I just finished a series of one-on-one presentation coaching sessions with senior leaders at a technology company. All eight leaders attended my signature program, The Motivated Presenter, where they learned how to reduce their dependence on PowerPoint slides in order to better communicate and engage with their audience. The President of the company was very [read more]
I recently returned from Aruba where I enjoyed sun, wind, and adventures in the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. It was wonderful, especially the afternoon that my husband Byron and I spent on a pleasure dive with Palm Beach Divers. The current slogan of Aruba is “One Happy Island” – so aptly [read more]
Did you watch the two Democratic presidential primary debates? All four hours of it? I did and for two reasons: 1) to get to know each of the candidates and what they stand for; and 2) to observe debating skills – the do’s and don’ts, what works and what doesn’t. I was not interested in [read more]
Have you seen the video or listened to the audio recording of Jon Stewart’s testimony to Congress (the House Judiciary Committee in this case) on June 11, 2019? It was a riveting presentation and one that we can all learn from. Jon was speaking in support of the reauthorization of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. [read more]
I’ve been reflecting on some leadership questions of late. When is the right time to let others lead? Should I step aside for the betterment of the team? Will stepping aside help to create new opportunities for emerging leaders? Or should I continue to lead the way? For many years I’ve been calling all the [read more]
In my work as an executive presentation coach and trainer over the past 15 years, I have witnessed many magical moments. Like the times when clients take bold risks to deliver their presentation in more creative ways. Or the bravery that they exhibit in stepping away from the podium and away from the perceived safety [read more]
Summer is the perfect time to reflect, relax, recharge, and destress. It’s also a great time to THINK. I was reminded of the value of taking time to think while reading the book The Navigator’s Compass: 101 Steps Toward Leadership Excellence, written by my colleague and friend, David O’Brien. It’s the perfect companion to a [read more]
Perhaps you have heard the expression, Speak from the Heart? There is great power in doing just that, yet most of us speak from our heads, and when we give presentations, we speak from the slides. I’d like to share a recent example of a guest speaker who reminded me of why we should tell [read more]
Imagine attending a business meeting where one of your colleagues is about to give a PowerPoint presentation. Perhaps it’s one of many slide shows that you’ll have to endure that day. You prepare yourself for a long, tiring, boring data dump, one after the other after the other. You know, the usual corporate stuff. Then to your [read more]
Twice this week, I have experienced the very unpleasant sound of people clearing their throats while presenting information and ideas. I don’t just mean a one time clearing of the throat, but repeatedly. One person was giving a presentation in front of a live audience. The other person was on the phone with me for thirty [read more]
