Matt Latimer, a Republican speech writer for Bush and Rumsfeld, has written a very entertaining book called Speech*Less. In it, he chronicles his misadventures as an idealist in a palace of racketeers. Here he is describing the 2008 campaign from… Read More »A movement becomes a racket
A few years ago I attended my aunt’s memorial service, where anyone was invited to say a few words. I felt the need to tell a quick story that would remind everyone about her contagious enthusiasm for birds. No matter… Read More »Rehearsed vs. extemporaneous speaking
Define a problem that your audience faces. Then solve it. The human mind tends to fixate on problems: rubber-necking is a case in point. Presentations about problems have both emotional and intellectual appeal. The problem, well-defined, elicits our feelings; the… Read More »10 Commandments of Great Business Presenters
In the last few weeks, I’ve been asked by two marketing support functions to help them deal more effectively with the people they serve and support. One is a market research function, the other a business intelligence group. Both report… Read More »Intellectual Combat in the Corporate Trenches
In the last few weeks, I’ve been asked by two marketing support functions to help them deal more effectively with the people they serve and support. One is a market research function, the other a business intelligence group. Both report… Read More »Intellectual Combat in the Corporate Trenches
I heard from several readers after my blog about vocal fry. This response, from Eva in Portland, is a great rant–and, of course, I feel the same way. Anti-vocal-fry enthusiasts, take heart! Our numbers are growing! From Eva in Portland:… Read More »Guest Blog: Being Vocal Against Vocal Fry