Speak with Impact: Build Confidence and Clarity as a Communicator
Have you ever spoken up in a meeting, only to feel like your words disappeared into the void? Like no one really heard you? If you’ve ever felt invisible when you speak, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. Years ago, fresh out of college as a new engineer, I struggled to communicate my ideas. […]
Help! I Have to Write a Speech FAST!
Maybe you’ve been asked to speak at an event tomorrow or to present a speech at work, school, or Toastmasters. Maybe you are filling in, or maybe you procrastinated. No fear! You can write a speech quickly! Below is a 2-minute video and a PDF for you to use to create magic in 5 minutes! […]
Cracking the Small Talk Code: Podcast
If you’re like many people, you may find small talk awkward or uncomfortable. I offer tips in the podcast on how to maximize small talk.
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 […]
Free Online Course on Impromptu Speaking for Business
Would you like to speak off the top of your head without sounding like you’ve lost your mind? Have you ever tripped over your tongue or rambled on without making a point during a meeting? Have you ever been gripped by fear when someone asks you a question and your mind goes blank? Yes? It’s […]
NEW! Group Program: Virtual Presentation Success
“Thank you for the outstanding job on facilitating the Virtual Speech training. I learned multiple things, some of them I had an idea, others were new. It provided great value for our time”–training participant Live, online group training + individual coaching Download the complete program description Build fundamental skills essential to presenting in a virtual […]
8 Tips to Speak with Confidence (video)
In this narrated PowerPoint video (16:26), you will be encouraged to speak with confidence, perfection not required! The 8 speak with confidence tips in this video:1. Reframe Failure 2. Practice 3. Get Excited 4. The Power Pose 5. Just Breathe 6. Dress for Confidence 7. Prepare for Questions 8. Have a Response Framework for Answering […]
100 Tips & Tricks to Appear Confident in Presentations: Video Summary
Public Speaking Book only $0.99 for 100 Tips!
The 100 Tips and Tricks in this book are techniques and strategies I learned through my years of presenting and coaching speakers, and now through May 8, 2020, you can get the ebook for only $0.99. Here’s a sample tip (screen shot):
Book Launch Special $0.99 thru May 8, 2020
Get your confidence on!Get my latest book, 100 Tips & Tricks to Appear Confident in Presentations: Public Speaking Success in 5 Minutes or Less! for only $0.99 for the ebook on Amazon. The paperback is $9.99. Practical, Illustrated tips, one to a page, will boost your skills and confidence! Editorial Review: An easy to read, […]
10 Tips for Answering Questions in Conversation
It’s probably happened to you. Someone asked you a question and your mind went blank, or you blathered on, hoping you would eventually make a point. How can you improve your ability to think on your feet, and answer questions at least semi-intelligently? Here are 10 tips and a few ways to practice: Expect questions—prepare […]
Interview with a Champion!
District 106 Toastmasters speech champion Kenzie Casciano and I had a fun video interview (34:55) with retired newscaster John Gross. Learn about Kenzie’s journey and get a few bonus comments from me, too!
Answer Questions with Executive Presence: The P.R.E.P. Method
When asked a question at work or in an interview, do you ramble or get tongue-tied? Wouldn’t you rather be clear and confident, and have an executive presence? Try the simple, 4-step P.R.E.P. Method that I describe in the video below (2 min):
Speak with Confidence and Credibility Webinar (practice session)
In this 51-minute webinar practice video (I’m giving a webinar for the TCSHRM–Twin Cities Society for Human Resource Management in a couple of weeks), you will learn 6 Power Tips to Speaking with Confidence and Credibility (it’s not perfect, but I am modeling my belief in practice & dress rehearsal!): Structure with PREP Create Catchy […]
Public Speaking Secrets to Reducing Ums, Uhs & Filler Words
“Well, that was awful,” said Robert, a technical expert for an energy company, as he looked up from my iPad. He had just finished listening to my on-the-spot recording of his speech introduction. “I had no idea I said so many ‘ums.’” In the first 3 minutes of his speech introduction, he had said “um” […]
Pinch Hitting in Speaking
I was about to enter the meeting, when Jennifer walked up to me and said, “I can’t believe this, but I have to go home. My cat had a seizure and my boyfriend can’t handle it. I was supposed to give this educational presentation tonight.” Jennifer showed me her typed speech notes and extensive handouts […]
The Call-Back: A Comedy Technique for Speeches
Would you like a simple speech technique that will create a closer connection with your audience, help them remember your material, and possibly get a laugh? Try using the “call-back.” The call-back is a stand-up comedy term that means to refer to an earlier joke that got a laugh. For example, at a recent Humor […]
Improve Your Speaking with Improv
Aside from participating in Toastmasters, the most beneficial activity I have done to improve my speaking was to take a couple of improv classes several years ago. The idea of speaking without preparation may be terrifying to you. It’s still not my favorite thing to do, but practicing improv in class, in Toastmasters and even […]
Keep Calm and Join Toastmasters
Do you wish you could speak with greater confidence? Do you wish you could answer off-the-cuff questions (like on job interviews), without sounding off-the-wall? Do you wish you could develop the leadership skills to ignite your career? What excuse is holding you back? Too busy? Not enough money? I heard someone say, “Excuses are like armpits, […]
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 […]