Executive communication

Last week, 20 executive communication professionals from across the U.S. earned a certificate in strategic executive communication from the Executive Communication Council. I was one of these 20 fortunate professionals in the inaugural class of March 2025. We became Leadership Communication Academy-certified after absorbing and internalizing 16+ hours of disciplined, structured, rigorous instruction delivered by […]

Speeches created and delivered as part of a leader’s strategic executive communication often pave the way for change – just like these three historical speeches did. Chances are you’ve never heard of the speeches below, even though the speakers who delivered them are well-known. Take a look at what can happen in the world when […]

People who want to get better as a speaker often face common challenges as they strive to go from good to great. Do you identify with these three challenges shared by my colleague and friend Barbara? Are you ready to do something about them? A few days ago, a longtime colleague and friend I’d coached […]

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 […]

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 reads […]

You can’t deny it: Verbal slop and drivel often find their way into speeches and presentations. Don’t let this happen to you! Instead, learn to do what amazing public speakers do. Did you know there’s an entire week each year – Words Matter Week – dedicated to stamping out “verbal slop and drivel”? That sounds […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]