Why I Practice Aloud a Few Times (but not 50 times!)

One of my mottos is “The second time is twice as good and half as long” when it comes to public speaking. This technique worked for me recently when I recorded a video for a public company in the Southeast last week. I was onsite to work with senior leaders and the public relations team.

As part of my work, I coached the PR team on how to prepare executives for media interviews and videos. When it came time for me to record videos for leadership in the field, a member of the PR team coached me. My first “take” was more than two minutes in length. The PR professional said “That was great. Could you record one more time, but a little shorter?” I did and reduced the length by 40 seconds while keeping the most important content. In other words, her coaching — simply asking me to “say it a second time” — worked beautifully!

Avoid the List-Driven Presentation

A key characteristic of top performers is the ability to focus on the most important issues. Watch the one-minute video to learn how to get right to the point, and avoid the “list-driven” presentation.

Speaking Notes, Not a Script

Your notes play an important role in your ability to speak in an intentional, yet authentic manner. Watch the video for the tip.

Focus on "One Big Thing" When Recording a Video

Whether you’re recording a brief video for LinkedIn, a newsletter or a special event, you want to deliver a clear and concise message. What I've learned is the most critical skill for recording a compelling video is to focus on One Big Thing. Watch the video for the technique.

Empty Your Hands

Empty hands! Why this simple tip will make a difference in nearly any situation, whether you’re leading a meeting or speaking on stage.

Be Intentional with Gestures

I’m often asked “What do I do with my hands?” when I'm speaking or on video. Watch the video for DOs and DON’Ts.

Rule of Thirds for Virtual Meetings

When we appear on screen, we want to be both personable and professional. Here are to simple tests to “frame” yourself for virtual meetings.

Always Say "Yes" To This Reporter Question

Watch the video to learn why you should always say “yes” when a reporter asks “Is there anything you’d like to add?”

What's Behind You?

When I think about how my background has appeared in virtual meetings over the years, I immediately think about what didn’t go well. The potted plant that was in the wrong place, the bookshelf that was too close to my head, the messy desk that appeared front-and-center. What’s the secret to a professional background for video and virtual meetings? Watch the one-minute video for my tip.

Don't Repeat Negatives in Media Interviews

When I prepare leaders for media interviews, they frequently say “I don’t want to say the wrong thing.” One of the most important techniques I can share with them is “Don't repeat negatives.” Watch the video to learn more.

Finish Strong: The Power of the Recency Effect

Our audience is more likely to remember the last thing we say. Learn how to finish strong with a short, forward-looking sentence. Watch the video for examples of how to finish strong.

It's About Them, Not You

Looking for the perfect thing to say at your next holiday party, office gathering, or neighborhood event? The answer may lie in the questions you ask of others. Questions that lead to meaningful conversations include: “What’s something you (or your organization) has done this year that makes you proud?” “What trends are you seeing in your industry?” “What do you see ahead for your company/industry/profession in 2025?” Or my personal favorite…. “That’s interesting. Could you tell me more?”

Use Your Voice To Be More Persuasive

Why are we encouraged to “speak up” when we deliver a presentation, speak to an audience, or share information at a meeting? Watch the video to learn about using your voice to be more persuasive.

How to Sit in a Meeting or Media Interview

How we sit in a meeting or media interview can influence how we’re perceived by others. If we clutch our hands or lean on our elbows as we speak, our words have less impact. With virtual meetings, it’s even more important to sit in a way that allows us to use our voice and body language effectively. Watch the video for details.

The Science Behind “Simpler is Better”

When it comes to business presentations, simple is better than complex.

I know WHAT works. I was curious about WHY.

I asked Dr. Grace Chang, Ph.D. for insight. Grace has a PhD in cognitive neuroscience and leads learning research initiatives at EY.  She and I served together on the leadership team of the Duke Alumni Board of Directors.

Grace’s Response: It's true that simpler presentations that focus on key messages are more effective!
The process of whittling down the message benefits speakers because they have put in the cognitive effort (the brain work) to figure out what’s most important. When speakers have a clear message, they’re more confident.

Just as important is how this benefits the audience. Our brains can only focus on and process a limited amount of information at one time, i.e., we have a limited "cognitive load" that we can handle. When speakers present complex PowerPoint slides that are packed with too much content to an audience, they are not honoring our brain's natural limitations.

It's like stuffing a grocery bag with too many items. Your bag is likely to break, and even your most needed items will fall out. So, the risk of overstuffing your presentations is that even the most important points may not stick with your listeners. If you want your audience to understand and remember your key messages, less is more.

Engage Your Audience with Intentional Questions

I’m frequently asked “How can I make my meetings more interactive?” and “How do I avoid rambling because I don’t know how to finish?” Watch the video for my tip for concluding your presentation with intentional questions. Hint: It’s NOT “Any questions?”

Arriving Early is the Secret to Successful Networking

After a hiatus during COVID, professional and business events are back. If you feel uncomfortable when you walk into a crowded room, the secret is to arrive early. Remember that networking is about building relationships, not shaking hands. That’s easier to do when you arrive early. Watch the video for the tip.

Use Your Headline as a Guide

Our slides are a guide for our presentation, not a crutch. When we use slides effectively, we communicate a crisp and clear message to our audience. Watch the video for the tip on how to use your headline as a guide.

How to Stand When Speaking to an Audience

How we stand makes a difference in how our audience perceives us. Watch the video on how to stand when speaking in front of an audience or doing a media interview.

Begin Your Presentation with the "Why"

I’m frequently asked “How do I begin?” I recommend that you avoid phrases such as “Today I’m going to talk about.” Instead, begin with the “Why.” Watch the video for the tip.