Unplug Before You Present!
I attended a keynote presentation last week at an international conference of 3,000 or so executives. I arrived at the ballroom early to get a good seat for the kickoff event because I wanted to gather a lot of new ideas from the speaker who was a nationally known...
The Dumbwaiter Pitch, One Word and “Nothing”
At our last workshop, Barbara and I facilitated a section on creating and delivering “the elevator pitch.” That ‘s the 30- to 90-second pithy, engaging summary of who you are and what you do. Of course, I have never been “pitched to” on an elevator in my life. I...
Marcus Buckingham and the Power of Showing Up
I admit that I would watch a 24-hour cable channel devoted to Marcus Buckingham. He is not only a font of information on career advancement and workplace engagement, but he’s also, shall we say, telegenic. I had the pleasure of seeing him present again this week on...
“American Idol” versus “The Voice”
My kids have already put “The Voice” on DVR pre-record mode. They are hooked and I may be getting there too. American Idol never did a thing for me. So what is going on? Despite the incredibly tacky design and fight-ring theme, the blind auditions, star studded...
What Should You Do With Your Hands?
Charlotte and I facilitated a Speaker Bootcamp this week for a great company whose employees were ready and willing to learn. When we reached the section on hand gestures, one participant asked, “Does a speaker have to use hand gestures?” Our answer: Only on the...
“As you know, transitions are not easy.” Maria Shriver
I don’t know much about Maria and Arnold, but I absolutely read this top story in the news this week. Sometimes celebrities fall apart and the train wreck inspires serious voyeurism. Sometimes, a statement like this inspires an unexpected train of thought. Ms....
The Pros and Cons of Audience Facial Expressions
"There is a link between facial expression and emotion, but it's not a one-to-one kind of relationship as many once thought. There are many situations where emotion is experienced, yet no prototypic facial expression is displayed. And there are times when a facial...
Where to Stand?
Standing can raise questions. And, just as there is a proper place to locate your nametag, there is a place for you to stand when you are delivering a PowerPoint presentation. Most of us know not to stand in front of the screen, but after that, do you stand to the...
Are you a Credible Speaker?
I went to a fitness class yesterday with the intention of working up a good sweat after two days of sitting. Ten minutes into the class, the instructor said, “Now it’s time to do some dead lifts.” He proceeded to demonstrate your basic squat. I thought to myself,...
Paris Fashion and Connection
During the 1990s, I traveled to Paris frequently for work. I found places, monuments and museums that suited me and revisited them often. Over the years, I spent many hours in the Musee de la Mode et du Textile (fashion and textile museum) admiring clothes,...
PowerPoint Users: Don’t Drop Out of the Program!
Last week I attended a presentation given by a successful CEO who was also a casual, comfortable and likable speaker. There were two things that detracted from an otherwise informative presentation. The first was that he did not have a remote mouse so he kept walking...
Beware of the Audience “BS” Meter
“I learned from Dad to see and smell out a bullshitter at five hundred yards.” - Nancy Sinatra There’s a massive piece of artwork at the entrance to the Sculpture Garden at the Delaware Art Museum. Made out of 20 feet of twisted metal with a verdigris finish, it’s...
The Dog Whisperer Speaks!
W.C. Fields once said, “Never follow kids or animals on stage.” Sage advice for any public speaker, unless you are Cesar Milan, aka, the Dog Whisperer. I had the pleasure of seeing Cesar on stage a few days ago. He didn’t “follow” an animal on stage, he actually...
Unraveling Charlotte’s Web
My love affair with E.B White began early. My first literary tears were shed reading Charlotte’s Web and I subsequently delighted in reading it aloud to my children. I have experienced profound connection reading White’s essays and books. When I read The Elements of...
The Nerves Battle
Last weekend I hosted a portion of an evening’s gala fundraiser for a wonderful local arts organization. It was festive, artistic and fun. There were about 175 attendees gathered as I took the stage. Side Note: I no longer deny my own pre-presentation nerves. What has...
Three Ways to Spice Up Your Presentation
“If I’m not having fun, or learning anything, then I’d better be sleeping.” - Dr. Paul Dobransky One of my “go to” experts for great ideas and inspiration is Harvard professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter. She’s known for having tangible advice and practical ideas on...