There’s something really special about group presentations. I spent years and years (the better part of a decade, really) studying everything I could about presentation skills and how to deliver powerful speeches. Years later, that studying led me to becoming a presentation coach. I had been coaching speakers for a few years before, but one…
Even after several years, the Covid-19 pandemic has left a lasting mark. It significantly altered the way people communicate and interact. While some of the most extreme changes were only temporary, many caused long-term shifts in how we do business. One of the absolute biggest changes was in how we structure training and development programs…
A couple of years ago, I taught a public speaking workshop in Detroit. Three of the students in that class were job placement coaches. I noticed a couple of interesting things as that class went on. First, the three kept mentioning how the lessons I covered in the public speaking class were similar to the…
According to The Book of Lists, public speaking has ranked higher than the fear of death for decades. “That doesn’t seem right” you might be thinking “there’s no way that’s true”. But the anxiety is real. As the old Seinfeld joke goes, “If you’re at a funeral, you’d rather be in the casket than giving…
Even great content can fall flat if it’s delivered poorly. One awkward phrase, one outdated cliché, or one moment of uncertainty can derail your entire presentation. That’s why knowing what to avoid in a speech is just as important as knowing what to include. You might have years of experience or the perfect PowerPoint presentation,…
It’s happened to everyone. You deliver a well thought out speech. Well rehearsed, well received, well done, everything is looking up. All that practicing and writing and drafting is finally paying off and you’re ready to walk off stage to thunderous applause. That’s when, out of the corner of your eye, as you’re beginning to…