Expert insights. Personalized for you.
PowerPoint presentations are not usually known for being engaging or interactive. That’s often because most people treat their slides as if they are notes to read off and not a tool to help empower their message. MORE
Long before Lululemon, Bikram Hot Yoga and the ubiquitous downward facing dog, yoga was being taught in small studios in San Francisco, New York and the Hudson River Valley. MORE
In my bestselling e-book, Slide Design for Non-Designers, I cover 4 layouts that always look good. These are for slides that have a title and an image. The layouts make it easy to quickly create a professional-looking slide. MORE
On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Jeff Davenport in a free conference call. MORE
The Change Picture feature in PowerPoint is very powerful because it lets you substitute another picture but keep the most of formatting. You might want to change the picture because: You made a mistake and inserted the wrong picture. MORE
“A fox knows many things, but a hedgehog one important thing” — Archilochus I recently had a situation where a potential client in the technology industry preferred to hire a speechwriter with deep domain knowledge rather than go with someone with general writing skills. This is, in some ways, choosing the “hedgehog” who is a […]. Speechwriting MORE
I recommend using the Tell ‘n’ Show SM method for your slides. That means putting a slide title on each slide that tells the point and adding an image, diagram, chart, etc. to show the point. You DON’T put everything you say on the slide. MORE
By Greg Robb. "Matt "Matt Eventoff, owner of Princeton Public Speaking, a firm that trains executives to give speak in public, said Bernanke will be highly desirable as a speaker for at least the next two years. MORE
You're probably hearing a lot right now about using your voice. With elections coming up, it's important to be reminded that our voices—via our votes—really do make a difference. I know. sometimes it doesn't feel that way. Sometimes we feel small, we feel powerless, and we feel disheartened. MORE
I’ve done it, and if you’ve ever got a stack of feedback forms after a presentation, you’ve probably done it. You go through all the feedback forms ignoring the “Great job” “Learnt a lot” comments and go straight for the form that declares: “That was a load of mumbo jumbo” And then you flagellate yourself. You obsess over it. You can not let go of it. It’s the human brain at work. MORE
Audiences today want an interactive experience. As a presenter, you can: Ask them questions. Answer their questions. Organize small group exercises. But you can do more. You can also integrate your audience into the presentation itself. MORE
As a presenter, one can tend to focus too much on the final presentation, missing one essential ingredient in the mix, empathy! MORE
When is the last time you did some list hygiene? Pardon! List hygiene is putting your email list through a series of processes that ensure that people really want to be included. We did some research recently and realized over a thousand people on my list hadn’t been engaging. That meant they hadn’t opened […]. The post A Solid List is Better Than a Big List appeared first on Jane Atkinson. MORE
For many thousands of students, the new semester, and academic year, is about to begin. Many professors will be speaking to a rapt classroom with eager students who are consumed with their subject matter. MORE
First, let’s talk about what doesn’t happen. The audience does not think that you’ve forgotten something. The audience does not hear your heart beating. The audience does not think that you are stupid. The audience does not think that you … Continue reading → Delivery Uncategorized pause pausing presentations public speaking MORE
Here’s a valuable tip for finding stories from your life that you can use to make talks and presentations more engaging and compelling. Both professional and personal stories can be used to illustrate ideas, make points and sell your services. If you read my last post on 6 Reasons to Tell Stories in Presentations, Leadership […]. MORE
For the past 10 years, I have been writing Kate’s Voice and been honored with a growing, loyal following and recognition by groups such as Global Gurus, as well as many individuals who I respect and admire. I’ve enjoyed the ride. MORE
As a presenter, you are looking to influence people and get your message across. However, a minority of individuals can sometimes ruin the prospects of a good presenter. It is not only essential to deliver a good presentation but it is also important to win hearts and minds during the process. MORE
What lengths would you go to in order to become a master orator, or to take your public speaking to the next level? Stand barefoot on blacktop while reciting your speech to test your patience and create proper cadence? Practice on a tightrope to master balance and control over motion? MORE
You’re standing in front of your ideal audience, you had them at “hello” and you rocked them all the way through until you close. As you exit the stage to thunderous applause, the leader of the organization pumps your hand and says “Thank you so much, that was exactly what my people needed to hear.” […]. The post What Are Your “Pinch Me” Moments? appeared first on Jane Atkinson. MORE
At the beginning of term, a ceramics teacher divided his students into two groups, Group A and Group B. To Group A he said: “I want you to make as many pots as possible. At the end of the term I’ll grade you on the weight of your pots.”. To Group B he said: “I want you to make the best pot possible. At the end of the term I’ll grade you on the quality of your pot.”. MORE
“I was so happy with how Freaks and Geeks came out, that in my head I thought 'my career is basically over.' I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish, and everything else is gravy. And so nothing else matters. I can experiment. I can do anything. MORE
Extreme success. A New Yorker. Middle-Aged. And, struggling with clinical depression. Readers and colleagues in the communications/coaching industries, if that profile fits you, your co-workers, and/or your loved ones, then recognize that these are The Hanging Times. MORE
Most people don’t spend their lives giving presentations. Many people spend NONE of their lives giving presentations. Lots of leaders I’ve met would rather not have to give any. MORE
When asked to think on your feet, many people say there is nothing in their heads to talk about. They think they are frozen. They say they are “blank.” Worse, they judge themselves negatively, and think having a blank mind is wrong. It is not wrong to be blank. I believe it is the right place […]. The post How to Think on Your Feet by Speaking from a Blank State of Mind appeared first on Read The Self-Expression Blog to Improve Speaking Skills. MORE
Story Telling is a powerful way to open up presentations, leadership messages and meetings of all kinds. Telling the right story produces astonishing results for you as a speaker and leader. If you’re not sure what a story is, it’s just what happened. That means it involves human beings doing or experiencing something. In case you don’t […]. MORE
What a seasoned public speaker brings to the stage is a collection of presentation skills. It is these skills that help the speaker connect with the audience, communicate a clear message, and make that message memorable. MORE
Speaking up in meetings is a useful thing to do both for your career and for your personal growth. MORE
In the latest in my occasional “How to…” series, we’re going to discuss how to tell stories as part of your presentation. MORE
When you have a big presentation coming up, do you say to yourself: “I must be knowledgeable.” ” “I must be the expert on this topic.” ” “I must be able to answer every question.” ” The problem with these statements. The first is the use of the word “must” This makes them into a demand – something that you must achieve. And demanding that you achieve something is likely to increase your nervousness. MORE
My clients will frequently say to me, "I don't understand why I'm so nervous. There must be something wrong with me." Well, if it's wrong to be human, I guess we all have something wrong with us! What we forget is that, while we are indeed human, we are also animals. Human animals, but still animals. MORE
Illustrated by Ash Oat Microsoft estimates that there are about 30 million PowerPoint presentations created every single day—which is why if you’ve spent time in an office, you’ve probably spent time looking at something that was built in PowerPoint. MORE
I have two types of clients. Client A – The speaker who will take every piece of business that comes towards them at any fee. And Client B – The speaker who “interviews” each piece of business to check for a good fit in terms of content, expectations, fee and budget. Which one are you? […]. The post The Wealthy Speaker Gets Their Fee appeared first on Jane Atkinson. MORE
The 2018 Golden Globe Awards were handed out last night (7 January 2018). There were several highlights and many winners, but the overwhelming consensus is that Oprah Winfrey stole the show. Winfrey, a talk show host, actress and philanthropist was … Continue reading → Analysis of a Speech Anaphora Epizeuxis Golden Globes Oprah Winfrey Polysyndeton public speaking Recy Taylor Rosa Parks speech analysis tricolon MORE
Don’t take my word for it. Just ask … Aristotle Frédéric Chopin Chip and Dan Heath Steve Jobs Bruce Lee Charles Mingus Pablo Picasso Dieter Rams Ken Segall Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Robin Sharma Simplicity isn’t simple. It takes thought and … Continue reading → Uncategorized Aristotle Bruce Lee Frédéric Chopin Pablo Picasso presentations public speaking simplicity Steve Jobs MORE
I am one of the co-founders of Presentation Guru, a digital magazine for public speaking professionals. This post is part of a series designed to share the great content on Presentation Guru with the Manner of Speaking community. ——— Today, there are hundreds of books about … Continue reading → Book Review Presentation Guru books Presentation public speaking MORE
Many of my speaker colleagues reject the use of slides. They say slides are boring, prevent engagement, and distract the audience away from the speaker's message. And yep, they do. MORE
This Saturday I attended the annual Presidents Day meeting of the National Speakers Association Northern California Chapter. As a past Chapter President (2008-09) I was invited to the meeting where the current national president, Brian Walter, CPAE, CSP held a brilliant workshop modestly titled ‘A Bazillion Extreme Ways to Use Video DURING Your Speeches’ This […]. Business Communication Technology video MORE
Manner of Speaking
JANUARY 8, 2018
The 2018 Golden Globe Awards were handed out last night (7 January 2018). There were several highlights and many winners, but the overwhelming consensus is that Oprah Winfrey stole the show. Winfrey, a talk show host, actress and philanthropist was … Continue reading → Analysis of a Speech Anaphora Epizeuxis Golden Globes Oprah Winfrey Polysyndeton public speaking Recy Taylor Rosa Parks speech analysis tricolon
PowerPoint Tips
NOVEMBER 27, 2018
In my bestselling e-book, Slide Design for Non-Designers, I cover 4 layouts that always look good. These are for slides that have a title and an image. The layouts make it easy to quickly create a professional-looking slide.
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Speaking about Presenting
APRIL 12, 2018
Speaking up in meetings is a useful thing to do both for your career and for your personal growth.
Speak Schmeak
DECEMBER 2, 2018
Many of my speaker colleagues reject the use of slides. They say slides are boring, prevent engagement, and distract the audience away from the speaker's message. And yep, they do.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 30, 2018
On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Jeff Davenport in a free conference call.
Matt Eventoff
JULY 17, 2018
For many thousands of students, the new semester, and academic year, is about to begin. Many professors will be speaking to a rapt classroom with eager students who are consumed with their subject matter.
Speaking Freely
SEPTEMBER 7, 2018
Story Telling is a powerful way to open up presentations, leadership messages and meetings of all kinds. Telling the right story produces astonishing results for you as a speaker and leader. If you’re not sure what a story is, it’s just what happened. That means it involves human beings doing or experiencing something. In case you don’t […].
Speaking Pro Central brings together the best content for professional speakers from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
SlideModel
JULY 19, 2018
PowerPoint presentations are not usually known for being engaging or interactive. That’s often because most people treat their slides as if they are notes to read off and not a tool to help empower their message.
Kate's Voice
SEPTEMBER 25, 2018
For the past 10 years, I have been writing Kate’s Voice and been honored with a growing, loyal following and recognition by groups such as Global Gurus, as well as many individuals who I respect and admire. I’ve enjoyed the ride.
Speaker Launcher
NOVEMBER 20, 2018
When is the last time you did some list hygiene? Pardon! List hygiene is putting your email list through a series of processes that ensure that people really want to be included. We did some research recently and realized over a thousand people on my list hadn’t been engaging. That meant they hadn’t opened […]. The post A Solid List is Better Than a Big List appeared first on Jane Atkinson.
Manner of Speaking
MARCH 11, 2018
Don’t take my word for it. Just ask … Aristotle Frédéric Chopin Chip and Dan Heath Steve Jobs Bruce Lee Charles Mingus Pablo Picasso Dieter Rams Ken Segall Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Robin Sharma Simplicity isn’t simple. It takes thought and … Continue reading → Uncategorized Aristotle Bruce Lee Frédéric Chopin Pablo Picasso presentations public speaking simplicity Steve Jobs
PowerPoint Tips
SEPTEMBER 16, 2018
Audiences today want an interactive experience. As a presenter, you can: Ask them questions. Answer their questions. Organize small group exercises. But you can do more. You can also integrate your audience into the presentation itself.
Speaking about Presenting
AUGUST 7, 2018
When you have a big presentation coming up, do you say to yourself: “I must be knowledgeable.” ” “I must be the expert on this topic.” ” “I must be able to answer every question.” ” The problem with these statements. The first is the use of the word “must” This makes them into a demand – something that you must achieve. And demanding that you achieve something is likely to increase your nervousness.
Speak Schmeak
JUNE 21, 2018
“I was so happy with how Freaks and Geeks came out, that in my head I thought 'my career is basically over.' I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish, and everything else is gravy. And so nothing else matters. I can experiment. I can do anything.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JANUARY 14, 2018
This Saturday I attended the annual Presidents Day meeting of the National Speakers Association Northern California Chapter. As a past Chapter President (2008-09) I was invited to the meeting where the current national president, Brian Walter, CPAE, CSP held a brilliant workshop modestly titled ‘A Bazillion Extreme Ways to Use Video DURING Your Speeches’ This […]. Business Communication Technology video
Matt Eventoff
JULY 12, 2018
What lengths would you go to in order to become a master orator, or to take your public speaking to the next level? Stand barefoot on blacktop while reciting your speech to test your patience and create proper cadence? Practice on a tightrope to master balance and control over motion?
Speaking Freely
SEPTEMBER 7, 2018
Here’s a valuable tip for finding stories from your life that you can use to make talks and presentations more engaging and compelling. Both professional and personal stories can be used to illustrate ideas, make points and sell your services. If you read my last post on 6 Reasons to Tell Stories in Presentations, Leadership […].
Presentation Guru
OCTOBER 2, 2018
In the latest in my occasional “How to…” series, we’re going to discuss how to tell stories as part of your presentation.
SlideModel
NOVEMBER 8, 2018
As a presenter, one can tend to focus too much on the final presentation, missing one essential ingredient in the mix, empathy!
Duarte Blog
AUGUST 13, 2018
Illustrated by Ash Oat Microsoft estimates that there are about 30 million PowerPoint presentations created every single day—which is why if you’ve spent time in an office, you’ve probably spent time looking at something that was built in PowerPoint.
Speaker Launcher
NOVEMBER 6, 2018
You’re standing in front of your ideal audience, you had them at “hello” and you rocked them all the way through until you close. As you exit the stage to thunderous applause, the leader of the organization pumps your hand and says “Thank you so much, that was exactly what my people needed to hear.” […]. The post What Are Your “Pinch Me” Moments? appeared first on Jane Atkinson.
Manner of Speaking
JANUARY 28, 2018
First, let’s talk about what doesn’t happen. The audience does not think that you’ve forgotten something. The audience does not hear your heart beating. The audience does not think that you are stupid. The audience does not think that you … Continue reading → Delivery Uncategorized pause pausing presentations public speaking
PowerPoint Tips
JULY 8, 2018
I recommend using the Tell ‘n’ Show SM method for your slides. That means putting a slide title on each slide that tells the point and adding an image, diagram, chart, etc. to show the point. You DON’T put everything you say on the slide.
Speaking about Presenting
AUGUST 15, 2018
At the beginning of term, a ceramics teacher divided his students into two groups, Group A and Group B. To Group A he said: “I want you to make as many pots as possible. At the end of the term I’ll grade you on the weight of your pots.”. To Group B he said: “I want you to make the best pot possible. At the end of the term I’ll grade you on the quality of your pot.”.
Speak Schmeak
OCTOBER 16, 2018
You're probably hearing a lot right now about using your voice. With elections coming up, it's important to be reminded that our voices—via our votes—really do make a difference. I know. sometimes it doesn't feel that way. Sometimes we feel small, we feel powerless, and we feel disheartened.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
JUNE 13, 2018
Long before Lululemon, Bikram Hot Yoga and the ubiquitous downward facing dog, yoga was being taught in small studios in San Francisco, New York and the Hudson River Valley.
Matt Eventoff
JULY 9, 2018
By Greg Robb. "Matt "Matt Eventoff, owner of Princeton Public Speaking, a firm that trains executives to give speak in public, said Bernanke will be highly desirable as a speaker for at least the next two years.
Speaking Freely
SEPTEMBER 29, 2018
When asked to think on your feet, many people say there is nothing in their heads to talk about. They think they are frozen. They say they are “blank.” Worse, they judge themselves negatively, and think having a blank mind is wrong. It is not wrong to be blank. I believe it is the right place […]. The post How to Think on Your Feet by Speaking from a Blank State of Mind appeared first on Read The Self-Expression Blog to Improve Speaking Skills.
Presentation Guru
NOVEMBER 20, 2018
Most people don’t spend their lives giving presentations. Many people spend NONE of their lives giving presentations. Lots of leaders I’ve met would rather not have to give any.
SlideModel
OCTOBER 11, 2018
As a presenter, you are looking to influence people and get your message across. However, a minority of individuals can sometimes ruin the prospects of a good presenter. It is not only essential to deliver a good presentation but it is also important to win hearts and minds during the process.
Jane Genova: Speechwriter - Ghostwriter
OCTOBER 11, 2018
Extreme success. A New Yorker. Middle-Aged. And, struggling with clinical depression. Readers and colleagues in the communications/coaching industries, if that profile fits you, your co-workers, and/or your loved ones, then recognize that these are The Hanging Times.
Speaker Launcher
DECEMBER 11, 2018
I have two types of clients. Client A – The speaker who will take every piece of business that comes towards them at any fee. And Client B – The speaker who “interviews” each piece of business to check for a good fit in terms of content, expectations, fee and budget. Which one are you? […]. The post The Wealthy Speaker Gets Their Fee appeared first on Jane Atkinson.
Manner of Speaking
SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
I am one of the co-founders of Presentation Guru, a digital magazine for public speaking professionals. This post is part of a series designed to share the great content on Presentation Guru with the Manner of Speaking community. ——— Today, there are hundreds of books about … Continue reading → Book Review Presentation Guru books Presentation public speaking
PowerPoint Tips
OCTOBER 16, 2018
The Change Picture feature in PowerPoint is very powerful because it lets you substitute another picture but keep the most of formatting. You might want to change the picture because: You made a mistake and inserted the wrong picture.
Speaking about Presenting
MARCH 28, 2018
I’ve done it, and if you’ve ever got a stack of feedback forms after a presentation, you’ve probably done it. You go through all the feedback forms ignoring the “Great job” “Learnt a lot” comments and go straight for the form that declares: “That was a load of mumbo jumbo” And then you flagellate yourself. You obsess over it. You can not let go of it. It’s the human brain at work.
Speak Schmeak
AUGUST 9, 2018
My clients will frequently say to me, "I don't understand why I'm so nervous. There must be something wrong with me." Well, if it's wrong to be human, I guess we all have something wrong with us! What we forget is that, while we are indeed human, we are also animals. Human animals, but still animals.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
APRIL 24, 2018
“A fox knows many things, but a hedgehog one important thing” — Archilochus I recently had a situation where a potential client in the technology industry preferred to hire a speechwriter with deep domain knowledge rather than go with someone with general writing skills. This is, in some ways, choosing the “hedgehog” who is a […]. Speechwriting
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