You might get through a lifetime of working and never criticize your boss, either because your bosses are that good or (more likely) because they’re bad enough that it just isn’t worth the risk of retribution. But what if your boss is a basically decent person who’s got some habits that wreak havoc on you Read More
Public Speaking Skills and Techniques
How and When to Stick to Your Point
Public Speaking Requires Flexibility… When you’re trying to communicate with other people, you need to always be on your toes. And even when nothing goes technically wrong — like the lights going out, or a fire alarm sounding — there may be reasons to adjust what you’re doing: If your audience looks confused, it’s good Read More
Don’t “Deliver” Your Slides, Add Value to Them!
A common misconception is that slides are the core of a presentation. In fact, lots of people describe giving a talk as “delivering their slides,” as if the slides are what matter, and they’re just onstage to click through them. This is totally backwards! Wonderful though slides can be (and yes, they can be wonderful), Read More
How to Interrupt Someone (Without Alienating Them)
I Believe in Listening… In fact, I’ve taught workshops and seminars on the subject; Listening skills are key to my coaching; and My shelves are filled with books on how to listen better. … But I’m Also a Confirmed Interrupter The truth is that: I get impatient when people talk slowly, in circles, or in Read More
Memorizing Your Talk? These Tips Will Help
I’m not a big fan of memorizing. (My Public Speaking Tip 88: Three Questions to Ask BEFORE You Memorize Your Speech, is actually a subtle attempt to discourage you from doing it.) Rather, I recommend “internalizing,” which means practicing a talk so that it sinks in and you’re not dependent on your notes. Still, memorizing Read More