In our virtual world, the use of slides in presentations has sky-rocketed. This overuse has led to bored audiences and messages that are quickly forgotten. For the average presentation of less than 20-minutes, you should be able to speak without …

Store the Slides and Pump up Your Presentation Read more »

Many everyday speakers are finding themselves thrown into the limelight. They are giving important presentations, leading classes, or giving talks, and all on unfamiliar virtual platforms. But don’t let your level of comfort with your topic blind you to the …

Make Time for a “Dress Rehearsal.” Read more »

Whether we like it or not, we are often judged by our accent. Not only do people make assumptions about English-speaking foreigners and second-language speakers, but they may also base their beliefs on nothing more than a regional accent—Southern accent, …

Accent Reduction: Good or Bad Idea? Read more »

Most speakers know that certain words and styles of speech are powerful. They convey our message with strength and clarity.The opposite of this is powerless speech, a way of speaking that undermines and weakens our communication. Here are 4 areas …

Four Powerless Language Phrases to Avoid. Read more »

As the host of a virtual networking event, you aim to ensure things run smoothly.You have two goals:          *put attendees at ease.         *manage the time. As the host, you should be online well before …

Do’s and Don’ts for Hosting a Successful Networking Event. Read more »

Successful sales calls are a critical tool for many business people. However, we are now without the social grease of face to face meetings. No longer are we at a client’s home or office. We are probably not on the …

7 Winning Tips for Video-Style Customer Calls. Read more »

Professional speakers and top-level presenters have a trick to lower any excess energy; in the hours before their moment in the spotlight, they workout. This burns off any nervous, jittery energy, leaving them with “useful energy,” which is the excitement …

Burn off the Nervous Energy and Convert It Into Useful Energy. Read more »

Regardless of your skill level, never begin any presentation or speech with an apology. Don’t warn listeners that you’ve never done this before, or ask for their forgiveness if you stumble. Prepare a strong opening and then practice it. You …

Start Strong, No Excuses, and Ditch the Post-Mortem. Read more »

A trait of highly effective speakers is their use of hand gestures. Research shows that people who use their hands when speaking connect more closely with their listeners. They come across as more invested, energetic, and likable.  For the speaker, …

Top 5 Tips for Using Hand Gestures in the Virtual World. Read more »