Like that moment in bowling, when your ball leaves two pins standing far apart, there are times when your audience is divided into two camps. One half is knowledgeable about your area of expertise, while the other half is green. … Read More »Public Speaking: Split Shot Audience
During the Clinton/Obama debate from California, Barack Obama seemed to get off to a good start, making his point (“I am the future, she is the past.”) at the end of his opening remarks. As I listened, I was made… Read More »Public Speaking Skills: Hillary vs. Obama
Michael Jendrzejczyk died at the age of 53. His obituary in the New York Times reveals a remarkable man: empathetic, principled, and, most instructive for those of us seeking to become more skillful influencers, a very effective advocate for what… Read More »Interpersonal Skills: A Happy Warrior Teaches the Art of Influence
What I have to say about lecterns and podiums is academic, but nevertheless worth mentioning. A podium is a raised platform on which a speaker (or an athlete) stands (look left.) A lectern is the upright object on which he or… Read More »Presentation Tips: Lectern vs. Podium
I have a new puppy named Little Bear. He has shy moments that make my wife and I want to pick him up and cuddle him. I also have clients who are shy when they stand up to speak. I don’t want to… Read More »Speaking Anxiety: Teaching the Shy to Present
A friend of mine, who is a very successful consultant, told me that she has lost her confidence as a speaker. For twenty years she has been speaking to large groups of clients and potential clients with success. Now she feels very unsure of… Read More »Speaking Anxiety: A Loss of Confidence