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For years communication pundits have written about our need as individuals to talk less and listen more. If you want to become a better communicator, check out “An Effort to Understand,” a new book by David Murray. He’s executive director of the Professional Speechwriters Association, editor and publisher of Vital Speeches of the Day and […]

CEOs and business leaders: When you have a crucial point to make – and you need to drive it home – don’t ignore the power of repetition as one of the public speaking basics you need to master.   Last weekend, my husband and I left a church service rather uninspired by the minister’s sermon. “Where […]

With business now the most trusted institution in the world, it’s time for business leaders to seize the day – to advance civil discourse, listen and then take a stand on issues that align with their corporate values. It’s time for business leaders who may have been “waiting it out” to engage in executive communications […]

Unhappy with your performance during your last virtual presentation? Follow these corporate speech coaching tips to the letter if you want your next virtual talk to go better.   2020 was the year that leaders at all levels had to learn – and fast! – how best to connect with their audiences on camera. Maybe […]

Learn the one thing you must do as a speaker to avoid epic fails (aka speeches gone wrong).   I was doing some catch-up work last week and tuned in to a recorded virtual presentation on a timely business topic delivered by an executive a few weeks ago. I tried to pay attention (really I […]

Working on a speech for a virtual audience? Give your creative juices a jolt with these five ideas for a fresh approach to your opening lines.   Getting a virtual audience on the edge of their virtual seats is no small feat.   The best presenters agonize over their opening lines – and rightly so! […]

To memorize or not to memorize? That is the question. If you want to know how to be confident when public speaking, do the work it takes to internalize your speech.   A common question I get from leaders preparing to deliver a keynote speech at either an in-person or virtual event is this: Should […]

Your conference keynote may miss the mark if you forget to tap one of the best public speaking resources available to every speaker right now.   The email arrived late on a Monday evening: “I have to prepare the closing keynote speech at a prestigious annual conference for more than 1,000 technical professionals online. I’m […]

If you’re the one chosen to deliver an unforgettable anniversary or wedding speech in front of family and friends, don’t let the special occasion rattle you. Instead, follow this simple advice.   Last weekend I had the honor of delivering a speech and offering a toast during a small family gathering to celebrate my parents’ […]

Inspirational leadership is what CEOs and business leaders everywhere strive constantly to provide. When leaders find themselves struggling to find just the right words, often it is helpful to go back in history for some quiet study and reflection.   Abraham Lincoln is the first of four U.S. presidents examined in Doris Kearns Goodwin’s 2018 book, […]