Speaking Slowly Will Transform Your Communication

One of the most frequent changes I make with my clients is to force them to slow down when they speak. Speaking slowly, a seemingly simple adjustment, almost always creates a huge change in how they sound. But they sometimes ask: “If I slow down, will I be able to say everything I need to?” … Read more

3 Practical Ways to Gain More Social Presence

3 Practical Ways to Gain More Social PresenceWatch this video on YouTube Social Presence seems like an elusive concept. We can definitely recognize it when others have it, but it’s tough to replicate. These are practical steps you can take to build your social presence immediately. 1. Say things that are slightly risky Key word … Read more

When Acting Less Powerful is The Right Move

When Acting Less Powerful is the Right MoveWatch this video on YouTube (Listen or read the post below) Some people think they have to act powerfully in every situation. Their goal is to “win” every battle. Always have the cleverer comeback. Always interrupt people more than they interrupt you. Have others laugh at your jokes, … Read more

Persuasion Skills: Can You Be Convincing if You Aren’t Convinced?

(Listen to the audio or read below) You can’t sell something if you aren’t completely sold on it yourself. Or can you? What if it’s your job to persuasively communicate something, regardless of your personal feelings? We might see this with sales development reps (SDRs), account executives, management consultants, or marketing professionals. We can also … Read more

Incongruence: The Kryptonite of Charisma

Incongruence: The Kryptonite of Charisma (audio)Watch this video on YouTube (Listen to the audio or read the post below) Continuing on the theme of charisma from my previous post, I was thinking about what really makes charisma. Why do some people seem to be “blessed” with this mystical magic of magnetism, and others hopelessly condemned … Read more

Charisma is Not Just for Extroverts

Charisma is “the ability to attract, charm, and influence the people around you.” It’s also defined as “a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure” And as: “compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.” Notice anything in there about extroversion? Of course not. The essence of … Read more

4 Ways to Be Better Understood By Your Audience

It’s frustrating when you are speaking to a group of people and they just don’t seem to be grasping what you’re saying. You might feel at a loss. You thought you were communicating in a good way, but apparently not. Here a few ideas to make it easier for an audience to understand you. 1. … Read more

How to Start a Presentation: Learn from Some of the Biggest Speakers

Three Examples of How to Start a Presentation This past weekend I attended the Synergy Global Forum in New York. Some of the biggest names in business and entrepreneurship presented. It was a public speaking coach‘s dream. Specifically I was interested in how everyone opened their presentations. So I took videos of each speaker right … Read more

No More Wallflowers – How to Master Group Conversations (Videos)

I gave a presentation recently here in New York about group conversations. We discussed: The basics of group dynamics. Understanding the types of group situations there are, dynamic vs rigid group situations, and how to take pressure off of yourself when approaching a new group. How to contribute and engage with a group even if … Read more