Eileen Linnehan, a standout pitcher at Northwestern University, awoke one day to find that she couldn’t complete a successful overhand throw to first base. She had the yips, or the inability to perform a previously learned movement because of a mental inhibitor. Linnehan finally found...
oo often people present as if they're looking at a closeup on a cellphone screen, with one object in focus and everything else a blur. Take the time to establish context and lead the audience to your mountain. Do it with a vivid river or...
Speakers and presenters also need to challenge themselves to improve. Be honest with yourself about the quality of your presentations, and where to sharpen your skills....
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...
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...
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...
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,...
This past week, the U.S. women's soccer team brought home the World Cup. They are the most successful team in international women's soccer, having won four World Cup titles, four Olympic gold medals, and eight Gold Cups. These athletes are in a class all their...