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Executive communication

10 ways to create emotional connections with your audience when you speak in public

Human decision making is emotional – not logical. If you want your strategic messaging to change the way your audience thinks or behaves, logic alone will never cut it – no matter how many proof points you have. The way ahead is to create emotional connections with your audience so that people care, remember what […]

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How to elevate yourself as a leader when you speak in public

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 […]

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3 speeches you haven’t heard of that changed the world

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 […]

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Answer these 3 questions to get better as a speaker

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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How amazing public speakers avoid verbal slop and drivel

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 […]

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Want to become a better communicator? Make an effort to understand

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 […]

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Executive communications thought leadership: Carpe diem, business leaders

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 […]

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