What if you knew that you could build your public speaking confidence and skills by doing an exercise that takes just 15 seconds, twice a day? You would do that, right? Well, first, here’s the exercise — and then I’ll explain how and why it works. Try This Confidence-Building Exercise. It Only Takes 15 Seconds! Stand in Read More
Practice Makes Perfect
Speech Practice: For Great Public Speaking, A Little Daily Practice Goes a Long Way
One thing I learned during my years as a jazz vocalist is that a small amount of practicing, repeated regularly, trumps the occasional all-out push. And this is also true when it comes to accomplishing other big task like writing a novel, tidying your home, or developing your public speaking style, For example: The first draft Read More
Public Speaking Tip 65: You Know You Should Practice For A Great Speech! But How??
I’ve written about the importance of putting down your editing pen and taking up the job of public speaking practice. (In the photo below, the Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps are practicing in Weehawken, NJ.) If you don’t practice, you don’t get good. So you’re willing, right? But how do you do it? How Do You Do Public Read More
Public Speaking Tip 60: When You Practice Instant Speeches, Say Inconsequential Things
Most of my public speaking clients don’t like to open their mouths unless they have something important to say. And while I generally agree that the world doesn’t need more blather, there is one time when saying inconsequential things will build your ability to ultimately say what matters: To Master the Instant Speech, Say Inconsequential Things The Instant Speech Read More
Public Speaking Tip 49: For Public Speaking Success, Don’t Practice in Public
I learned the adage “don’t practice in public” long before becoming a corporate speechwriter and then founding Speak Up for Success. Back when I was an old school jazz singer, we used to say, “Don’t shed on the stand” (which means the same thing). “Shed” refers to a mythic rural past in which musicians used to Read More