Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Recently I attended a Zoom birthday party for the 99-year-old father of a dear friend. Everyone in attendance—three generations of his family members—were in their own homes. Doug and his wife (also in her 90s) were totally unassisted by the younger crowd yet were using Zoom like pros. MORE
Using humour is a great way for speakers to connect with their audiences. Victor Hugo said, “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” When you speak to an audience of dozens, hundreds or thousands, the effect is multiplied. THE BENEFITS OF HUMOUR. MORE
From the old knock-knock jokes we used to tell as kids to stories that make light of the workplace, everyone loves a good joke. Using humor is one of the best ways to get people engaged. And when you add a friendly, “jokey” tone you let listeners know your presentation won’t be one huge bore. MORE
Did you know that you can collaborate with others on a PowerPoint file in real-time using PowerPoint on the Web? That’s the same thing as PowerPoint Online.) You can do the same in Microsoft Word and Excel, but I’ll focus on PowerPoint, of course. Moreover, because you do this with PowerPoint on the Web, your collaborators don’t even need to own PowerPoint. Because you invite others to participate, only people with the link can access the presentation. MORE
If you have Office 365 — now called Microsoft 365, confusingly — you might have noticed that after several years without photos, they’ve come back! Actually, they aren’t the same photos, but better quality ones. MORE
Let’s be honest, not everyone is a designer or has a professional designer on staff. A lot of business owners and marketers are creating their own graphics from scratch. At Venngage we have a ton of designers on staff but I still create a lot of my visuals!… … Design Principles Visuals featured Presentation Design Using Images Visual Aids Visual Language MORE
Every day, I see more of my friends and colleagues speaking out against injustice, finding their voices, and speaking their truth. Just yesterday I wrote about a conversation with a friend who was feeling hopeless. MORE
It occurs on a regular basis for almost every individual in the corporate world, and it is also the most fraught with peril. The scourge of the modern executive. The captor of thousands (or maybe millions) of hours each and every day. The dreaded… conference call! And now it is happening more frequently than ever before, and will continue to increase in frequency. MORE
I’m writing this during the Coronavirus pandemic and I just heard that webcams are on backorder. That’s because so many more people are presenting and attending meetings from home. So I thought I’d list my recommendations for equipment for speakers, including webcam, lighting, screening, mics, and much more. The links are on Amazon. Note: They are affiliate links.). You can see all of the items in one place here. Lighting. Ubeesize 10″ Selfie Ring Light. MORE
Whether you are tasked to lead a small in-house project or take over a large, multi-people company-wide program, understanding how to plan and execute your project is integral for success. MORE
Leading a virtual presentation from the quiet of your kitchen table is challenging enough. MORE
Jeff Nussbaum and Kate Childs Graham, the 2020 Democratic convention speechwriters, have written a fascinating article in the Washington Post detailing how the ‘Zoom era’ has radically transformed political speechwriting. While this probably won’t cause Bob Lehrman to tear up the guidance in his excellent book The Political Speechwriter’s Companion, it shows how the future […]. Speechwriting DNC2020 political speechwriting Robert Lehrman MORE
Book Writers, you do not have to pay several thousand dollars to get your book published by a vanity press or vanity publisher. Trust me. I’ve self-published 20+ books, and it hasn’t cost me a cent to make my books … Continue reading → MORE
Every one of us wants to communicate better. Whether we’re presenting in a virtual environment, participating in a team meeting, or just talking with a friend, spouse, or stranger—we all want what we’re saying to be delivered well. MORE
Speaking English to an audience of non-native speakers is tricky. Because English is so widely spoken around the world, many native English speakers tend to forget just how complicated English can be for others. The difference the United Nations and … Continue reading → The post 6 tips for speaking English to non-native speakers appeared first on Manner of Speaking. English George Orwell Is That Clear: Effective Communications in a Multilingual World Michael Skapinker public speakin MORE
Ethics in Public Speaking I wrote this for the new edition of Essential Elements of Public Speaking, 7th edition (Hoboken, NJ: Pearson, 2021) but I thought it might be useful for any class in public speaking as a way of introducing the dimension of ethics and clarifying what is and what is not plagiarism. Because your speech will have an effect on your audience, you have an obligation to consider ethics—issues of right and wrong, or the moral implications of your message. MORE
At a time when the COVD-19 novel coronavirus is causing conferences around the world to be canceled or postponed, it’s more important than ever to take a long hard look at the fundamental ways that large gatherings for professional purposes are structured. For too long, organizers have tried to cram a full schedule of keynotes, […]. Business Communication Keynotes Public Speaking Technology conferences coronavirus COVID-19 Forbes MORE
When it comes to leadership, the general idea is to often discuss aspects such as what makes a good leader or how can a leader be effective at the workplace? There are many articles centered around what can be deemed as a discussion about ‘good leadership’. MORE
This article was published in Etc: A Review of General Semantics, 75 (January and April 2018), pp. 76-83. Universals of Choice Joseph A. DeVito* Universals are qualities or characteristics of a process or concept that are present in all instances. For example, if we consider the universals of language, we’d find that all languages have nouns and pronouns, all languages have a deep and surface structure, and all languages have vowels and consonants (Greenberg, 1963). MORE
Manner of Speaking has a new logo. For a website devoted to public speaking and presentation skills, there were many designs I could have chosen. A microphone or lectern or speech bubble were some of the obvious ones. MORE
Every breath you take, Every move you make, Every bond you break, Every step you take, I’ll be watching you. The Police. Breathing. We do it constantly and, usually, unconsciously. We breathe when we are awake and when we sleep, when we work and exercise and rest. MORE
Living in a pandemic may be one of the most bizarre, upsetting, and disruptive times we will ever live through. It has caused all of us to make major changes in our everyday lives and in our businesses. Many in my world have brilliantly transitioned to virtual work. MORE
Robotic process automation (RPA) is a top-of-mind agenda for companies across industries. Last year, Gartner identified robotic process automation as the fastest-growing tech segment of the enterprise software market: the software revenue grew by 63% and reached $848 in 2018. MORE
"It's always easier to just say no. It's always easier to say 'We can't do it.' Because when you say 'We will try to do it,' now you're changing things, and whenever you change, there's opposition. Every time. So it's always easier just to stay status quo. It's always easier not to risk, not to try to raise the bar. Because maybe you can't do it, maybe there will be problems. So it's easier just to say no, it's easier to say 'This is all we can do. It's impossible.' MORE
Have you noticed presentations getting shorter? I have! Because speakers are onscreen, sitting at desks, or on the couch, or in the kitchen while we're presenting, it's much easier to switch speakers quickly at online conferences and summits. MORE
This is a new section I wrote for the new edition of Essentials of Public Speaking. But I thought it might be of use to anyone planning a similar speech. Here, then, are a few guidelines and a sample speech with some notes. The Speech of Self-Introduction The speech of self introduction is one of the standard speeches normally required in a public speaking course. MORE
I had an enlightening conversation with my acupuncturist yesterday about the uncertainty of life, that triggered a revelation I want to share with you as a lesson for public speaking. But first, let's go back to December 1, 1990. MORE
The final year of graduate school is an exciting time. At least for some. For others, dissertation panic begins to set in. After all, penning a 100+ page manuscript, defining your further academic career and integrity is a pretty big deal. MORE
Last Tuesday, the metallic clink of my front porch mailbox closing snapped me out of an hours-long trance of staring at my computer answering emails, completing design tasks, and participating in video calls. I took that as my cue to get up and stretch (It’s already 2:30 pm?!) MORE
* First appeared in The Atlantic Post. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.”. – Nelson Mandela, 1994. Nelson Mandela’s life, legacy and contributions to humanity will be studied for generations to come. » » Read more. The post Nelson Mandela: Lessons for Future Orators appeared first on Princeton Public Speaking. MORE
If you are one of those 588 Apple users worldwide, own a Mac and use iPhone and iCloud; then you’re no stranger to the Apple ecosystem and its own exciting presentation software called Keynote. However, you still might not know how to use several tools that can make your presentation appealing.… MORE
If you have found yourself with some extra room in your schedule over the past several months, now is the perfect time to focus on improving your business processes and systems. MORE
These are unusual times. A challenge we all face as the minimize the spread of the coronavirus is how to stay healthy and sane in the growing regions of the world where we’ve been asked to stay indoors. An antidote to the ‘self-isolation blues’ is to lose yourself in a good TV series. Apologies to […]. Shallow End coivd-19 coronavirus k-drama Korean Romance MORE
Quote: “My favourite thing about associations is that they are all committed to making the world a better place.” Mary Byers Do you have all the clients you need, or do you have space on your calendar to keep adding to your list? MORE
Most adults fear public speaking and, let’s me honest, lots of us aren’t actually very good at it. If adults who have had years to hone the skills are not very good, what do you think the average school kid is like? … Build Your Skills featured Public Speaking Schools and teachers Voice MORE
This is a guest post by Steve Kosch, a former ABC and CNN anchor (that’s him on the left), and a globally recognized expert communication skills trainer. For 10 more awesome tips to help you “Nail It” in your next presentation, go to mediatrainingnetwork.com. MORE
Public speaking expert is a title that carries tremendous weight. Demosthenes, public speaking expert of the 4th century BC, is one of the legendary Greek orators. Some of his most famous (and my favorite) addresses of his relate to his opposition to King Phillip II of Macedon. Although he passed away in 322 BC, Demosthenes is relevant to 21st century orators because of his dedication to practice and preparation. Demosthenes’ dream was to be a great orator, » Read more. MORE
“You never get a second chance to make a good first impression” – Will Rogers. This quote certainly holds true for speeches, presentations, group meetings and any other public speaking opportunity that exists. Your opening often determines just how much of your presentation the audience is going to “tune in” for. If the first impression the audience has is “B-O-R-I-N-G’ there is little chance of the presentation effectively reaching that audience. » MORE
Manner of Speaking
NOVEMBER 15, 2020
Manner of Speaking has a new logo. For a website devoted to public speaking and presentation skills, there were many designs I could have chosen. A microphone or lectern or speech bubble were some of the obvious ones.
PowerPoint Tips
JULY 31, 2020
This is a guest post by Steve Kosch, a former ABC and CNN anchor (that’s him on the left), and a globally recognized expert communication skills trainer. For 10 more awesome tips to help you “Nail It” in your next presentation, go to mediatrainingnetwork.com.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Matt Eventoff
MARCH 27, 2020
It occurs on a regular basis for almost every individual in the corporate world, and it is also the most fraught with peril. The scourge of the modern executive. The captor of thousands (or maybe millions) of hours each and every day. The dreaded… conference call! And now it is happening more frequently than ever before, and will continue to increase in frequency.
Speak Schmeak
AUGUST 28, 2020
Every day, I see more of my friends and colleagues speaking out against injustice, finding their voices, and speaking their truth. Just yesterday I wrote about a conversation with a friend who was feeling hopeless.
SlideModel
AUGUST 3, 2020
Robotic process automation (RPA) is a top-of-mind agenda for companies across industries. Last year, Gartner identified robotic process automation as the fastest-growing tech segment of the enterprise software market: the software revenue grew by 63% and reached $848 in 2018.
Speaker Launcher
JULY 21, 2020
If you have found yourself with some extra room in your schedule over the past several months, now is the perfect time to focus on improving your business processes and systems.
DeFinis Communications
AUGUST 5, 2020
From the old knock-knock jokes we used to tell as kids to stories that make light of the workplace, everyone loves a good joke. Using humor is one of the best ways to get people engaged. And when you add a friendly, “jokey” tone you let listeners know your presentation won’t be one huge bore.
Speaking Pro Central brings together the best content for professional speakers from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MARCH 24, 2020
These are unusual times. A challenge we all face as the minimize the spread of the coronavirus is how to stay healthy and sane in the growing regions of the world where we’ve been asked to stay indoors. An antidote to the ‘self-isolation blues’ is to lose yourself in a good TV series. Apologies to […]. Shallow End coivd-19 coronavirus k-drama Korean Romance
Presentation Guru
AUGUST 3, 2020
If you are one of those 588 Apple users worldwide, own a Mac and use iPhone and iCloud; then you’re no stranger to the Apple ecosystem and its own exciting presentation software called Keynote. However, you still might not know how to use several tools that can make your presentation appealing.…
Duarte Blog
AUGUST 6, 2020
Every one of us wants to communicate better. Whether we’re presenting in a virtual environment, participating in a team meeting, or just talking with a friend, spouse, or stranger—we all want what we’re saying to be delivered well.
Manner of Speaking
OCTOBER 12, 2020
Every breath you take, Every move you make, Every bond you break, Every step you take, I’ll be watching you. The Police. Breathing. We do it constantly and, usually, unconsciously. We breathe when we are awake and when we sleep, when we work and exercise and rest.
PowerPoint Tips
JULY 20, 2020
If you have Office 365 — now called Microsoft 365, confusingly — you might have noticed that after several years without photos, they’ve come back! Actually, they aren’t the same photos, but better quality ones.
Matt Eventoff
JULY 13, 2020
“You never get a second chance to make a good first impression” – Will Rogers. This quote certainly holds true for speeches, presentations, group meetings and any other public speaking opportunity that exists. Your opening often determines just how much of your presentation the audience is going to “tune in” for. If the first impression the audience has is “B-O-R-I-N-G’ there is little chance of the presentation effectively reaching that audience. »
Speak Schmeak
AUGUST 25, 2020
I had an enlightening conversation with my acupuncturist yesterday about the uncertainty of life, that triggered a revelation I want to share with you as a lesson for public speaking. But first, let's go back to December 1, 1990.
SlideModel
AUGUST 27, 2020
The final year of graduate school is an exciting time. At least for some. For others, dissertation panic begins to set in. After all, penning a 100+ page manuscript, defining your further academic career and integrity is a pretty big deal.
Speaker Launcher
JULY 28, 2020
Living in a pandemic may be one of the most bizarre, upsetting, and disruptive times we will ever live through. It has caused all of us to make major changes in our everyday lives and in our businesses. Many in my world have brilliantly transitioned to virtual work.
DeFinis Communications
JULY 29, 2020
Recently I attended a Zoom birthday party for the 99-year-old father of a dear friend. Everyone in attendance—three generations of his family members—were in their own homes. Doug and his wife (also in her 90s) were totally unassisted by the younger crowd yet were using Zoom like pros.
The Communication Blog
AUGUST 21, 2020
Ethics in Public Speaking I wrote this for the new edition of Essential Elements of Public Speaking, 7th edition (Hoboken, NJ: Pearson, 2021) but I thought it might be useful for any class in public speaking as a way of introducing the dimension of ethics and clarifying what is and what is not plagiarism. Because your speech will have an effect on your audience, you have an obligation to consider ethics—issues of right and wrong, or the moral implications of your message.
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
AUGUST 23, 2020
Jeff Nussbaum and Kate Childs Graham, the 2020 Democratic convention speechwriters, have written a fascinating article in the Washington Post detailing how the ‘Zoom era’ has radically transformed political speechwriting. While this probably won’t cause Bob Lehrman to tear up the guidance in his excellent book The Political Speechwriter’s Companion, it shows how the future […]. Speechwriting DNC2020 political speechwriting Robert Lehrman
Presentation Guru
JANUARY 22, 2020
Let’s be honest, not everyone is a designer or has a professional designer on staff. A lot of business owners and marketers are creating their own graphics from scratch. At Venngage we have a ton of designers on staff but I still create a lot of my visuals!… … Design Principles Visuals featured Presentation Design Using Images Visual Aids Visual Language
Six-Figure Freelancer Blog
NOVEMBER 8, 2020
Book Writers, you do not have to pay several thousand dollars to get your book published by a vanity press or vanity publisher. Trust me. I’ve self-published 20+ books, and it hasn’t cost me a cent to make my books … Continue reading →
Manner of Speaking
JANUARY 8, 2020
Speaking English to an audience of non-native speakers is tricky. Because English is so widely spoken around the world, many native English speakers tend to forget just how complicated English can be for others. The difference the United Nations and … Continue reading → The post 6 tips for speaking English to non-native speakers appeared first on Manner of Speaking. English George Orwell Is That Clear: Effective Communications in a Multilingual World Michael Skapinker public speakin
PowerPoint Tips
APRIL 30, 2020
Did you know that you can collaborate with others on a PowerPoint file in real-time using PowerPoint on the Web? That’s the same thing as PowerPoint Online.) You can do the same in Microsoft Word and Excel, but I’ll focus on PowerPoint, of course. Moreover, because you do this with PowerPoint on the Web, your collaborators don’t even need to own PowerPoint. Because you invite others to participate, only people with the link can access the presentation.
Matt Eventoff
JULY 13, 2020
* First appeared in The Atlantic Post. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.”. – Nelson Mandela, 1994. Nelson Mandela’s life, legacy and contributions to humanity will be studied for generations to come. » » Read more. The post Nelson Mandela: Lessons for Future Orators appeared first on Princeton Public Speaking.
Speak Schmeak
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
Have you noticed presentations getting shorter? I have! Because speakers are onscreen, sitting at desks, or on the couch, or in the kitchen while we're presenting, it's much easier to switch speakers quickly at online conferences and summits.
SlideModel
JULY 29, 2020
When it comes to leadership, the general idea is to often discuss aspects such as what makes a good leader or how can a leader be effective at the workplace? There are many articles centered around what can be deemed as a discussion about ‘good leadership’.
Speaker Launcher
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Quote: “My favourite thing about associations is that they are all committed to making the world a better place.” Mary Byers Do you have all the clients you need, or do you have space on your calendar to keep adding to your list?
DeFinis Communications
JULY 22, 2020
Leading a virtual presentation from the quiet of your kitchen table is challenging enough.
Duarte Blog
OCTOBER 12, 2020
Last Tuesday, the metallic clink of my front porch mailbox closing snapped me out of an hours-long trance of staring at my computer answering emails, completing design tasks, and participating in video calls. I took that as my cue to get up and stretch (It’s already 2:30 pm?!)
Ian Griffin - Professionally Speaking
MARCH 3, 2020
At a time when the COVD-19 novel coronavirus is causing conferences around the world to be canceled or postponed, it’s more important than ever to take a long hard look at the fundamental ways that large gatherings for professional purposes are structured. For too long, organizers have tried to cram a full schedule of keynotes, […]. Business Communication Keynotes Public Speaking Technology conferences coronavirus COVID-19 Forbes
Presentation Guru
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
Most adults fear public speaking and, let’s me honest, lots of us aren’t actually very good at it. If adults who have had years to hone the skills are not very good, what do you think the average school kid is like? … Build Your Skills featured Public Speaking Schools and teachers Voice
The Communication Blog
AUGUST 21, 2020
This article was published in Etc: A Review of General Semantics, 75 (January and April 2018), pp. 76-83. Universals of Choice Joseph A. DeVito* Universals are qualities or characteristics of a process or concept that are present in all instances. For example, if we consider the universals of language, we’d find that all languages have nouns and pronouns, all languages have a deep and surface structure, and all languages have vowels and consonants (Greenberg, 1963).
Manner of Speaking
AUGUST 3, 2020
Using humour is a great way for speakers to connect with their audiences. Victor Hugo said, “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” When you speak to an audience of dozens, hundreds or thousands, the effect is multiplied. THE BENEFITS OF HUMOUR.
PowerPoint Tips
JUNE 15, 2020
I’m writing this during the Coronavirus pandemic and I just heard that webcams are on backorder. That’s because so many more people are presenting and attending meetings from home. So I thought I’d list my recommendations for equipment for speakers, including webcam, lighting, screening, mics, and much more. The links are on Amazon. Note: They are affiliate links.). You can see all of the items in one place here. Lighting. Ubeesize 10″ Selfie Ring Light.
Matt Eventoff
JULY 12, 2020
Public speaking expert is a title that carries tremendous weight. Demosthenes, public speaking expert of the 4th century BC, is one of the legendary Greek orators. Some of his most famous (and my favorite) addresses of his relate to his opposition to King Phillip II of Macedon. Although he passed away in 322 BC, Demosthenes is relevant to 21st century orators because of his dedication to practice and preparation. Demosthenes’ dream was to be a great orator, » Read more.
Speak Schmeak
APRIL 30, 2020
"It's always easier to just say no. It's always easier to say 'We can't do it.' Because when you say 'We will try to do it,' now you're changing things, and whenever you change, there's opposition. Every time. So it's always easier just to stay status quo. It's always easier not to risk, not to try to raise the bar. Because maybe you can't do it, maybe there will be problems. So it's easier just to say no, it's easier to say 'This is all we can do. It's impossible.'
SlideModel
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
Whether you are tasked to lead a small in-house project or take over a large, multi-people company-wide program, understanding how to plan and execute your project is integral for success.
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