Last week we were coaching ‘Jacob’ on an important talk. Our session was fraught with challenges because he was trying to deliver a memorized script, afraid that he would forget his lines. Jacob is a person of influence who donated millions to establish a botanical...
The Heima is a troupe of extremely talented young Korean men who danced their way into the top position on the TV series World of Dance. In an effort to make it into the finals, the dancers removed a signature piece of wardrobe, their masks. One...
Leonardo da Vinci's passion was to know how the world works, down to the muscles beneath human lips that allow us to smile. (visualize theMona Lisa) Without formal education, da Vinci relied on experiments and experience. For example, when studying the dynamics of flow, he...
Beethoven and Mozart employed themes, or repeatable musical phrases in many of their compositions. The same technique can benefit speakers. Themes represent the whole idea of a talk, and orient an audience. Although usually suggested in the opening, a great theme can be employed anywhere...
After watching The Inventor documentary, we decided to delve deeper into Elizabeth Holmes' masterful con. First, there was her odd contralto voice, seemingly modeled on Yoda. (Note: British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher also lowered her voice and hired a speech coach to be perceived as powerful.) Then, Holmes...
Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos dreamed of inventing something extraordinary. Her goal was to diagnose a hundred diseases from a single drop of blood. George Schultz and other powerful men sat on her Board. Fortune and Forbes magazines showered her with accolades. And she raised over $700 million...
Last week we had a visit from our nephew Cody and his wife Carly. Their two daughters Harper (aged 8) and Vivian (aged 3) are boisterous, thrilling and exhausting. When we wanted to catch up with their parents, Deborah dusted off her expertise in hosting...
When making an introduction, Emily Post recommended you first look at the person you are introducing-- and then turn to the audience. Speak clearly. Use courteous language as in, "I'd like to introduce...
A recent Wall Street Journal article: No one listening? Maybe you're the problemcited a common communication failure. If you've ever said "I can't make myself heard in meetings or conversations" the WSJ article suggests self-examination. Do you ramble on, without purpose and unaware of your listener's...
Melissa McCarthy presented the Oscar for Best Costume Design at the recent Academy Awards. McCarthy wore an over-the-top, Alice in Wonderland costume jam-packed with stuffed rabbits. And as Bryan Tyree Henry's costume proved, bold patterns will attract the eye and capture the spotlight. McCarthy's bit...