At a recent conference for senior speechwriters, Boe Workman the Director of CEO Communications at the AARP shared a one page ‘wish list’ for speechwriters to use when developing a presentation for their client. MORE
There was a thorough overview of ways to overcome a fear of public speaking in Tuesday’s FT. They advise that practice makes all the difference. I agree. I like to point out that people who only play tennis twice a year are probably not very good at it. MORE
In a book that is in part the machinations of The Good Wife and in part the political farce of Yes Minister, Barton Swaim shares insights he gained into the life of a speechwriter during the second term of South Carolina governor Mark Sanford. The author of The Speechwriter does not dwell on the series […]. Cultural Differences Speechwriting Book Review MORE
Hannah Crum (aka ‘Kombucha Mama’) changed my life. I bought my first Kombucha home brew ‘starter kit’ from her over four years ago and have been happily brewing my own ‘booch ever since. MORE
The good people at Walkerstone in the UK (a team of professional trainers who are also business writers and marketers) have produced a great infographic, with an informative preamble, on the Do’s and Don’ts of Presenting. This content appears with their express permission. The Do’s And Don’ts of Presenting There are two elements to making […]. Business Communication Public Speaking Infographic MORE
Ever wondered why some TED talk recordings on YouTube gather a respectable few hundred thousand views while other go viral and attract many millions? Is there a difference in content, facts and figures or information shared that is more compelling and pertinent to a wider audience? MORE
The convocation speaker at the May 23, 2013 San Jose State University graduation ceremony for Communications, Journalism and PR students was René Shimada Siegel, the President and Founder of High Tech Connect. Rene shared six tips on getting a job in communications and PR in Silicon Valley. MORE
Christopher Caldwell writes in the Weekend FT about a new book, The Age of the Image: Redefining Literacy in a World of Screens, by Stephen Apkon (available tomorrow on Amazon). Apkon argues that there is a new kind of global literacy, based not on words, but images. MORE
Felicity H. Barber is a speechwriter, executive communications specialist and coach. She write speeches, advises business leaders on messaging and coaches people to deliver stellar presentations and pitches. Before moving to San Francisco from London she was an in-house speechwriter at Lloyd’s of London, the global insurer. She wrote speeches and prepared business executives for […]. Cultural Differences Speechwriting MORE
Jan Dalley writes in the Weekend FT on the paradox that in an age of increasing digitization of our culture (via music downloads, YouTube video and more) people still seek out the unique personal experience of attending live performances: at literary festivals, rock concerts, and lectures. MORE
While there are many Toastmasters and National Speakers Association members who speak for fun and profit, none can touch the stellar earnings that retired (but not retiring) politicians can rake in at the podium. MORE
Adam Noar is the founder of Presentation Panda. He’s an expert marketer, entrepreneur, and presentation design expert. After building a successful website in the sportswear industry, he’s refocused on what he loves most: Building and designing exciting presentations for clients. Presentation Panda uses a simple, clear, and vibrant approach to presentation design. This material is […]. Business Communication PowerPoint MORE
There are over 11 million corporate meetings every day in the United States, yet how often do we walk into a corporate meeting wondering why we are there? Or walk out angry that we’ve wasted another precious hour and accomplished nothing? MORE
The true value of Tim Pollard’s excellent new book is conveyed by the subtitle: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design. While much of the literature on what makes a ‘compelling communicator’ focuses on cultivating delivery skills and stage presence, Pollard rightly consigns these topics to a brief Epilogue. Rather, his focus on […]. Public Speaking Speechwriting presentation design MORE
Professional speakers, freelance speechwriters and entrepreneurs must learn the sales strategies and techniques that will secure appointments in today’s volatile economy. That means getting past gatekeepers and getting to decision makers. Armies of executive assistants and the sub-second attention span of crazy-busy executives are barriers to overcome. Attendees at Saturdays’ meeting of the Northern California [.]. Business Communication National Speakers Association Sales technique MORE
Toastmasters announced an impressive lineup of speakers for its 2016 International Convention, to be held at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C., 17-20. Ten dynamic speakers will share their insights and expertise on a variety of topics. MORE
As the dust settles on the recent US election it’s fascinating to read the draft acceptance speeches that were penned by Democratic pundit Bob Lehrman and Republican Aram Bakshian. Bob was Al Gore’s speechwriter and Aram used to write for President Reagan. Note that these speeches were written 36 hours before the results were known […]. Speechwriting Donald Trump Hillary Clinton MORE
Simon Lancaster is one of the world’s top speechwriters. He first became a speechwriter in the late 1990s, working for members of Tony Blair’s Cabinet. Today, he writes speeches for the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in the world, including Unilever, HSBC and Intercontinental Hotels. MORE
My recent review on Amazon of the new book, Keynote Mastery: The Personal Journey of a Professional Speaker was incomplete. I need to explain in more detail the many positive elements of Patrick’s story as well as clarify why I referred to it on Amazon ‘flawed’ and show where other emerging speakers can learn from […]. Freelance Work Public Speaking MORE
No member of the National Speakers Association speaks to as many people on a daily basis as does Karen Jacobsen. Her voice is one of the options on over 100 million GPS systems and 300 million smartphones. MORE
Kyle Ingham is the founder of The Distilled Man, a website that helps men learn essential “gentlemanly” skills. Like knowing how to cook a perfect steak. How to mix a cocktail. Or how to give a toast. MORE
Here in California, the rush for wealth long ago shifted from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains where the 49ers panned for gold, to the Sand Hill Road offices of Silicon Valley venture capitalists (V.C.’s). ’s). MORE
Following my recent post about graphic recording videos I’ve been amazed at the variety of entertaining and instructional material that’s out there in this format. MORE
One of the rules of improv theater that I learned when I took classes at the Pan Theater in Oakland is learning to say “Yes, and…” in response to any suggestion from another actor who is a partner in a scene. For a story to be built, the players have to agree to the basic [.]. MORE
There’s only 24 hours in a day, which is why President Obama, despite being an accomplished writer and orator, needs help with his speeches. MORE
Susan Cain is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, which is being translated into 30 languages. MORE
This is the second of a two-part report on the September 27th meeting of Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association. On Saturday we heard from two communications experts: Speechwriter Pete Weissman and visual thinking expert David Sibbet. MORE
This is the first of a two-part report on the September 27th meeting of Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association. On Saturday we heard from two communications experts: Speechwriter Pete Weissman and visual thinking expert David Sibbet. MORE
Writing in the excellent weekly newsletter SpeakerNetNews, Ron Shapiro, a speaker and consultant in career development, education and learning, shares an effective technique for collecting feedback from attendees at his programs. MORE
Financial Times columnist Lucy Kellaway gave the closing keynote at the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) conference in Dublin this last May. Her presentation starts by asking the audience ‘how many feel really passionate about what you do?’ MORE
Kathy Stershic is Principal Consultant of Dialog Research & Communications. She provides senior-level business and communications consulting expertise to executives at leading-edge organizations, and is especially known for bringing focus and alignment to complex environments. MORE
The annual Ragan Speechwriters Conference was held March 20 – 22, 2013 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. I was not able to attend this year, but, like anyone who has access to Twitter, I enjoyed following the conference virtually via the hashtag #raganspeech. MORE
Here’s an interesting series of comments and informative views that were posted recently to the National Speakers Association (NSA) Facebook Page when a speaker asked “Do you think stories are overrated in presentations and audiences are starting to see through them as manipulation tactics…?” ” The responses clearly show why professional speakers use stories in their [.]. MORE
Back on June 27 I spent a delightful and instructive day helping judge emerging speakers at Sahar Kordahi’s Bright Side of Life Voices of Leadership day. MORE
Thanks to Luke at Proofreading Services for creating this very interesting (OK, OK, captivating) infographic: Click here for full-sized view. Speechwriting MORE
Jeff Hurt is the Executive Vice President, Education and Engagement, at Velvet Chainsaw Consulting. In 2012, he was recognized as the PCMA 2011 Educator of the Year. MORE
I’m honored to have my blog listed among the 101 Public Speaking websites published by the Guide to Online Communication Master Programs. MORE
David Lavenda’s August 8 “Leadership Now” column in Fast Company online lists 10 Storytelling Tips from Israeli-based Susan Fisher. Fisher acknowledges the fear some executives have about telling stories since they might be seen as manipulative and emotional. MORE
Adam Grant is Wharton’s youngest full professor and single highest-rated teacher. He has been recognized as one of BusinessWeek’s favorite professors, one of the world’s 40 best business professors under 40, and one of Malcolm Gladwell’s favorite social science writers. MORE
Nancy Duarte was the guest speaker at Monday’s meeting of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable. Duarte is the well-known author of slide:ology and Resonate and the founder and CEO of Duarte, Inc. MORE
David Murray is the editor of Vital Speeches of the Day. This posting recently appeared there and I was impressed by the practical advice it contains. It captures the essence of the speechwriting process. The title says it all. This appears with David’s express permission. MORE
“The job is not doing the speech. It is getting the speech” – Shep Hyken The National President of the NSA, Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE spoke to members of the NSA Northern California Chapter on Saturday. Shep is a customer service expert, professional speaker and author who works with companies who want to build loyal […] “The job is not doing the speech. MORE
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
Ever wondered why some TED talk recordings on YouTube gather a respectable few hundred thousand views while other go viral and attract many millions? Is there a difference in content, facts and figures or information shared that is more compelling and pertinent to a wider audience?
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 8, 2017
The true value of Tim Pollard’s excellent new book is conveyed by the subtitle: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design. While much of the literature on what makes a ‘compelling communicator’ focuses on cultivating delivery skills and stage presence, Pollard rightly consigns these topics to a brief Epilogue. Rather, his focus on […]. Public Speaking Speechwriting presentation design
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 14, 2016
Toastmasters announced an impressive lineup of speakers for its 2016 International Convention, to be held at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C., 17-20. Ten dynamic speakers will share their insights and expertise on a variety of topics.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 8, 2016
Thanks to Luke at Proofreading Services for creating this very interesting (OK, OK, captivating) infographic: Click here for full-sized view. Speechwriting
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
DECEMBER 17, 2016
Simon Lancaster is one of the world’s top speechwriters. He first became a speechwriter in the late 1990s, working for members of Tony Blair’s Cabinet. Today, he writes speeches for the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in the world, including Unilever, HSBC and Intercontinental Hotels.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 27, 2015
There are over 11 million corporate meetings every day in the United States, yet how often do we walk into a corporate meeting wondering why we are there? Or walk out angry that we’ve wasted another precious hour and accomplished nothing?
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
NOVEMBER 14, 2016
As the dust settles on the recent US election it’s fascinating to read the draft acceptance speeches that were penned by Democratic pundit Bob Lehrman and Republican Aram Bakshian. Bob was Al Gore’s speechwriter and Aram used to write for President Reagan. Note that these speeches were written 36 hours before the results were known […]. Speechwriting Donald Trump Hillary Clinton
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 17, 2016
My recent review on Amazon of the new book, Keynote Mastery: The Personal Journey of a Professional Speaker was incomplete. I need to explain in more detail the many positive elements of Patrick’s story as well as clarify why I referred to it on Amazon ‘flawed’ and show where other emerging speakers can learn from […]. Freelance Work Public Speaking
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 6, 2014
Jeff Hurt is the Executive Vice President, Education and Engagement, at Velvet Chainsaw Consulting. In 2012, he was recognized as the PCMA 2011 Educator of the Year.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 12, 2013
David Lavenda’s August 8 “Leadership Now” column in Fast Company online lists 10 Storytelling Tips from Israeli-based Susan Fisher. Fisher acknowledges the fear some executives have about telling stories since they might be seen as manipulative and emotional.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 3, 2015
No member of the National Speakers Association speaks to as many people on a daily basis as does Karen Jacobsen. Her voice is one of the options on over 100 million GPS systems and 300 million smartphones.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
Kyle Ingham is the founder of The Distilled Man, a website that helps men learn essential “gentlemanly” skills. Like knowing how to cook a perfect steak. How to mix a cocktail. Or how to give a toast.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MARCH 6, 2016
Hannah Crum (aka ‘Kombucha Mama’) changed my life. I bought my first Kombucha home brew ‘starter kit’ from her over four years ago and have been happily brewing my own ‘booch ever since.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 16, 2015
In a book that is in part the machinations of The Good Wife and in part the political farce of Yes Minister, Barton Swaim shares insights he gained into the life of a speechwriter during the second term of South Carolina governor Mark Sanford. The author of The Speechwriter does not dwell on the series […]. Cultural Differences Speechwriting Book Review
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 18, 2015
“The job is not doing the speech. It is getting the speech” – Shep Hyken The National President of the NSA, Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE spoke to members of the NSA Northern California Chapter on Saturday. Shep is a customer service expert, professional speaker and author who works with companies who want to build loyal […] “The job is not doing the speech.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 24, 2013
The convocation speaker at the May 23, 2013 San Jose State University graduation ceremony for Communications, Journalism and PR students was René Shimada Siegel, the President and Founder of High Tech Connect. Rene shared six tips on getting a job in communications and PR in Silicon Valley.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MARCH 23, 2013
The annual Ragan Speechwriters Conference was held March 20 – 22, 2013 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. I was not able to attend this year, but, like anyone who has access to Twitter, I enjoyed following the conference virtually via the hashtag #raganspeech.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
FEBRUARY 24, 2014
There’s only 24 hours in a day, which is why President Obama, despite being an accomplished writer and orator, needs help with his speeches.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 26, 2013
One of the rules of improv theater that I learned when I took classes at the Pan Theater in Oakland is learning to say “Yes, and…” in response to any suggestion from another actor who is a partner in a scene. For a story to be built, the players have to agree to the basic [.].
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
NOVEMBER 21, 2016
While there are many Toastmasters and National Speakers Association members who speak for fun and profit, none can touch the stellar earnings that retired (but not retiring) politicians can rake in at the podium.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 30, 2015
David Murray is the editor of Vital Speeches of the Day. This posting recently appeared there and I was impressed by the practical advice it contains. It captures the essence of the speechwriting process. The title says it all. This appears with David’s express permission.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
DECEMBER 16, 2013
Here’s an interesting series of comments and informative views that were posted recently to the National Speakers Association (NSA) Facebook Page when a speaker asked “Do you think stories are overrated in presentations and audiences are starting to see through them as manipulation tactics…?” ” The responses clearly show why professional speakers use stories in their [.].
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 11, 2013
Kathy Stershic is Principal Consultant of Dialog Research & Communications. She provides senior-level business and communications consulting expertise to executives at leading-edge organizations, and is especially known for bringing focus and alignment to complex environments.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
DECEMBER 22, 2014
Writing in the excellent weekly newsletter SpeakerNetNews, Ron Shapiro, a speaker and consultant in career development, education and learning, shares an effective technique for collecting feedback from attendees at his programs.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
NOVEMBER 3, 2012
Professional speakers, freelance speechwriters and entrepreneurs must learn the sales strategies and techniques that will secure appointments in today’s volatile economy. That means getting past gatekeepers and getting to decision makers. Armies of executive assistants and the sub-second attention span of crazy-busy executives are barriers to overcome. Attendees at Saturdays’ meeting of the Northern California [.]. Business Communication National Speakers Association Sales technique
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 4, 2014
Adam Grant is Wharton’s youngest full professor and single highest-rated teacher. He has been recognized as one of BusinessWeek’s favorite professors, one of the world’s 40 best business professors under 40, and one of Malcolm Gladwell’s favorite social science writers.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 31, 2013
Susan Cain is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, which is being translated into 30 languages.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 4, 2015
Felicity H. Barber is a speechwriter, executive communications specialist and coach. She write speeches, advises business leaders on messaging and coaches people to deliver stellar presentations and pitches. Before moving to San Francisco from London she was an in-house speechwriter at Lloyd’s of London, the global insurer. She wrote speeches and prepared business executives for […]. Cultural Differences Speechwriting
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
DECEMBER 11, 2016
Financial Times columnist Lucy Kellaway gave the closing keynote at the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) conference in Dublin this last May. Her presentation starts by asking the audience ‘how many feel really passionate about what you do?’
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
NOVEMBER 10, 2015
At a recent conference for senior speechwriters, Boe Workman the Director of CEO Communications at the AARP shared a one page ‘wish list’ for speechwriters to use when developing a presentation for their client.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 15, 2013
Jan Dalley writes in the Weekend FT on the paradox that in an age of increasing digitization of our culture (via music downloads, YouTube video and more) people still seek out the unique personal experience of attending live performances: at literary festivals, rock concerts, and lectures.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 1, 2017
Adam Noar is the founder of Presentation Panda. He’s an expert marketer, entrepreneur, and presentation design expert. After building a successful website in the sportswear industry, he’s refocused on what he loves most: Building and designing exciting presentations for clients. Presentation Panda uses a simple, clear, and vibrant approach to presentation design. This material is […]. Business Communication PowerPoint
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
Following my recent post about graphic recording videos I’ve been amazed at the variety of entertaining and instructional material that’s out there in this format.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 7, 2013
Nancy Duarte was the guest speaker at Monday’s meeting of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable. Duarte is the well-known author of slide:ology and Resonate and the founder and CEO of Duarte, Inc.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JULY 11, 2013
Back on June 27 I spent a delightful and instructive day helping judge emerging speakers at Sahar Kordahi’s Bright Side of Life Voices of Leadership day.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 15, 2013
Christopher Caldwell writes in the Weekend FT about a new book, The Age of the Image: Redefining Literacy in a World of Screens, by Stephen Apkon (available tomorrow on Amazon). Apkon argues that there is a new kind of global literacy, based not on words, but images.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
This is the second of a two-part report on the September 27th meeting of Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association. On Saturday we heard from two communications experts: Speechwriter Pete Weissman and visual thinking expert David Sibbet.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
OCTOBER 9, 2013
There was a thorough overview of ways to overcome a fear of public speaking in Tuesday’s FT. They advise that practice makes all the difference. I agree. I like to point out that people who only play tennis twice a year are probably not very good at it.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
I’m honored to have my blog listed among the 101 Public Speaking websites published by the Guide to Online Communication Master Programs.
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