Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Congratulations on having a great business idea. Extra congratulations if you’ve started the company and gotten some traction. Good job, you! Now all you need is some money to bring your startup vision to life. So…you start writing a pitch. MORE
I just read an email about an author from Port Elizabeth who has lost over 200 pages from a book that she is busy writing after her laptop was stolen. These are over 200 pages of the only draft! While I feel sorry for her, I hear this kind of story almost every week. How simple is it to really backup your files? I am sure that right now, she is thinking that perhaps she should back up on a more regular basis. MORE
How can presenters keep an audience engaged when going over large sets of data? MORE
In cooperation with the Khan Academy , Pixar and Disney have been offering Pixar in a Box , an on-going series of behind-the-scenes lessons taught by Pixar's professionals (storytellers, animators, directors, artists, etc.). MORE
Gary Bailey plated goalkeeper for Manchester United for almost 300 games, and being South African he is considered something of a local hear. Here are some lessons from him: On Manchester United: Is a $1 billion business. Delivers weekly. Has 300 million customers. Lessons. Be tough and learn to takes knocks. Build on gratitude. Appreciate staff and all those around you. Things go wrong for everybody at some time. It’s how you deal with life, not what happens to you that makes a difference. MORE
I still get nervous about public speaking. But I’ve transformed my relationship with nervousness. It is now a friendly companion, not an evil stalker. There are many aspects to this transformation, and there’s just one that I want to talk about in this post. MORE
If you’re not getting the results you want or if you’re having meeting after meeting and you’re not getting the response you want from your team, it’s time to look at how and what you’re communicating, says Matt Eventoff… Read More. » » Read more. MORE
Use your smartphone to improve your public speaking skills. Most business professionals have some brand of smartphone by now. And every day we can learn new ways to use them to increase productivity. But did you know your smartphone can also help you improve your public speaking skills? It’s true! MORE
It’s no secret that many people are afraid of public speaking. As Jerry Seinfeld has said, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two! This means, to the average person, if … Continue reading → Nerves Psychology of Public Speaking Jerry Seinfeld Mark Twain public speaking MORE
If you’re feeling nervous about giving an upcoming presentation, use your voice to your advantage. In other words, as you speak, make your voice sound like you are enjoying yourself even if you’re under stress. Easier said than done? Perhaps. MORE
One way to create a modern look is to use BIG shapes. Recent design trends often use large shapes with lots of white space. You can see this on some websites. In this post, I show you 2 ways to use circles to create a bold, modern statement. Use a circle for a numbered list. MORE
On Thursday May 18 members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable were in conversation with Tim Pollard, author of The Compelling Communicator: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design. 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
As a young lawyer I idolized a senior lawyer in our city. Margaret Nixon was cool and poised. As a speaker she was clear and logical, but still warm and engaging. She got her message across every single time. And did I mention she could also make people laugh! MORE
“There’s this one guy at my company who…”. So began my in-flight conversation about presentations and presentation mistakes. This happens a lot. The surprising thing about this conversation was the rest of the sentence. “…is is way too exuberant when he presents.”. Wait, what? Nobody says that. MORE
You can spend a lot of time formatting a shape or some text in PowerPoint and you certainly don’t want to have to repeat that process if it isn’t necessary. The good news is that PowerPoint has several techniques to copy formatting and animation. MORE
Breathing to manage public speaking fear really works. However, it only works if you practice it regularly and integrate conscious deep breathing into daily activities. It is often called mindful breathing. MORE
I made a decision this morning to listen only to people who speak with gravitas. The last couple days I have been watching the news on CBS This Morning. Yesterday Samantha Powers sat with the CBS This Morning hosts, Charlie Rose, Nora O’Donnell and Gayle King. MORE
I don’t have to tell you that your voice is attached to your body. And I probably don’t have to tell you that your body needs exercise. But what kind of exercise makes your voice work better? And how does a full-body workout compare with vocal warm-ups for getting your voice going? MORE
Whenever a celebrity—whether actor, singer, athlete or other entertainer—takes the opportunity at an awards ceremony or other public event to speak out about a political issue, certain segments of the public immediately begin scolding and lashing out. It's inappropriate!" they say. MORE
A recent This American Life podcast broadcast a piece I’d missed when it first went out a year ago. It’s the remarkable story of how Ricard Pierce, a prison inmate, transformed his terminal shyness by enrolling in Toastmasters (yes, they have chapters that meet behind bars). MORE
I recently came across the six-minute film, Jim Carrey: I Needed Color. It is a beautifully shot and wonderfully told story about Jim Carrey’s fascination with art, particularly painting. The movie shows a side of Carrey with which many people … Continue reading → Motivation Psychology of Public Speaking Art Emotion Florian Mueck Jim Carrey Luciano Pavarotti Olivia Schofield Oscar Wilde public speaking storytelling MORE
year ago I started paceseting for races in Cape Town. My first race was the UCT 10k. I drove a (somewhat empty) 60 minute bus, and arrived at 59:10. Over the past year I have been a pacesetter for 20 races with a total distance of 704km (ok so I love numbers; I freely admit it). Even though it has only been a year, pacesetting has taught me about running in a bus, and about running in general, and my busses are a lot more full. Here are a few tips. I hope they help. When running in a bus. MORE
There’s an important reason that you should consider creating a menu slide, which is a slide that links to other parts of your presentation (and maybe outside resources as well). You could also call it an agenda slide. (In MORE
Most people know that exercise is good for you, both physically and mentally. Physical activity can be a great stress reliever too. However, when it comes to bulking up the brain, not all exercise is created equal. MORE
What makes a talk or conversation inspiring? Is it magic? Is it power? Is it beauty that inspires? Is it joy, pain, or sorrow? Leaders often feel a need to be inspiring because they want to get people to embrace their ideas and follow their lead. MORE
It's a new year, and with a new year comes lots of marketing hyperbole. Lots of "New year, new you!" and "Step into your greatness!" kinds of posts, articles and of course, paid programs. Every January, I feel the pressure. Do you feel the pressure? MORE
I was recently contacted by a woman who manages a small team of young, inexperienced salespeople. She was primarily concerned with their lack of self-awareness; their behaviors in front of clients and prospects were less-than-stellar. One person bites their nails in meetings. MORE
Mark Twain once gave the following advice to writers: Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very’; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. American novelist and columnist Florence King was … Continue reading → Grammar Florence King grammar Mark Twain public speaking very writing MORE
If you are feeling dissatisfied with your life, it could be because you have not learned to speak up in public in order to fulfill your soul’s desire to make a difference. I believe we each have a gift to give the world. We each have some contribution to make that adds value to humanity […]. MORE
You can’t make an image itself transparent in PowerPoint, but there’s a workaround. Why would you want to make an image transparent? For a soft look. To overlap images. To let text show through. You might have other reasons — if so leave a comment! It’s a matter of choice. MORE
Do you sometime struggle to decide how to open your presentations? MORE
People use speech patterns of popular culture because they are, like, popular. Part of the fun of life is to copy what we hear said in films and TV because it is a way to share common experience. Common experience is a great way to engage others. However, as my mom used to say, “Everything […]. MORE
There’s a book called “What to Say When…You’re Dying on the Platform” by Lily Walters. It’s full of clever quips and responses for when things aren’t going your way during a presentation or speech. My partner Tony loves it. I could never use any of it. MORE
Whether or not dogs are man’s (and woman’s’) best friend they have certainly risen on the popularity scale recently. You see dogs everywhere you go from city streets, to office cubicles to airplanes not to mention dog parks and front yards. They are good companions and playmates and in some cases excellent emotional and physical support animals. But did you know that dogs can also be a great audience for your presentation rehearsal? MORE
Mark Twain once gave the following advice to writers: Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very’; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. American novelist and columnist Florence King was … Continue reading → Grammar Florence King grammar Mark Twain public speaking very writing MORE
Is this the world’s worst ever research presentation? We are indebted to Marc Jadoul for discovering this little gem. The renowned researcher, Dr Fisher-Katz, addresses an audience of undergraduates on her specialist subject, Nano Electronics. MORE
An example of servant leadership happened in a restaurant last night. My wife and I were enjoying a meal in a local restaurant. We were not enjoying our drinks, because even though we had repeatedly asked for them, the drinks failed to arrive. A waitress, Jade, who was working another table saw that we were having a problem. When we told her she went off to the bar, spoke to the barman and came back immediately with our drinks. MORE
Manner of Speaking
NOVEMBER 5, 2017
It’s no secret that many people are afraid of public speaking. As Jerry Seinfeld has said, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two! This means, to the average person, if … Continue reading → Nerves Psychology of Public Speaking Jerry Seinfeld Mark Twain public speaking
Speaking about Presenting
NOVEMBER 15, 2017
I still get nervous about public speaking. But I’ve transformed my relationship with nervousness. It is now a friendly companion, not an evil stalker. There are many aspects to this transformation, and there’s just one that I want to talk about in this post.
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PowerPoint Tips
AUGUST 19, 2017
You can spend a lot of time formatting a shape or some text in PowerPoint and you certainly don’t want to have to repeat that process if it isn’t necessary. The good news is that PowerPoint has several techniques to copy formatting and animation.
Craig Strachan - Keep Talking!
MAY 4, 2017
year ago I started paceseting for races in Cape Town. My first race was the UCT 10k. I drove a (somewhat empty) 60 minute bus, and arrived at 59:10. Over the past year I have been a pacesetter for 20 races with a total distance of 704km (ok so I love numbers; I freely admit it). Even though it has only been a year, pacesetting has taught me about running in a bus, and about running in general, and my busses are a lot more full. Here are a few tips. I hope they help. When running in a bus.
DeFinis Communications
JUNE 22, 2017
If you’re feeling nervous about giving an upcoming presentation, use your voice to your advantage. In other words, as you speak, make your voice sound like you are enjoying yourself even if you’re under stress. Easier said than done? Perhaps.
Speak Schmeak
NOVEMBER 6, 2017
I was recently contacted by a woman who manages a small team of young, inexperienced salespeople. She was primarily concerned with their lack of self-awareness; their behaviors in front of clients and prospects were less-than-stellar. One person bites their nails in meetings.
Speaking Freely
MAY 4, 2017
Breathing to manage public speaking fear really works. However, it only works if you practice it regularly and integrate conscious deep breathing into daily activities. It is often called mindful breathing.
Speaking Pro Central brings together the best content for professional speakers from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
Matt Eventoff
OCTOBER 23, 2017
If you’re not getting the results you want or if you’re having meeting after meeting and you’re not getting the response you want from your team, it’s time to look at how and what you’re communicating, says Matt Eventoff… Read More. » » Read more.
Presentation Zen
FEBRUARY 19, 2017
In cooperation with the Khan Academy , Pixar and Disney have been offering Pixar in a Box , an on-going series of behind-the-scenes lessons taught by Pixar's professionals (storytellers, animators, directors, artists, etc.).
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
Manner of Speaking
JANUARY 17, 2017
Mark Twain once gave the following advice to writers: Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very’; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. American novelist and columnist Florence King was … Continue reading → Grammar Florence King grammar Mark Twain public speaking very writing
Speaking about Presenting
JUNE 8, 2017
Do you sometime struggle to decide how to open your presentations?
PowerPoint Tips
SEPTEMBER 23, 2017
One way to create a modern look is to use BIG shapes. Recent design trends often use large shapes with lots of white space. You can see this on some websites. In this post, I show you 2 ways to use circles to create a bold, modern statement. Use a circle for a numbered list.
Craig Strachan - Keep Talking!
SEPTEMBER 15, 2017
I just read an email about an author from Port Elizabeth who has lost over 200 pages from a book that she is busy writing after her laptop was stolen. These are over 200 pages of the only draft! While I feel sorry for her, I hear this kind of story almost every week. How simple is it to really backup your files? I am sure that right now, she is thinking that perhaps she should back up on a more regular basis.
DeFinis Communications
AUGUST 28, 2017
Most people know that exercise is good for you, both physically and mentally. Physical activity can be a great stress reliever too. However, when it comes to bulking up the brain, not all exercise is created equal.
Speak Schmeak
JANUARY 18, 2017
It's a new year, and with a new year comes lots of marketing hyperbole. Lots of "New year, new you!" and "Step into your greatness!" kinds of posts, articles and of course, paid programs. Every January, I feel the pressure. Do you feel the pressure?
Speaking Freely
MARCH 3, 2017
If you are feeling dissatisfied with your life, it could be because you have not learned to speak up in public in order to fulfill your soul’s desire to make a difference. I believe we each have a gift to give the world. We each have some contribution to make that adds value to humanity […].
Kate's Voice
SEPTEMBER 21, 2017
I don’t have to tell you that your voice is attached to your body. And I probably don’t have to tell you that your body needs exercise. But what kind of exercise makes your voice work better? And how does a full-body workout compare with vocal warm-ups for getting your voice going?
Duarte Blog
SEPTEMBER 5, 2017
Congratulations on having a great business idea. Extra congratulations if you’ve started the company and gotten some traction. Good job, you! Now all you need is some money to bring your startup vision to life. So…you start writing a pitch.
Presentation Guru
OCTOBER 19, 2017
Is this the world’s worst ever research presentation? We are indebted to Marc Jadoul for discovering this little gem. The renowned researcher, Dr Fisher-Katz, addresses an audience of undergraduates on her specialist subject, Nano Electronics.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MAY 20, 2017
On Thursday May 18 members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable were in conversation with Tim Pollard, author of The Compelling Communicator: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional Presentation Design.
Manner of Speaking
JANUARY 17, 2017
Mark Twain once gave the following advice to writers: Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very’; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. American novelist and columnist Florence King was … Continue reading → Grammar Florence King grammar Mark Twain public speaking very writing
Speaking about Presenting
NOVEMBER 8, 2017
There’s a book called “What to Say When…You’re Dying on the Platform” by Lily Walters. It’s full of clever quips and responses for when things aren’t going your way during a presentation or speech. My partner Tony loves it. I could never use any of it.
PowerPoint Tips
DECEMBER 18, 2017
There’s an important reason that you should consider creating a menu slide, which is a slide that links to other parts of your presentation (and maybe outside resources as well). You could also call it an agenda slide. (In
Craig Strachan - Keep Talking!
APRIL 24, 2017
Gary Bailey plated goalkeeper for Manchester United for almost 300 games, and being South African he is considered something of a local hear. Here are some lessons from him: On Manchester United: Is a $1 billion business. Delivers weekly. Has 300 million customers. Lessons. Be tough and learn to takes knocks. Build on gratitude. Appreciate staff and all those around you. Things go wrong for everybody at some time. It’s how you deal with life, not what happens to you that makes a difference.
DeFinis Communications
JUNE 27, 2017
Use your smartphone to improve your public speaking skills. Most business professionals have some brand of smartphone by now. And every day we can learn new ways to use them to increase productivity. But did you know your smartphone can also help you improve your public speaking skills? It’s true!
Speak Schmeak
JANUARY 21, 2017
Whenever a celebrity—whether actor, singer, athlete or other entertainer—takes the opportunity at an awards ceremony or other public event to speak out about a political issue, certain segments of the public immediately begin scolding and lashing out. It's inappropriate!" they say.
Speaking Freely
JANUARY 12, 2017
I made a decision this morning to listen only to people who speak with gravitas. The last couple days I have been watching the news on CBS This Morning. Yesterday Samantha Powers sat with the CBS This Morning hosts, Charlie Rose, Nora O’Donnell and Gayle King.
Kate's Voice
APRIL 12, 2017
What makes a talk or conversation inspiring? Is it magic? Is it power? Is it beauty that inspires? Is it joy, pain, or sorrow? Leaders often feel a need to be inspiring because they want to get people to embrace their ideas and follow their lead.
Duarte Blog
MAY 3, 2017
“There’s this one guy at my company who…”. So began my in-flight conversation about presentations and presentation mistakes. This happens a lot. The surprising thing about this conversation was the rest of the sentence. “…is is way too exuberant when he presents.”. Wait, what? Nobody says that.
Presentation Guru
JANUARY 19, 2017
How can presenters keep an audience engaged when going over large sets of data?
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 3, 2017
A recent This American Life podcast broadcast a piece I’d missed when it first went out a year ago. It’s the remarkable story of how Ricard Pierce, a prison inmate, transformed his terminal shyness by enrolling in Toastmasters (yes, they have chapters that meet behind bars).
Manner of Speaking
SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
I recently came across the six-minute film, Jim Carrey: I Needed Color. It is a beautifully shot and wonderfully told story about Jim Carrey’s fascination with art, particularly painting. The movie shows a side of Carrey with which many people … Continue reading → Motivation Psychology of Public Speaking Art Emotion Florian Mueck Jim Carrey Luciano Pavarotti Olivia Schofield Oscar Wilde public speaking storytelling
Speaking about Presenting
DECEMBER 7, 2017
As a young lawyer I idolized a senior lawyer in our city. Margaret Nixon was cool and poised. As a speaker she was clear and logical, but still warm and engaging. She got her message across every single time. And did I mention she could also make people laugh!
PowerPoint Tips
JULY 8, 2017
You can’t make an image itself transparent in PowerPoint, but there’s a workaround. Why would you want to make an image transparent? For a soft look. To overlap images. To let text show through. You might have other reasons — if so leave a comment! It’s a matter of choice.
Craig Strachan - Keep Talking!
JANUARY 11, 2017
An example of servant leadership happened in a restaurant last night. My wife and I were enjoying a meal in a local restaurant. We were not enjoying our drinks, because even though we had repeatedly asked for them, the drinks failed to arrive. A waitress, Jade, who was working another table saw that we were having a problem. When we told her she went off to the bar, spoke to the barman and came back immediately with our drinks.
DeFinis Communications
JULY 31, 2017
Whether or not dogs are man’s (and woman’s’) best friend they have certainly risen on the popularity scale recently. You see dogs everywhere you go from city streets, to office cubicles to airplanes not to mention dog parks and front yards. They are good companions and playmates and in some cases excellent emotional and physical support animals. But did you know that dogs can also be a great audience for your presentation rehearsal?
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