It’s Not All About You: Focus on the Audience
Kaylee’s fear of public speaking was so great that she would get migraine headaches just contemplating giving a prepared speech. Kaylee, a student in my homeschool speech class last year, managed to stumble through the impromptu speaking portion of class, and was able to offer oral evaluations of other students’ speeches. But, because her fear […]
Speak with Confidence: How to Speak with Passion
Mr. Murdoch eyes shined when he talked about the periodic table of the elements. Clearly, my high school chemistry teacher was passionate about chemistry, and even more passionate that his students understand the subject. Mr. Murdoch’s zeal for science was so contagious that I not only went on to take two more classes from him […]
10 Ways to Be a More Confident Speaker
“We met with someone before you . . . it didn’t go well,” said my prospective client, the president of a small digital marketing firm that was looking to hire me to do some presentation skills workshops for their employees. Our meeting had gone quite well. We had dates on the calendar for the workshops. […]
My Purse Stand Up Comedy
Can you find humor in your everyday possessions? Last week I shared my Stand-Up comedy routine about my iPhone. This week, it’s my purse. This stand up routine was performed in January at Humor Mill Toastmasters‘ Annual Stand Up Comedy Night. Below are the video (4:58) and a rough transcript. I wrote it out and then […]
iPhone Stand-Up Comedy
It’s summer, so let’s have some fun this week and next with Stand Up Comedy (If I can do it, so can you!). This week and next, I will share my stand up comedy routines that I did at the last two Annual Humor Mill Toastmasters Stand Up Comedy Nights (11/2011 and 01/2013). Below is the video […]
10 Ways Professional Speaking is Different than Toastmasters
Have you thought about becoming a professional speaker–speaking as a way to share your expertise, or your inspiration? Perhaps you are a Toastmaster and have wondered how being a professional speaker is different than being a Toastmaster. I’ve been a Toastmaster for ten years, and a professional speaker for two. Here are the top […]
Improve Your Image, Improve Your Business
People form first impressions in a fraction of a second. Before you say a word, your image speaks volumes. You can go to this website to improve your marketing tenfold but this will only help so much if you’re not providing a very good first impression when you speak to your clients. You could generate […]
Tips for Presentation Handouts
To have a handout or not? That is the question. Almost any presentation could be enhanced with a handout. Handout benefits to the presenter: Your presentation will be more memorable Audience members can easily contact you Establishes your credibility Shows that you care about the audience You can have additional information on the handout A […]
Speech Inspiration from Your Favorite Childhood Book
Find inspiration for your speeches from your favorite childhood books. What significant, life-long lessons or quotes have endured into adulthood? Let your childhood speak to you as you prepare speeches. I think I was in third grade when I started reading the book, The Little Prince. When I received the book as a gift, I […]
What do Speakers Bureaus, Speakers Agents and Meeting Planners Want?
A speakers bureau representative, a speakers agent and an meeting planner walk into a bar . . . No joking! Wouldn’t you like to get some of the inside speaking biz scoop from that trio? Meeting planners often work with speakers bureaus and speakers agents because they know about the speakers and can save meeting […]