Tag Archives for " presentation skills training "

A Backstage Process to Propel Your Onstage Performance

Years ago I was asked to give a speech to a group of educators in Virginia. Right before I took the stage, I decided to change my speech in an attempt to connect quicker and deeper with this particular audience. Play the audio lesson below and hear what I did backstage before I got onstage. […]

You Shine by Making Your Audience Members the Stars (5 Tools)

When you connect with one audience member, it usually does wonders in helping you connect with the entire group. I believe this is because, by pointing out individuals in the group, the group begins to realize that you actually see them as individuals and not as one large group. That’s the basis for a deep […]

The Mistake I Made for Years As a Speaker

I’ve always prided myself in being a content-rich speaker so imagine my surprise when I had the following conversation after a speech. A couple ladies cornered me and said, “You had a lot of content in your speech.” I said, “Thank you.” They looked at me with concerned expressions and said, “That wasn’t a compliment. […]

Use the Story Step-Out Method to Connect and Re-connect with your Audience

As a speaker, when you tell a story, it’s important to not have it come off looking like a stage-play. Instead, it should feel like an ongoing conversation with your audience mixed with some scenes that you invite them to experience. The Story Step-out Method will help you strike that delicate balance between telling your […]

The Key to Being Likable, Trusted, and Rehired as a Speaker

I always tell speakers, “Don’t speak for standing ovations; speak for standing invitations.” In other words, be so effective that they bring you back time and time again. There’s a better chance of this occurring if your audience finds you likable, trustworthy, and motivational. They need to know that your advice will work for them like […]