Our Top 8 Thought Leadership Articles of 2018
Happy New Year! If you’re looking for top tips for public speaking and executive communications, this post is for you. we’ve rounded up our most popular articles from 2018.
Talk Like Someone’s Listening
Talk Like Someone’s Listening: Series Recap
Time flies when you’re having fun. It’s hard to believe our Talk Like Someone’s Listening video series has already come to a close. The series included nine videos that took a humorous look at some less than desirable speaking habits. They made us smile, nod our heads, wince a bit, and yes, laugh out loud! …
[Video] Start with Why
Don’t bog down your message. To present a compelling presentation, public speakers should start with “why” the audience should care, and simply get to the point.
[Video] They Want Answers, Not Questions
Ah, rhetorical questions. They are a favorite tool of public speakers. But are they useful? (Don’t answer that!) Rhetorical questions are asked not for the answer, but for the effect. But the truth is, your audience wants answers, not questions. In your next speech, avoid a barrage of rhetorical questions. Instead, flip the narrative and …
This is One Time to Think Small
Your talk is only as good as someone’s ability to receive and understand it. When choosing words for your presentation, think small.
[Video] Death by Bullet Point
More is NOT always better. For years (and years, and years) one of the most common complaints about presentations has been bullet-ridden and text heavy slides. You’d think by now speakers would know to avoid this presentation faux pas. Yet we still see slides that rival War and Peace. The victims of this death by …
[Video] Watch the Clock
While we admire the endurance of marathon runners and other long-distance athletes, the same can’t be said for speakers and presenters. When it’s time to take the stage, keep it short. Take our word for it when we say the time limit isn’t there for you, it’s for your audience. Think your topic deserves more time? …
The Power of Breath
I am passionate about the power of breath. It not only makes for good public speaking, but it also helps a person feel grounded and confident in any area of life. Allow me to share a three quick tips to harness the power of your own breath.
[VIDEO] Short Words, Big Impact
Step away from the thesaurus. Forget the jargon, too. To engage your audience as a reputable speaker, be relatable instead. Small words can make a big impact in your presentation.
[Video] Take a Breath, or 10
As coaches, we’ve seen it a thousand times before. Speed talker syndrome. Sometimes it happens when a speaker is excited or just plain nervous. Other times it’s the guy who tries to fit 38 minutes of content into a 7-minute presentation. To increase your credibility and make a better impression, slow it down. Take a breath, or 10.