This past week, David recorded a new book for Audible.* He noticed that his voice was tightening up, especially during longer, more expressive passages. Even with vocal exercises and warm tea, reading aloud for six hours is a sure recipe for wearing out the voice.David’s...
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is real and pervasive. At least 80% suffer from this fear, so it’s natural to experience stress about being observed and judged when presenting in front of an audience.Speaking virtually exacerbates this condition. After all, Homo Sapiens historically observed others because...
Walker Hayes was a wannabe country singer/songwriter who recorded one hit song and then fizzled. With six kids to feed, Hayes began working the 4am shift at Costco. The strain brought him to a crossroads and he knew he had to put up or shut...
Every endeavor has a lexicon, a specific dictionary of terms recognizable in that field. Many are contractions or acronyms, devised for efficiency. However, lexica are a mine field for speakers, especially if you are addressing audiences without your particular knowledge or experience.Avoid the pitfall of...
There is a tidal wave today of people moving from job to job. Unless you win the lottery or can tolerate the vagaries of being in a startup, you’ll have to face someone across the table or virtual screen for a job interview. It’s not...
Baltimore Ravens NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson is exciting to watch. In only his fourth year in the NFL, Jackson can run and throw with equal skill and has energized the Ravens. Sports commentator Erin Andrews asked Jackson about the source of his success, apart from...
Kate Middleton and Prince William recently hosted a large charity event. (Queen Elizabeth was unable to attend because of poor health.) What did the royals wear? Kate chose a long, sapphire-colored blue gown with spare jewelry. The blue projected calm and communication. William’s navy suit...
Around Halloween, the classic horror film Scream is replayed for new audiences. David played Drew Barrymore’s father in the opening sequence, and the mother’s (Carla Hatley) expression of horror is ranked one of the best film screams of all time.Why are we so attracted to...
We put aside one day a month to explore New Mexico. This has led to many colorful conversations, new acquaintances and a richer familiarity with our state. We recently drove to the town of Jemez Springs, where we met Ben and Geraldine Toya, or Ben and...
“If you slice your thumbnail down your cheek while smiling, it means you are flirting. The same gesture while looking askance means danger.” Thus began the lecture on Italian hand gestures we received from mountain guide Georg on a recent trip to the Dolomites. Georg...