support at some large service vendors. You'd think with a name like Customer Support I would get supported, but from my experience, the only thing being supported are the families of the people in...
The Art of the (Speaking) Start
I found a free webinar that interested me. An expert in an area I'm weak would give me all the tips and tricks to save time and produce the product I want to make. The program allowed me to link to the recording later, and I'm just getting around to listening. I was...
State of the Union — Built to Last
I did something tonight I haven't done in probably over a decade. I watched an entire State of the Union address live. Given that, I'd have to say it's the best I've seen in quite a while :-). Here are some of my thoughts analyzing the speech. If you're looking...
Slow down when you answer the phone
I called a potential client the other day, expecting to get a direct answer (or voicemail) from my contact -- after all, it was a small business that I didn't expect to have an answering service. Instead, I got the "front desk". The voice was polite, and on the second...
Fail early, fail often
One of the really cool things about the coaching and teaching I do is the interaction with clients and the exposure to their ideas and expertise. While I guide them to put some pizzazz in their message and refine their delivery to represent them well, I get to learn...
I hope you get something out of this
I just heard it from a presentation leaking out the door across the hall from me. It's a common thread of mediocrity. People open with a weak plea for the audience's attention, giving doubt that they really believe in their message. It has a thousand variants, but...
Have your message ready BEFORE you are asked to speak
I have been asked to submit a proposal for a keynote to a conference. The inquiry was accompanied by a warning: "I must tell you, you’ll have some possible stiff competition - Mr. Big Wig has been contacted." Mr. Wig is a household name in America, and is almost a...
Can I have more time?
In the last week, I've seen a half dozen or more speakers run over. It's not a forgivable sin for a speaker to make. Everyone has their excuses, reasons, and explanations as to why. It doesn't matter. Finish on time. But drawing attention to it is an even greater...
