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Don’t be a boring speaker (it’ll cost you dearly)

Nobody wants to be labeled as a boring speaker. Nevertheless, we’ve all had to endure boring speakers at one time or another. But what are the consequences of being a boring speaker? And what should you do next if you believe the speech you’re working on right now sounds boring? I recently attended a […]

Be a better speaker: Don’t overload your audience

If you want to be a better speaker, don’t waste time crafting a set of remarks that takes 30 minutes to share when you only have a 15-minute speaking slot. Be honest and ask yourself early on: Do I have too much information to share? You did it! You nailed a speaking opportunity at […]

How to improve public speaking: Get out of your own way

Are you feeling stuck when it comes to public speaking? If so, you might be in your own way. Read on to discover how to improve public speaking by doing one simple thing to get out of your own way – and stay out of your own way – the next time you speak. […]

The art of public speaking: First, decide what your message needs to be

Are you working on a speech right now – but struggling to nail down your message? If you want to be a better speaker, and begin to master the art of public speaking, do a little exploration first so you can decide with confidence what your message needs to be. This month I got […]

7 bad habits to break if you want to become a better speaker

In-person events are back! Unfortunately, so are some of the bad habits speakers fall into when they fail to prepare well for public speaking. If you want to become a better speaker, check yourself against these seven bad habits. Which ones do you need to break? If you’re like most people these days, your […]

What’s the process when you work with a speechwriter?

The first question I get from executives looking for a speechwriter is this: “How do you work?” If you’re an executive wondering about the process – what it’s like to work with a speechwriter instead of writing an entire speech by yourself – read on. “I love our process!” a speechwriting client told me […]

Why and how to begin writing a speech without delay

Have you ever struggled to take the first step when writing a speech? Read on to learn how that’s harming you and your health – and what you can do about it. You know you have a Big Important Speech coming up in the next several months. Maybe it’s set for next quarter. Or […]

When to say no to a speaking opportunity

Do you have a speaking opportunity sitting in your inbox? Are you wondering whether to accept (or decline) the invitation? Get clarity – and get off the fence – with this advice. The keynote speaker concluded, and the virtual event was over. Despite the incredible speaking opportunity given to this highly anticipated speaker and […]

What leaders can learn from social science about how to write a speech

Before you deliver another presentation to your next audience, learn the most important question you must ask about how to write a speech. More than once, I’ve had a conversation like this with an executive who needs help putting together a speech or presentation for a business audience outside the organization: Me: What kind […]

Executive communication coaching for DE&I: Is your strategy up to par?

Are you doing what the best organizations are doing with their DE&I communications? Here’s some executive communication coaching to help you find out by testing your DE&I speeches and other executive communications against three secret ingredients. I have a T-shirt I got a couple of years ago during an Aileron workshop for entrepreneurs that […]