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
practice
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
Public Speaking Tip 35: Practice Your Speech Like a Five-Course Tasting Menu
Imagine that you’re sitting down to a five-course tasting menu at a top restaurant. (And if you’ve never done that — I haven’t, either! — just indulge me in this little fantasy, OK?) First they bring out this cool little appetizer. It’s literally cool, creamy, foamy, some kind of avocado creation that melts on your Read More