Speaking Tips

 

The Hidden Driver

Daniel Goleman, science journalist, psychologist and author of Emotional Intelligence has published a new work on the brain. In Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, Goleman delves into how to harness attention to accomplish daily tasks. As the holidays approach, these insights are even more critical with traffic,...

Identifying Your Differentiators

To become successful when you’re out front, play to your strengths. Discover what makes you stand out from others in your field. What are your strengths and distinguishing characteristics? Zero in on what makes you unique. Consider where you’ve lived, your hobbies, other jobs you’ve...

The Authentic Amateur Wins

The difficulty for speakers stems from the belief that it is their responsibility to educate, inform, and then make sure the audience understands the topic. With this perspective, there is always the potential to add more content, especially if you want to be as thorough...

Start Wide, Then Narrow Your Approach

Whether you’re competing against a worthy opponent at a management committee meeting or delivering a formal presentation, give an overview before launching into the details. Analyzers, including attorneys and other professionals who lead with the left side of the brain, are notorious for building a...

Private Speech

Years ago, while directing a play in Seattle, David was so frustrated that he rushed into the street and let loose an angry tirade to no one in particular. He was right at home with the other eccentrics and personality disorder sufferers. But when he...

Crafting the Perfect Opening

How you open your speech is critical to any presentation. I recommend you deliver a compelling opening and closing without the agenda slide, PowerPoint, or video. This is where the audience gets to know you. Be selfish. Connect without standing behind a lectern or having...

Above All, Know Your Intention

Intention is a powerful device that forces us to focus, make difficult decisions, and edit our content. I’ve found Intention to be one of the most difficult concepts for our clients to initially grasp. However, when implemented, Intention can have an incredible impact on your...

The New Definition of Professionalism

Women often believe they need to assume an overly authoritative and professional demeanor to be taken seriously. The problem is that audiences can interpret this as patronizing or chilly, and perceive you as having a superior attitude. The last thing you want is a negative...

The Importance of Being an Authentic and Genuine Speaker

Many women are reluctant to speak if they haven’t reached the top of their field or don’t have a mission. They also tend to have an aversion to the idea of “selling.” But the old-fashioned way of selling doesn’t work for anyone. The best way...

Buddhist Monkzzz

For many years, humans have been fighting stress with exercise, diet and drugs. Still, we live in stressful times, and work exacerbates the pressure. But should we emulate Buddhist monks, clad in saffron robes, rice bowl in hand, counting their breaths? Daniel Kaufer, associate professor of integrative...