Threshold Concepts for Learning to be an Effective Speaker

Threshold Concepts: Reflections on Learning to be an Effective Speaker

Dear Friends, By now, you hopefully have seen we’ve been digging hard into the “Threshold Concepts” of learning to become an effective speaker. In short, these are the concepts you need to embrace in order to learn everything else about speaking. They are: Speaking is habitual. Speaking is embodied. Speaking is social. Speaking has multiple […]

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Speaking Requires Feedback: The Transformative Power of Constructive Criticism

Speaking requires feedback. It is a game-changer for speakers. From refining your message to captivating your audience, learn how feedback elevates your presentation skills. And learn the three rules for speaker feedback.  ******** A couple of years back, I found myself knee-deep in speaker prep for a major event.  Picture this: coaching sessions galore, each

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Speaking is Messy: Finding Clarity in the Chaos

Speaking is messy. But don’t let the messiness of public speaking discourage you.  Embrace the chaos as a natural part of the process. From uncertainty to anxiety, it’s all part of crafting a compelling talk.  Even the best speakers navigate through the mess to deliver greatness! ******* It starts with a little tickle to the

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Speaking Contains Multiple Genres: Mastering the Art of Tailored Communication

Ever thought about the different genres of speech? Speaking contains  multiple genres. From small talk to business pitches, each situation demands a unique approach. ******* When you open your mouth to talk, whether it’s for small talk, deep meaningful conversations, a networking event, or for a class, do you ever think about what kind of

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Speaking is Social: Finding Connection in Communication

Speaking is social: The third Threshold Concept for Learning to be an Effective Speaker. Waking Life inspired our Acacia Duncan to explore how speaking truly connects us. From theatre to coaching, she has learned that speaking is more than words—it’s about understanding and communion. Read a bit about her journey here. ******* In 2001 a

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Speaking is Embodied: How to Infuse Your Words with Presence and Power

Speaking is an embodied practice: The second Threshold Concept for Learning to be an Effective Speaker. Discover the transformative journey from writing to speaking. Learn how to embody your ideas and craft powerful talks that resonate with your audience. ******* Nearly 12 years ago, I was coaching a very academic leader in town for a

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Speaking is Habitual: The Power of Habit in Learning to Become an Effective Speaker

Speaking is Habitual: The first Threshold Concept for learning to be an effective speaker. ****** When I was in high school, every junior had to give a 5-minute speech to the entire high school. Not only was it a graduation requirement, but the course leading up to that speech taught us specific skills that we

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Introducing the Threshold Concepts for Learning to be an Effective Speaker

Last spring I heard Dr. Elizabeth Wardle, the director of the Howe Center on Writing at Miami University speak on how anyone can learn to write. Through some additional conversations we learned that her re-framing of writing—as in getting rid of the freshman writing requirement—was driven by a theory called Threshold Concepts. The best way

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