If you want to become a better speaker, there is a wealth of information available. Today we have access to countless apps, blogs, video courses and scientific papers. Many of these resources are great. They have useful information and they help us understand how to improve our desired skillset. But when it comes to speaking … Read more
When we first start speaking in public, we have a desire to be reassured by the audience. We subconsciously look for positive reactions from the crowd to signal that we are doing a good job. But if you think about, while this is understandable (we’re nervous and anxious and looking for reassurance), it’s unrealistic. Just … Read more
One of the most common challenges I hear from non-native English speakers is they are concerned about their accent. In reality, with very few exceptions, if you are a fluent English speaker, most people can probably understand you just fine. Nobody cares about the accent. One of the most charismatic speakers I’ve seen had a … Read more
Steve Jobs’ Public Speaking Style Steve Jobs’ superior skill with presenting and public speaking was a key factor in his success. There were many bright and talented people in the computer field in the 1970s and 80s. But few had the presence, confidence and verbal ability of Steve Jobs. In this video, just 4 years after … Read more
I’ve helped clients with many communication challenges. From speaking to social skills to selling, and more. One of the main recurring themes through all of them has been complication. When we are confused by something, we have a tendency to complicate it. We over-think something as simple as having a conversation. We develop theoretical frameworks and methodologies and complex narratives … Read more
I went to Tech Day today here in NYC, a huge convention for startups and tech companies big and small. In one corner of the venue they had companies giving brief presentations to the crowd. I was interested to see each speaker’s overall presentation skills (including body language, verbals, and their slides), as well as their impact on … Read more
Companies spend a lot of money on training. They often fail to get any lasting results from it. As someone who has been involved in coaching and skills training for years now (both as a student and a coach), I know what works and what doesn’t. There are two major things that are needed for any … Read more
One of the key qualities of dry, boring communicators: no passion! When someone seems to lack passion and excitement for their topic, we get bored very quickly. Why should we be interested in the topic if they aren’t? With more passion in your communication, you are more convincing, more engaging, and just more fun. Some simple questions to … Read more