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Win Them Back Presentation Resources

Win Them Back is a presentation designed to help Toastmasters clubs re-engage current and former members.1. PDF of the slides2. Link to the Toastmasters International Magazine March 2024 article, Win Them Back Win Them Back—and Keep Them: Retention Strategies for Ending the Year Strong Membership is the gatekeeper to club success, yet many clubs focus […]

It’s Not About the Limits You Face

From earning a black belt in TaeKwonDo to conquering the piano and pursuing wellness, I share my journey of pushing past limits and unlocking possibilities in this excerpt of a speech I gave online to PowerTalk Toastmasters.

Master Your Message

(video) Create a compelling message when you first select a topic that hits the sweet spot of Passion, Proficiency & Profitability, Then, analyze your Audience and Start with the End in Mind. What do you want your audience to think, feel or do?

My Facebook Fiasco: Hacked, Disabled, Finally Restored

I’m baaack–After more than 2 weeks of being in Facebook Limbo Land.  It took a complaint to California’s Attorney General to regain my Facebook account. Lessons Learned: What happened: On 4/24 I received an email about a password request. I clicked “this wasn’t me” and stepped away from my computer to make and eat dinner. […]

Can You Hear Me Now? Reduce Communication Barriers for People with Hearing Loss

Can you hear me now? And can you help reduce communication barriers for people with hearing loss? Hearing loss affects billions of people worldwide. More than 1.5 billion people live with hearing loss worldwide, nearly 20% of the global population. According to the World Health Organization, that number could rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. […]

New! Monthly Coaching Subscription Programs!

These budget-friendly monthly subscription options will give you the level of coaching that you want! ALL subscriptions include your own Yoodli account with unlimited virtual practice sessions, speech analytics, and speaking practice drills PLUS time-stamped, specific coaching feedback from me for one or more videos (videos length up to 10 minutes). Standard and Premium packages include one […]

Giving an A

The sculptor Michelangelo is often quoted as saying, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” The sculptor simply needs to have a vision of the statue and remove the excess material. We can apply this possibility thinking to people, too—to both ourselves […]

How to Present a Project Update in Under 1 minute

Do you want to give a clear, concise project update in under a minute? No more rambling or leaving people confused? Below are 4 steps to an effective project update: Step 1: Introduction/Bottom line status: In one sentence, state the bottom-line status Step 2: Give 2-3 relevant points (1-3 sentences) Step 3: Conclusion: give a […]

3 Go-To Steps to Proactively Prep for Your In-Person & Remote Interviews

As spring commencement ceremonies kick off, many soon-to-be or recent graduates have begun searching for their next adventure. Whether you’ve had a handful of interviews yet or not, most will agree that landing a job, let alone an interview, can be extremely difficult. For example, it’s been recorded that only about five out of 250 […]

Speakers Beware: Unconcious Bias in Your Presentations

Yesterday, all members of Toastmasters received an email about the resignation of International President, Margaret Page. The organization had received a complaint that she had given a speech “that included statements about people of African descent and African Americans that were racially and culturally inaccurate, insensitive, stereotypical, and offensive.” I don’t know her exact words. […]

Progress, Not Perfection

If you want to be a better communicator, don’t try to be perfect. Perfect is boring.Perfect doesn’t take risks.Perfect is a waste of time.The goal is progress, not perfection. To progress, you have to take action, make mistakes, learn and improve. There is no shame in being imperfect. We are all imperfect human beings. We are […]

“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 […]

How to Get People to Speak Up in Virtual Meetings

It’s been almost 2 years since almost everyone has had to participate in virtual meetings. We’ve gotten better at it, but if you lead or facillitate virtual meetings, you may still struggle with getting people to speak up. A recent Harvard Business Review article, How to Get People to Speak up in Virtual Meetings, has […]

Speaker Introductions: Engage & Connect BEFORE You Speak!

You’ve worked hard on your speech, but have you thought about how you will be introduced? A good speaker introduction can get your audience leaning forward with anticipation. A bad introduction can put people to sleep! Below is a how-to video on creating a speaker introduction. The template steps in the video are:1. Audience-Focused opening2. […]

Getting Real. Getting Helpful. Getting Clients to Improve Presentations.

I believe that the fastest way to improve your presentations is to get feedback on areas to improve and specific ideas to try, including watching video of yourself. And then, change! Try out the ideas and get more feedback so that you are continually improving. While I strive to be encouraging in my coaching, I […]

Can You Figure Out this Riddle?

In the short video below, I share a riddle so that you can see how a story can flesh out facts and make your ideas, your products, and your services easier for people to visualize.

5 Tips for Better PowerPoint (2 are about sharing slides on Zoom)

Don’t bore your audience with your presentation slides or fumble presenting them on Zoom. Power up your PowerPoint with just a few key techniques. In this video (7:17):• Discover the top 2 problems with PowerPoint• Learn 3 ways to easily improve your slides• Bonus! 2 pro-tips for sharing slides on Zoom Link to pdf of […]

StorySelling Workshop 12/14/21

Are you a: • Sales professional? • Entrepreneur? • Business Owner? • Coach? And, would you like to better capture your client’s attention, connect with them, and convince them to start or to continue working with you? One way to do that is with using the power of story. In this interactive workshop via Zoom, […]

Facts Tell. Stories Sell.

Sometimes lessons (i.e., speech material) come out of the most ordinary experiences. In the video below, I share a story of how I bought something at an estate sale because someone told me a good story. The lesson for me was: Facts tell. Stories sell.

No Regrets: An Inspirational Speech

Live a Life with No Regrets Discover 3 ways to keep looking forward with hope rather than backward with regret in this short inspirational speech below in which I tell some very personal stories including a trip not taken, a job I quit, the blessings of an alternate path to family, and losing a home […]

A 16-Second Technique to Calm Your Nerves

If you are feeling super nervous before you speak, so nervous that you almost can’t think straight, try this tip: Just Breathe! In the video below, you will learn the simple “combat” breathing technique that soldiers use in battle to regain control of their thinking processes–a technique you can use, too! This is tip #5 […]

Avoid These 2 Boring Phrases in Your Speeches

You don’t want to be a boring speaker, do you? A couple of weeks ago, I watched 172 speeches. Today, you will learn the top 2 boring phrases that many of the speakers used. Phrases you can avoid! First, a little background. All the speakers had been my students in a 4-session hybrid class on […]

Take Your Presentation to the Next Level: Summer Coaching Sale

You can learn a lot about public speaking by reading books, watching videos, taking classes and even in participating in small practice groups such as Toastmasters or PowerTalk Power Club (I’m a member of both). However, one-on-one coaching sessions can provide the individualized practice and feedback that you need to take your presentations to the next level (a few client […]

LinkedIn Cover Story: How to Add a Video to Your Profile Picture

Would you like to show some of your personality or promote your business through a brief video that shows up on your LinkedIn profile picture? Below is a visual and a brief “how-to” video. Uploading and editing the video has to be done on the LinkedIn mobile app. Note: You may not have access to […]

Demonstrate Executive Presence in Online Meetings

Do you want to be seen as a confident leader at work? Many of my clients want to feel and appear more confident in online meetings and want to improve their executive presence, not just in presentations, but in team or client meetings. Below are top tips for mastering the meeting agenda (critical if you […]

Body Language Online: Frame & Face

Have you ever watched a video of yourself presenting and thought, “Oh, that’s WEIRD! I didn’t realize I did that?” That’s how I felt years ago when I watched a video of myself presenting to a small group. Not once. Not twice. But THREE times, I hitched up my pants. It wasn’t because I was […]

Zoom Annotations + Zoom with Kids Activity

Want to get more comfortable using annotations with Zoom? Check out this excerpt (6:22) of a longer workshop I recently did on using annotations, and consider practicing with your children or grandchildren! Below the video is a link to the PowerPoint with the kids’ activities I show in the video. Click HERE for the St. […]

How to Say “No” to Requests at Work

A client recently asked me, “How can I say “no” to a request at work, when the request is outside of my job responsiblities?” Below was my email response back: As with most things in life, the short answer is “it depends.” ? Some of the things that it depends on . . . You […]

Product Review: PlexiCam

Someday, we will have webcam systems that will better approximate in-person eye contact, but until then, there is PlexiCam! I recently purchased a PlexiCam, a moveable, portable wecam mounting device that allows you to postion your webcam almost anywhere on your screen. I find it gives me a stronger human connection with my clients and […]

Virtual Public Speaking Boot Camp

LIMITED to 4-6 Students 6 Weekly Sessions via Zoom Boot Camp #1 Thursdays, Jan. 7- Feb. 11, 20216:30 PM – 8:30 PM Central Time Session Topics:Session 1: Virtual Presenter Competencies & Define Your MessageSession 2: Plan Your Message StructureSession 3: Engage Your Audience with StoriesSession 4: Deliver with PowerSession 5: Presenting with SlidesSession 6: Presentation […]

How to Create a Presentation Using Virtual Backgrounds on Zoom

Do you want your audience focused more on you than on your slides when you present on Zoom? One solution is to use your slides as virtual background. The steps in the video are to: 1. Use PowerPoint in the 16:9 aspect ratio (wide screen) 2. Create your slides with content on one half (minimal […]

Display a Virtual Presenter Badge

Virtual Presentation skills are in demand! Let prospective clients and employers know that you have the skills, the experience and the equipment to handle the basics of virtual presentations. Files You Can DownloadLinkedIn Media 1200X627 pixelsSquare badge 800 pixels Large format badge (lots of white space, for cropping as needed)Virtual Presenter Basic Competencies, pdf Do you […]

Book Launch 5/5/20: 100 Tips & Tricks to Appear Confident in Presentations

You will want to be first in line to get my new book when I launch this fun and practical book on May 5! Whether you speak online or in person, can you imagine yourself as a more confident public speaker?  What difference could appearing more confident make to your career, to your business, or […]

Handling Questions in a Presentation

Whether you present online or in-person, you often will have to answer questions. Or, maybe you will have to field several questions in a question and answer session (Q&A). The Question and Answer (Q&A) session will probably be at the end of your presentation and might be what you are most remembered for. Make sure you […]

Power Up Your PowerPoint!

All too often a PowerPoint presentation is the Kiss of Death for an audience.  You don’t want to be THAT presenter do you? While you may not NEED PowerPoint (or other, similar presentation software), it is often expected, and if done well, can provide engaging visual support to your presentation. There are 3 easy-to implement […]

8 Ways to Present Online with Confidence

Thanks to Covid-19, a lot of businesses are canceling their real-life conferences and going to virtual planners like We & Goliath (weandgoliath.com) so they are able to still hold the conference, just in a safe, virtual way. But with this rise of virtual conferences, speakers are having to adapt to presenting on a video conference or on […]

Coronavirus Special! Stay Home & Save $95

Did “Cornavirus special!” seem like a gimmicky grab for attention? Yes. It is. But you won’t want to miss this! I’m offering a one-time special deal that you can do completely from your home. Social isolation can have some advantages! Until March 31 April 30, you can register for my online course, No Fear Public […]

Look better on Video: Makeup & Lighting

Lighting is an easy way to look better on video and on camera (see my recent post about selfie lights), but makeup can make a difference! If you are a guy reading this, you might be tempted to stop, but keep an open mind, a little bit of cosmetics could even help you (think: color […]

Look 10 years younger for less than $15

Do you ever look at selfies or close up videos of yourself (like on video conferences) and want to gag? I know I have. I look like some ghoulish version of myself with unflattering shadows. I recently discovered an inexpensive solution: A selfie light that attaches to either my phone or to my webcam. Here’s […]

Speaker Warm Up for Peak Performance

You work out to make your muscles strong, right? You practice your speaking to become a stronger speaker, right? Would you like to be a peak performer in public speaking? If you want to be a peak performer in public speaking, you need to do what peak performers do, whether they’re athletes or entertainers. One […]

Secrets of Becoming a Professional Speaker

Have you ever wondered if you could speak professionally, to build your business, to establish yourself as a thought-leader in your field, and to maybe even earn some income? Last month, I organized an event, “From Toastmaster to Professional Speaker” which included my personal story and a workshop that I facilitated on getting started in […]

Speak better for less (save $150 through 12/2/2019)

Do you want to expand your career or business through speaking at work, at conferences, or to customers or clients? Do you want to put together a presentation that will connect and deliver results? Do you want to speak with confidence? And do you like a deal? Inspired by Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I […]

Mini-Workshop Video: 10 Ways to Internalize Your Speech

Do you wish you didn’t depend on notes so much when speaking? But, are you afraid to let go of your notes, because you might forget something, or worse-yet, have the dreaded “blank-out”? In less than 30 minutes you can, at your convenience, learn 10 ways to reduce your dependence on written out speaking notes […]

Learn from Others’ Presentations: Evaluations

“We learn from each other. We learn from others’ mistakes, from their experience, their wisdom. It makes it easier for us to come to better decisions in our own lives.” –Adrian Grenier. Why not learn from others’ presentations, too, and become a better presenter? One of the best learning opportunities in Toastmasters is not just […]

Rehearse with PowerPoint’s “Presenter Coach”

“Rehearsal Report” from PowerPoint’s Presenter Coach Would you like to get free, private feedback on your slide presentation? Power Point’s Presenter Coach evaluates your pacing, your use of filler words and potentially sensitive terms, and it detects when you are simply reading the text on a slide. This feature is only available on the online […]

Speak with Confidence & Save $99!

No-Fear Public Speaking online course It’s back to school time!  It’s time to speak with confidence and boost your career or business. Build your speaking confidence 3 ways in this self-paced online course: Look confident, sound confident and feel confident. Bonus material includes: killer keynote template, plus a free video evaluation, and more. Special for students […]

8 Lessons on Public Speaking from Judging a Speech Competition

What can you learn about public speaking skills from high school students? A lot, if you pay attention! Today, I had to pay attention as 7 high school students each stood before me and spoke for 5-7 minutes in the Prepared Speech category in a regional competition of the Business Professionals of America. I was […]

Create Business Stories that Click

Wow! That data was fascinating!” Nope. Those words were never said. Data alone is dull. Data in context can be interesting. Data wrapped in story can be fascinating. Imagine that you are giving a business presentation to prospective clients or to upper management. You want to provide information that will help them make a decision […]

Checklists Reduce Speech Disasters

The meeting planner had a panicked look on her face as she frantically searched through her bag in the hall outside the main conference room I had just finished speaking in. There were 5 minutes left before the next speaker. “Is something wrong?” I asked. “The remote is dead.” The presentation remote had worked fine […]

Speech Zero to Hero–Step 1: The 2 “Knows”

Time limit: 5 minutes Before you plunge into creating your speech there are a couple of critical things you should know to save time and frustration later: #1 Know: The requirements These may be obvious, but these are things you don’t want to overlook! Date: Time: Location: Length of presentation: Topic: What you are expected […]

FREE ebook: Public Speaking: A Very Short Course

Free Kindle Book: Public Speaking: A Very Short Course: 7 Lessons for the Classroom, for Workshops, or for Individuals Free until Saturday, 12/12/15! You don’t even need to have a Kindle–you can use a Kindle reader app or download a free Kindle reader for your pc. Book Description: This short course in public speaking will […]

Using Quotes in PowerPoint–Video

You get two tips today! Tip #1:  Make your quotes look better in PowerPoint.  Click below to see the 4-minute Jing video I made on using quotations in PowerPoint: BonusTip #2:  Create short videos to explain “how to.”  For the above video, I used Jing, a free screen capture tool.  Not all of your presentations may be […]

Who Are You?

Every now and then, I get an email inquiry about my presentation coaching services from someone I never met before.  Recently, I received an email that was direct and to the point:  I am interested in some coaching–can you give me some information about you, rates, and your philosophy? I’ll share my answer below, but I’d […]

10 Take Aways from the National Speakers Association (Platform) Convention

Inspired yet overwhelmed is how I felt when I left the National Speakers Association annual convention last week (the association’s new name, Platform, was announced last Wednesday). I went through my notes and picked out 10 nuggets to take action on (mostly regarding business development): 1. Doug Stevenson: Step-in to your story (act your story) for […]

How to Create a TED-Style Talk: Advice from an Expert

Imagine standing on a TED stage, sharing your passion with the world. Maybe that’s not your dream.  But, wouldn’t you like to have a powerful, TED-like presentation?  TED-style talks aren’t just for TED events.  They are becoming more popular at conferences, too. On Tuesday, the Minnesota Chapter of the National Speakers Association hosted  a presentation […]

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, […]

Grab Your Audience! 3 P’s of Speech Introductions

Do you want to hook your audience right at the start of your speech?  Do you want to have them leaning forward with interest?  Do you want to have an approach to introductions that you can apply to many speeches? Today you will learn an effective, time-tested pattern for speech introductions that will grab your […]