Logo
Logo
Logo

Speeches and presentations

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 […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More

Communication strategy: When should you contact a speechwriter?

Timing is everything at work and in life. If your communication strategy for an upcoming event calls for a keynote speech from your CEO, how far in advance should you contact a speechwriter? Learn from this experience I had recently with a marketing VIP here in the U.S.   Last week I received a desperate […]

Read More

Ideas for speeches: What to do next if the show does not go on?

Anytime you have to write and deliver a speech, it’s common to face a challenge or two. But what if something happens to disrupt the event? Keep this story close at hand in your bank of ideas for speeches, and learn how to pivot when problems arise.   When it comes to a speech, the […]

Read More

10 tips for collaborating with a thought partner to write powerful speeches

Are you writing a speech with a crucial message and feeling the need to bounce your ideas off of a trusted colleague? Effective collaboration is the difference between a futile partnership and a phenomenal one. Here are 10 tips for leaders who want to collaborate with a thought partner to write more powerful speeches.   […]

Read More

A public speakers training video for virtual conference presenters

Getting ready to present at a virtual conference soon? Take 5 minutes to watch this public speakers training video. Originally created for a professional association, this video will help you come across as professional as possible online. Business conferences in 2020 were in large part experiments after in-person events did an abrupt about-face, landing squarely […]

Read More

How to write speeches: 5 burning questions asked and answered

Are you a business communicator or leader who struggles to create a speech or presentation? Here are five burning questions that communicators and leaders have been asking about how to write speeches.   We had a lively discussion during my breakout room session at the virtual HERStory Business Communication Expo presented by IABC Greater Cincinnati. […]

Read More

Get personalized news, tips and tools from Zumwald & Company

Search the Blog