Category: Public Speaking

A client needs WOW to secure a commitment. That does not happen if the presenter does not know how to make the presentation stand out.

Feedback helps speakers understand what strengths they have and any areas of improvement needed. One of the best ways to grow your presentation skills is doing dry runs of your speech or workshop in front of an audience of colleagues. So when it’s your turn to observe, the act of giving feedback might feel awkward […]

The Perception Often, we think of great speakers as people who are personable, funny, and extroverted. Just because you might be introverted, doesn’t mean you can’t feel empowered when you deliver a speech. But it’s introverts who spend a great deal of time studying the material and thinking through the details beforehand. In this way, […]

He walked toward me at the end of a productive workshop. Shaking my hand, he asked a familiar question, one I often hear after teaching the public speaking class. Fidgeting with a notebook and a pen, he said “I learned so much. I can’t help but want to go home and practice all of this […]

Mispronouncing a familiar word can convey to a listener that you are not as knowledgeable as s/he might think you are.

Choosing the right word will guarantee that you will convey exactly what you mean, whereas choosing the incorrect word can sound wrong or can change the meaning of the statement. When do you use “input” or “enter”? What about the difference between “back-up” or “replacement”? How about “fix” or “resolve”? Ensure that words and expressions you […]

How you design your presentation can determine the success of the messages you want to share with your audience. This includes your visuals, from photos to graphs and charts.   According to a study from Microsoft Corp, people lose concentration after only eight seconds. The information in this week’s email can help you create engaging presentations […]

Your Voice’s Quality & Power How you use your voice can determine the success of your presentation. This includes your vocal quality and use of pauses or silence. The information in this week’s email applies to Public Speaking as much as it applies to your small-group interactions and phone calls. The listener can learn a […]

Express opinion and fact in the correct settings to make your point effectively. For example, when expressing an opinion among friends, instead of saying that something “is the best,” say, “I think it is the best.” Here is where phrases like “I feel,” “I think,” and “I believe”work very well. You’re sharing a belief with friends. It’s fine to use those examples […]

While leading an Improving Communications workshop recently, I asked a question that had hands flying up toward the sky from participants in the room: “How many of you have ever wanted to be more assertive in the workplace but didn’t know how?” To be more assertive was something everyone wanted to work on. But the […]