If you (like most people) work for a boss, you’ve probably noticed that he or she isn’t perfect. When a boss’s imperfections are extreme, they can become the source of great distress for many workers, and high rates of turnover at many companies. But even good bosses — the ones you admire, respect, and like to work with Read More
100 Top Public Speaking Tips
Public Speaking Tip 46: How to Answer the Question, Even When That Feels Hard to Do
What do you do when someone asks you something unexpected? Answer the question! Sounds simple, right? But fielding unexpected questions can be a nerve-wracking challenge for many people. Whether the question comes during Q&A (you can and should prepare for Q&A, but you can never anticipate everything that might be asked), in a meeting (“So, Jake, how’s that project coming along?”); Read More
Public Speaking Tip 90: Cultivate the Greatest Public Speaking Skill of All, Self-Acceptance
In the not-too-distant past, I spent more hours than I’d care to admit binge-watching a reality TV show called Say Yes to the Dress. (Men, stay with me; I swear this applies to you, too!) The show is set in Kleinfeld’s, a famed NYC store that stocks 2000 wedding dresses. Real women are pretty scarce Read More
Public Speaking Tip 89: Learn the Public Speaking Lessons of Orphan Black (Hint: It’s All About Your Avatar)
Like everyone else who’s seen the show, I’m knocked out by Tatiana Maslany’s performance in the BBC’s drama, Orphan Black. By the end of season 2, she had played 7 totally different women who discover that they’re genetically identical clones. Pictured (l. to r.) are: corporate control-freak Rachel; soccer mom addict Alison; crafty street survivor Sarah; mellow science Read More
Public Speaking Tip 88: Three Questions to Ask BEFORE You Memorize Your Speech
One of my clients was recently told by her CEO that “It’s always better to memorize your speech.” What her boss really meant was that it looks impressive if you can deliver your talk without holding paper in your hand (or on the podium). But whether it’s always better is another thing entirely! My opinion? It’s not always Read More