7 Days, 42+ Speeches: Differentiate or Die
Differentiate or Die. With all the speakers out there, you need to be different to stand out and be remembered. Ideally, you would have a unique presentation on a unique topic. That’s the number one thing I learned last week when I listened to 42+ speeches in 7 days. Live. And, I analyzed and wrote […]
Speaking Off-the-Cuff Without Sounding Off-the-Wall
As you become known as a public speaker, you may be asked to speak more at work, often with little or no preparation. If you have a few minutes to prepare, you can write a speech in 5 minutes. But, sometimes people want an answer now! Becoming more proficient at impromptu speaking can propel your […]
How to Write an Inspiring Speech
When I was 17, at the start of my senior year of high school, my parents got a divorce. Not only did their marriage crumble, but so did my hopes of college. How would I ever pay for it? I descended to the valley of despair. And then one day, waiting at the dentist, I […]
How to Structure Your Business Proposal Presentations
Following up on last week’s Killer Keynote Speech Structure Post, is another speech structure, the Business Proposal Speech. Many of the same supporting structures (Story, Humor, Activity, Reference/Quote, Props/Photos) can be used in a business proposal as in a keynote, but a different structure can be more effective. A typical business presentation might look […]
Killer Keynote Speech Structure
Want a solid way to structure a keynote presentation that will be memorable and get you asked to come back? Click this link for a pdf of the diagram below: Killer Keynote Structure Do you need to create a presentation in a hurry? Do you want a repeatable method for presentation creation. Sign up for […]
Free Kindle Book: Small Talk Big Results
A Gift for you . . . Get Your Free Book Now! Improving your conversation skills will improve your speaking skills! For a very limited time (until 12/29) you can get your own free copy of the Kindle version of my popular book, Small Talk Big Results: Chit Chat Your Way to Success! In this easy-to-read book, […]
Beyond Keynotes and Breakouts: Leveraging Your Time and Content
If you are reading this, you may have thought you might like to make money speaking professionally (if you are not already a professional speaker). However, even the busiest speaker can only speak at so many engagements. How can you leverage your time and content? Below are some ideas. I’d love to hear some of […]
The Book-It Method: Write a Speech by Looking at a Book
Do you need inspiration for your presentation topic? A quick way to select your main points and get that speech written? Try the method that I call, The Book-it Method. In short, you take a look at the table of contents of books on the subject matter you want to speak on. Preferably, the books […]
Post-It Note Speech Planning
Use the lowly sticky note to bring your presentations to new heights! The little squares of paper can help you design a presentation for maximum effectiveness, while allowing the flexibility of changing your mind and trying out new approaches. 1. Brainstorm with sticky notes. This can be done alone or in a group. You can […]
How to Adjust Your Speech When Your Allotted Time Changes
As the time for his speech to end came and went, the well-known, retired news anchor showed no signs of closing. My speaking slot was after his, and it was apparent I wasn’t going to get the full 60 minutes I had been asked to prepare for. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Finally, at 15 minutes […]