“Tomorrow, do not wear aftershave or cologne.” It’s BC – Before COVID. I had just finished a speaking tour. I’m in Miami, having dinner with my wife, Sarika, and Chim Francisco – a Toastmasters District Director for Southern Florida. On this tour, Chim had gotten me a few Fortune 500 speaking engagements, and I was…
In Part One of this post, (found here), we revealed six common business presentation mistakes that could sidetrack your business presentations: Presenting Abstract Ideas (without specific examples). Simply put, your ideas live in the clouds and never visit earth. For your audience to relate to abstract concepts, match with specific, concrete examples. JargonOveruse. Jargon overuse…
Early in my career I worked for a major computer company. Before we were unleashed on the world, we had to go through the typical technical and sales presentation training. Regardless, if you were prepared or not, you had to give your presentation to the instructor and your peers at the end of your training.…
What can the moviemaker, Pixar, teach you to make your next story a box office hit? Pixar Animation Studios has created some of the most magical, memorable, and mesmerizing movies of all time. For example, Finding Nemo, Toy Story, and Up! all have worldwide gross revenues in excess of $725 million each. What, you ask…
How can Benjamin Franklin and Lil Wayne teach you how to find your voice and be an outstanding presenter? There are no cover bands in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Comparably, there are no “cover speakers” in the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. A “cover speaker” is a speaker who uses other people’s…
This week, I am honored to present an interview with nationally acclaimed leadership and communication expert, Christie Ward, Leadership Facilitator and Principal of the Impact Institute™. Since founding The Impact Institute in 1999, Christie has focused on communication, leadership and team-building topics that result in more productive teams and effective leadership. She is known for…
How would you like to inspire your next audience like your favorite clergyman, coach, or keynote speaker? Well you can with my latest lesson: The Secret of the inspirational Speech – From Descriptive to Generative It is said that the inspirational speech is the highest form or oratory. It ranges from a clergyman delivering a…
Let’s say you’ve got a very important presentation that’s due this week. The more you prepare, and the closer you get to the deadline, the more nervous you get. How can you control your nervousness so it doesn’t sabotage your presentation? How do you get those butterflies to fly in formation? I’m going to share…
When was the last time you did something for the first time? Again? I’ll repeat the question. When was the last time you did something for the first time, again? It seems like an Oxymoron, right? First time? Again? What do I mean by, “doing something for the first time, again”, and how can this…