The investment of scripting your presentation on the front end generally yields a significant return on the other side. An often-debated topic in speech preparation is should one’s speech be scripted? In working with many of my clients, one of the challenges they are faced with is not having enough time to invest in developing […]
Advice for Speakers
3 Ways Your Numerical Communication Can Be More Memorable
Knowing the basic principles of numerical communication can help us become more effective and persuasive communicators. A couple of months ago, I read “Making Numbers Count” by Chip Heath and Karla Starr who observed that we could lose our audience “when we don’t translate numbers into an instinctive human experience.” These translation techniques serve as […]
How to Create an Engaging Speaker Introduction
Although some may not regard their introduction as a high priority, a good speech introduction has many benefits for a speaker. I’ve recently had several clients who were preparing presentations to deliver this spring, and the topic of their introductions came up. How should they be introduced? What makes a good speaker introduction? My recommendation […]
10 Q & A Strategies for a Successful Presentation
In-person speaking is beginning to come back, so be prepared with these successful Q & A strategies. One of the make-or-break components of a presentation that many clients don’t think much about is the Q & A. For many informational speakers, it is a time in their presentation for audience interaction, to clarify the content […]
3 Ways to Influence Emotions In Our Audience
As speakers, we need to be intentional about how we use our emotions for influence. I am often asked by clients how they can be more influential with the emotions of their audiences. Some have an ask for their senior leadership, others want their audience to accept a change within their organizational processes or procedures, […]
3 Questions for End of the Year Reflection
The end of the year signifies a time for reflection. Research has shown that taking time to reflect has significant performance advantages. For years, I have kept a weekly “win jar” where I have kept a visual account of my “weekly wins”. I have further refined this ritual to include an informal journal where I […]