Mastering Work-Related Questions: How to Answer, “What do you do?”

Have you ever been at a party or a professional conference and had someone ask you, “So what do you do?” Did you stumble through the answer or give a quick boring answer? Did you wish you could sound clear and confident? Today, in the video below, and also in this post, I will give […]

Tackling Tough Investor Comments: 20+ Approaches for Startup Founders

Are you seeking investors for a startup business? Are you concerned about how to deal with their tough comments and demands? Tough comments require a soft but firm approach! And you need to have effective phrases ready to go! Below are a few general approaches and several specific responses for common situations. GENERAL APPROACHES Here […]

Think Fast, Speak Smart! Free Online Workshop

Join me May 17, 2023 (1-2 PM Central Time) for an interactive, online workshop all about having fun while learning ways to improve your communication skills. Through warm-up activities to loosen your tongue, short improv-style games, prompts to create stories and work on transitions, and message clarity exercises, you can improve the following communication skills: […]

How to Politely Interrupt Someone

As seen in FastCompany Few people appreciate being interrupted. It can be viewed as rude, sending a signal that what they’re saying isn’t important. While talking over people when they are speaking should be avoided, sometimes it’s necessary, says Diane Windingland, owner of Virtual Speech Coach and author of Impromptu Speaking: 10 Strategies to Think on […]

Impromptu Speaking Book only $0.99 through 2/21/23

“Not only will this book help people improve their public speaking, readers will also improve their personal communications. I particularly liked the chapters on handling difficult situations. Diane offers terrific tips to deal with real-world examples. This book is a must-read for anyone who talks to people — which is everyone!”–Dan Janal “This book provides […]

Be a Fascinating Conversationalist: The Conversation Résumé

In-person gatherings are finally happening again! Have your social skills gotten a little rusty? Maybe your interview skills could use a boost. Or, maybe you are a bit of an introvert, and your idea of a conversation is asking the other person questions, so they do all the talking. Don’t make other people do all […]

Impromptu Speaking: Think on Your Feet

Have you ever been asked a question at a meeting, in a job interview, or at an event, and your mind went blank? Or, maybe you rambled on? Even people who deliver strong, prepared presentations can flounder in impromptu speaking situations. In this talk, I will give you several practical strategies to think on your […]

“Webinar Replay” Impromptu Speaking Workshop

I recently presented a workshop on Impromptu Speaking and many people asked me for the “Webinar Replay.” But, I hadn’t recorded it because it was actually a Zoom meeting and participants were on camera. However, the next day I recorded myself giving the workshop as a presentation and sent the video to the people who […]

Master Impromptu Speaking Infographic

Master Impromptu Speaking  (points on the infographic–click here for the infographic ) Buy Time Sometimes, you need just a little more time:  time to grasp a concept, time to formulate your thoughts, time to clarify the question, time to breathe.  • Pause for a breath  • Repeat or rephrase the question  • Clarify the question  […]