For years we've asked dinner companions to play a game we call "Bottom This." Each relates an embarrassment, failure or terrible job, doing their best to beat the previous speaker. Interestingly enough, a recent Leigh Thompson article in Fast Company notes that when teams share their failure...
Sara Nelson breaks into song and dances around picket lines to rally the troops. Being blonde, attractive and a flight attendant, is she concerned about her image? Not in the slightest. Nelson happens to be the unconventional President of the Association of Flight Attendants. Nelson is...
Meaningless phrases abound in business presentations. These phrases are filler, or serve as an announcement. They do not reflect well on the speaker and are unnecessary, but old habits are hard to break. Unfortunately, they also waste the listeners' time and test their patience. To illustrate...
The ancient Greeks thought charisma was bestowed by the gods and set certain individuals apart. But sociologist Max Weber keenly saw that followers attribute leaders with charisma, validating their power. Perception is reality. How can we convey charisma in our speaking and presentations? Likability and charm are foundational...
The 98th annual Indian Market was held last weekend in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This juried show draws over 150,000 visitors worldwide, with 100+ Native American artists from 200 tribes displaying their art. We go early to get to know the artists and discover the stories...
Most openings to business presentations are rote, dull, and pro forma. However, when done well, an opening serves three critical functions: 1. They create a hook so the audience pays attention. 2. They set the tone and frame, especially when using a strong image or...
When constructing your next presentation, edit your content until you've reached the most elegant, clear form. Discard useless words like "help." Specifically describe what you did for the client. Eliminate data overload and focus on what the client wants to hear that will serve them...
As a path into the consciousness of their character, actors leave breadcrumbs for audiences. One method is to develop a psychological gesture, or a repeatable, physical tell. It could be pulling at a strand of hair, twisting a wedding ring, or facial tic. However, we often...
John Meacham's new book Songs of America is a terrific look at our country through the lens of lyrics and music. We were fascinated with his discussion of "I" vs "We" in evoking communality. Meacham explains that My Country Tis of Thee and This Little Light of Minewere written specifically to reflect communal...
A recent episode of Shark Tank illustrated how props can impact a presentation. Two gents from Nashville were pitching a foolproof door lock. To demonstrate the ease of breaking through traditional deadbolts, they set up two prop doors side by side. Former Army pilot Bertelli kicked the deadbolt door,...