Add action verbs to your slide titles. When I work with clients, I sometimes find that their slide titles are boring and even meaningless. We work together to make the slide titles more powerful. Use verbs when writing slide titles. MORE
[NOTE: This post contains affiliate links to free resources, which means I may be paid a commission if you choose to purchase any products for sale on the external sites. Thank you for reading.]. If you’re a speaker, or if you want to speak, you should write a book. MORE
A good book I often recommend is: Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive by Dr. Robert B. Cialdini et al. I first read the book when it came out in 2008. The book is designed for professionals who are interested in becoming better at understanding how to persuade or influence others. MORE
A vignette effect on a photo typically places a dark, semi-transparent border around it. There are other possible variations, such as a light border, but dark is more common. Designers use this effect to make the center of the image stand out. Here you see a photo with and without a vignette. . MORE
When was the last time you sent an email, or a text, rather than making a phone call. Chances are, it was within the last 24 hours. It is often easier, takes less time and takes less energy. It is also less effective. Our voices matter, and make an impact on how our message is received. It can impact who gets hired, and who doesn’t. But don’t take my word for it. Dr. Nick Epley is the John T. Keller Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. MORE
The next legend in a series on public speaking experts is one of the greatest orators ever, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is a legendary orator. We are lucky enough to have video clips of Dr. King to view, study and learn from. Dr. King inspired, and continues to inspire people with the power of his speech and the power of his actions. His speeches should be staples on playlists and iPods as his speeches are inspirational even on dark days. He is unquestionably a public speaking expert. MORE
Inside Voice is the interview series in which we ask speakers and speechwriters to share their public speaking insights, lessons learned, and best practices. MORE
. “What is the object of oratory? Its object is persuasion and conviction…”. - Woodrow Wilson, The Princetonian, 1877. Princeton and public speaking have a long, storied history together. MORE
2000 years ago our Greek and Roman presenter-ancestors left us an awesome inheritance — the formulae for magic. They left us scrolls and manuscripts full of magical word-spells. Spells that help us to bond with an audience. Spells that create indelible soundbites. 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
Have you ever noticed that many people treat the first part of their presentation as if it’s merely a list of what you need on a camping trip? …and every statement is spoken with “up-speak?” MORE
If you were looking for an awkward television moment to close out 2015, Steve Harvey has handed it to you on a silver plate. At the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant, it came down to the final three contestants: Miss Colombia, … Continue reading → Uncategorized Mark Critch Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach public speaking Steve Harvey MORE
Alert readers know that I post about communications, speechwriting, and social media strategy on the don't get caught blog. A recent series, Tell It Better , has focused on the core components of storytelling--not just in public speaking, but in all areas of communication. MORE
Interviewing is more than a set of questions. It is a stepping stone to your future, and you want to take that step with confidence. If you have made it to the interview, you have already demonstrated qualities and experience for which the company is looking. Of course, you will prepare yourself to respond to […]. The post Two Extra Steps to Prepare for a Job Interview appeared first on Speaking Freely. MORE
How often do you think about how you sound on the phone? Not often enough, I''d bet. I frequently get messages from people with mumbled messages, names I can''t understand, phone numbers rattled off too fast, and not enough information. MORE
Our favorite, and most effective, awards show speeches tend to go one of two directions: Humor or passion. Both kinds of speeches have the same effect, to trigger an emotional response in the audience. The response to the humorous speech is laughter, if only a chuckle or an internal giggle. 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
PowerPoint Mix is a new PowerPoint add-on by Microsoft, now in beta (not finalized). What is PowerPoint Mix? PowerPoint Mix is a PowerPoint-based tool for creating interactive online lessons. The basic process is simple: You create slides and can record audio and video. You can add quizzes. MORE
I have been selling my group speaking, voice and leadership presence courses and coaching for decades, longer than some of you may have been alive. If you ask me what my secret is, I will tell you it is the power that comes when I detach from the outcome during a sales conversation. MORE
Learn how to get into a higher state by expanding your inner awareness so you can be your best self for public speaking and presentations. Expanding your inner state frees you to be deeply relaxed, feel self-accepting and inclusive of others and to radiate a strong presence. MORE
My friend and presentation design expert, Timo Sorri, has created this slide deck that is currently featured on the home page of SlideShare. Timo asked me and seven other speaking professionals from around the world for one tip to help … Continue reading → Slide Presentation presentations SlideShare Timo Sorri MORE
I''m happy to say I''ll be presenting on the topic "Public speaking scares me. Should I do it, anyway?" on February 12 at 4pm EST. The webinar is sponsored by Medium and organized by the editors of Technically Speaking, which covers public speaking tips and opportunities in the tech world. MORE
Do you announce new events, training programs, or products? Would you like a simple-to-use animated video that makes the announcement? I recently created one for my monthly training program members. That program is called Power Pointers Quarter Hour. MORE
How Green is Your Voice? We all want to be green. But as Kermit so wisely said, “it’s not easy being green.” Especially for people who have to get up and speak or sing in front of others. 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
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
Data and information are not inherently boring. The key is to select the appropriate (and accurate) data to support your message. Yet, it also matters how you bring the data alive, giving it context and meaning. MORE
Many women think that a powerful voice is a low voice. Perhaps believing this to be the case, as women have stepped into more and more leadership positions in business, politics and the community, the average pitch of women’s voices in the western world has dropped significantly. On the average, women now speak only 2/3 […]. Executive Presence gender mask resonance vocal power MORE
One solution to the drought: Succulents! On my walk today through one of Santa Barbara''s more affluent neighborhoods, I made mental notes of all the ways the residents are dealing with California''s historic drought. MORE
One of the podcasts that I listen to regularly is The Good Life Project hosted by Jonathan Fields. The Good Life Project is “a global movement that inspires, educates, connects and supports mission-driven individuals in the quest to live better, more engaged, connected … Continue reading → Grammar Language Carmine Gallo Chris Anderson Ernest Hemingway George Orwell Good Life Project jargon Jonathan Fields Martin Shovel Mission Impossible simplicity MORE
The greatest presentation lessons will never be found in a book on using PowerPoint (or any other presentation tool). Advice and lessons are found in different places. I have always said that some of the greatest advice on presenting on stage comes from the world of stand-up comedy. MORE
As times of the year go, Halloween is terrible. Wonderfully terrible. Ghoulishly terribly. Fantabulously terrible. I like Halloween! So – while I head off to prepare my pumpkins, allow me to leave you with this little offering inspired by the literary heights of horror. MORE
It's been a while since I posted about a TV commercial (ah, the beauty of the DVR), but here's one I came across recently that perfectly demonstrates the concepts of concise, compelling and clear storytelling. MORE
Have you ever found yourself sitting in the center seat of a packed auditorium—hemmed in on both sides by people and laptops—listening to a keynote speaker who is supposed to be imparting knowledge and wisdom, but instead is droning on and on? You want to run, but you can’t. So you endure what seems like torture. You probably think this only happens in large university lecture halls, right? Not so. MORE
Yeah, congratulations and all to 2015 World Champion Mohammed Qahtani. I was watching here in my office in Colorado as you literally smoked the competition. But this post is for the rest of you. The losers. MORE
Despite being famously grammar-challenged, Master Yoda has a thing or two to teach us about being a powerful presenter. No, it’s not sharing profound thoughts like: “Always in motion is the future… ” (You don’t say!) Yoda’s secret is his role as a mentor. As a mentor, he has vast knowledge – after all he has trained Jedi knights for 800 years – but he’s not constantly spouting off about his own achievements or skills. MORE
Getting feedback is one of the most important steps in my creative process. As I’ve described in my books , one of my favorite ways to get feedback is to post my presentations and slidedocs on a wall and let a group of people I trust spend time critiquing them. 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?
PowerPoint Tips
FEBRUARY 28, 2015
A vignette effect on a photo typically places a dark, semi-transparent border around it. There are other possible variations, such as a light border, but dark is more common. Designers use this effect to make the center of the image stand out. Here you see a photo with and without a vignette. .
Matt Eventoff
FEBRUARY 20, 2015
. “What is the object of oratory? Its object is persuasion and conviction…”. - Woodrow Wilson, The Princetonian, 1877. Princeton and public speaking have a long, storied history together.
Speak Schmeak
FEBRUARY 23, 2015
Our favorite, and most effective, awards show speeches tend to go one of two directions: Humor or passion. Both kinds of speeches have the same effect, to trigger an emotional response in the audience. The response to the humorous speech is laughter, if only a chuckle or an internal giggle.
Manner of Speaking
DECEMBER 21, 2015
If you were looking for an awkward television moment to close out 2015, Steve Harvey has handed it to you on a silver plate. At the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant, it came down to the final three contestants: Miss Colombia, … Continue reading → Uncategorized Mark Critch Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach public speaking Steve Harvey
Kate's Voice
SEPTEMBER 22, 2015
Many women think that a powerful voice is a low voice. Perhaps believing this to be the case, as women have stepped into more and more leadership positions in business, politics and the community, the average pitch of women’s voices in the western world has dropped significantly. On the average, women now speak only 2/3 […]. Executive Presence gender mask resonance vocal power
The Eloquent Woman
FEBRUARY 3, 2015
I''m happy to say I''ll be presenting on the topic "Public speaking scares me. Should I do it, anyway?" on February 12 at 4pm EST. The webinar is sponsored by Medium and organized by the editors of Technically Speaking, which covers public speaking tips and opportunities in the tech world.
Succeed Speaking
AUGUST 25, 2015
[NOTE: This post contains affiliate links to free resources, which means I may be paid a commission if you choose to purchase any products for sale on the external sites. Thank you for reading.]. If you’re a speaker, or if you want to speak, you should write a book.
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?
PowerPoint Tips
JANUARY 17, 2015
PowerPoint Mix is a new PowerPoint add-on by Microsoft, now in beta (not finalized). What is PowerPoint Mix? PowerPoint Mix is a PowerPoint-based tool for creating interactive online lessons. The basic process is simple: You create slides and can record audio and video. You can add quizzes.
Matt Eventoff
JANUARY 19, 2015
The next legend in a series on public speaking experts is one of the greatest orators ever, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is a legendary orator. We are lucky enough to have video clips of Dr. King to view, study and learn from. Dr. King inspired, and continues to inspire people with the power of his speech and the power of his actions. His speeches should be staples on playlists and iPods as his speeches are inspirational even on dark days. He is unquestionably a public speaking expert.
Speak Schmeak
APRIL 6, 2015
One solution to the drought: Succulents! On my walk today through one of Santa Barbara''s more affluent neighborhoods, I made mental notes of all the ways the residents are dealing with California''s historic drought.
Manner of Speaking
DECEMBER 3, 2015
My friend and presentation design expert, Timo Sorri, has created this slide deck that is currently featured on the home page of SlideShare. Timo asked me and seven other speaking professionals from around the world for one tip to help … Continue reading → Slide Presentation presentations SlideShare Timo Sorri
The Presenter's Blog
OCTOBER 31, 2015
As times of the year go, Halloween is terrible. Wonderfully terrible. Ghoulishly terribly. Fantabulously terrible. I like Halloween! So – while I head off to prepare my pumpkins, allow me to leave you with this little offering inspired by the literary heights of horror.
Presentation Zen
JUNE 2, 2015
A good book I often recommend is: Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive by Dr. Robert B. Cialdini et al. I first read the book when it came out in 2008. The book is designed for professionals who are interested in becoming better at understanding how to persuade or influence others.
Speaking Freely
MARCH 8, 2015
Interviewing is more than a set of questions. It is a stepping stone to your future, and you want to take that step with confidence. If you have made it to the interview, you have already demonstrated qualities and experience for which the company is looking. Of course, you will prepare yourself to respond to […]. The post Two Extra Steps to Prepare for a Job Interview appeared first on Speaking Freely.
Duarte Blog
JULY 14, 2015
Getting feedback is one of the most important steps in my creative process. As I’ve described in my books , one of my favorite ways to get feedback is to post my presentations and slidedocs on a wall and let a group of people I trust spend time critiquing them.
The Eloquent Woman
MAY 28, 2015
Inside Voice is the interview series in which we ask speakers and speechwriters to share their public speaking insights, lessons learned, and best practices.
Kate's Voice
MAY 28, 2015
Have you ever noticed that many people treat the first part of their presentation as if it’s merely a list of what you need on a camping trip? …and every statement is spoken with “up-speak?”
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 13, 2015
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).
PowerPoint Tips
MAY 26, 2015
Do you announce new events, training programs, or products? Would you like a simple-to-use animated video that makes the announcement? I recently created one for my monthly training program members. That program is called Power Pointers Quarter Hour.
DeFinis Communications
JUNE 28, 2015
Have you ever found yourself sitting in the center seat of a packed auditorium—hemmed in on both sides by people and laptops—listening to a keynote speaker who is supposed to be imparting knowledge and wisdom, but instead is droning on and on? You want to run, but you can’t. So you endure what seems like torture. You probably think this only happens in large university lecture halls, right? Not so.
Speak Schmeak
AUGUST 23, 2015
It's been a while since I posted about a TV commercial (ah, the beauty of the DVR), but here's one I came across recently that perfectly demonstrates the concepts of concise, compelling and clear storytelling.
Manner of Speaking
NOVEMBER 2, 2015
One of the podcasts that I listen to regularly is The Good Life Project hosted by Jonathan Fields. The Good Life Project is “a global movement that inspires, educates, connects and supports mission-driven individuals in the quest to live better, more engaged, connected … Continue reading → Grammar Language Carmine Gallo Chris Anderson Ernest Hemingway George Orwell Good Life Project jargon Jonathan Fields Martin Shovel Mission Impossible simplicity
Speak and Deliver
AUGUST 18, 2015
Yeah, congratulations and all to 2015 World Champion Mohammed Qahtani. I was watching here in my office in Colorado as you literally smoked the competition. But this post is for the rest of you. The losers.
Presentation Zen
APRIL 8, 2015
The greatest presentation lessons will never be found in a book on using PowerPoint (or any other presentation tool). Advice and lessons are found in different places. I have always said that some of the greatest advice on presenting on stage comes from the world of stand-up comedy.
Speaking Freely
NOVEMBER 16, 2015
I have been selling my group speaking, voice and leadership presence courses and coaching for decades, longer than some of you may have been alive. If you ask me what my secret is, I will tell you it is the power that comes when I detach from the outcome during a sales conversation.
Duarte Blog
OCTOBER 22, 2015
Despite being famously grammar-challenged, Master Yoda has a thing or two to teach us about being a powerful presenter. No, it’s not sharing profound thoughts like: “Always in motion is the future… ” (You don’t say!) Yoda’s secret is his role as a mentor. As a mentor, he has vast knowledge – after all he has trained Jedi knights for 800 years – but he’s not constantly spouting off about his own achievements or skills.
The Eloquent Woman
NOVEMBER 5, 2015
Alert readers know that I post about communications, speechwriting, and social media strategy on the don't get caught blog. A recent series, Tell It Better , has focused on the core components of storytelling--not just in public speaking, but in all areas of communication.
Kate's Voice
FEBRUARY 3, 2015
How Green is Your Voice? We all want to be green. But as Kermit so wisely said, “it’s not easy being green.” Especially for people who have to get up and speak or sing in front of others.
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.
PowerPoint Tips
MAY 31, 2015
Add action verbs to your slide titles. When I work with clients, I sometimes find that their slide titles are boring and even meaningless. We work together to make the slide titles more powerful. Use verbs when writing slide titles.
Matt Eventoff
MAY 29, 2015
When was the last time you sent an email, or a text, rather than making a phone call. Chances are, it was within the last 24 hours. It is often easier, takes less time and takes less energy. It is also less effective. Our voices matter, and make an impact on how our message is received. It can impact who gets hired, and who doesn’t. But don’t take my word for it. Dr. Nick Epley is the John T. Keller Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Speak Schmeak
JANUARY 31, 2015
How often do you think about how you sound on the phone? Not often enough, I''d bet. I frequently get messages from people with mumbled messages, names I can''t understand, phone numbers rattled off too fast, and not enough information.
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