I work with a lot of speakers sharing personal stories. Patient stories. Caregiver stories. Stories of triumph. Stories of overcoming impossible odds. Audiences crave these stories— our social media feeds are filled with them. Why do we crave them? They connect us in a deep and human way. But what do you do, as a …
As I am writing this blog today, I am preparing to open a one-person show. I am sitting in my living room and my stomach is churning, my breathing is shallower than usual, and I can feel my heart pounding. I am “nervous.” I have coached many executives as they prepare to speak publicly and …
This article on praise from TED was passed around the Articulation office/treehouse. It was an important reminder for any coach, manager, or even parent, that comparison, even positive comparison, can have negative (unintended) consequences to confidence. It was with this article at the top of my mind that I watched this year’s Women’s Skating finals …
To be a Winner in Public Speaking, Banish Comparison Read More »
The sound of silence – I’m not comfortable with it. Frankly, I’m still struggling to find my “inside voice.” Silence, however, is a critical skill for public speaking. Understanding the importance of silence–what I call “oral punctuation”– is a necessary component of effectively sharing ideas. “But, if I pause, the audience may think I don’t …
Our clients have a strong desire to improve their public speaking skills, but they often wait until a big presentation is scheduled to think about it. This means the only time they flex their presentation muscles is when it really matters. That’s a gamble. What’s needed is a strategy. I train in CrossFit. I love …
First, a quick refresher on the classic tale. Goldilocks, after breaking and entering into the empty home of The Three Bears, proceeds to eat the dinner the bear family worked very hard to prepare. First she tries one porridge and decides it’s too hot. The next bowl is too cold. The last bowl is juuuuuuust …
