Speak With Confidence

Be Prepared Before You Speak to a Group
Here are 10 important questions to ask before the business presentation process. These 10 questions relate to listener analysis, and therefore, your needs: Why am I speaking to these listeners? Why are they listening? What relationship do we have? What relationship do listener members have with each other? What do they know about this topic? What would they like to know? How will they use this information? What are they doing the day before I

Thinking on Your Feet
Thinking on your feet, also known as being quick-witted or spontaneous, is important in many situations, such as public speaking, negotiations, impromptu speeches, or spontaneous debates. Here are some tips to help you develop your ability to think on your feet: Be Prepared: Preparation is vital to success. The more you know about a topic, the more equipped you are to handle unexpected questions or challenges. Read up on current events and familiarize yourself with

How to Prepare for a Big Four Partner Interview
A partner interview is part of the recruitment strategy for the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms in the US, (PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young) and is the last stage in what can often be a lengthy recruitment process. The purpose of the partner interview is to make sure the candidate is a good fit for the company. There may be some preset questions – and usually a short presentation – but the interview itself

How to be a Dynamic Panelist
Are you a panelist or moderator at an upcoming conference? Watch this short video by Executive Communication Coach Melody Elkin and learn how to be a dynamic panelist. Author Melody Elkin View all posts

MLK – Changing the World Through Speech
Martin Luther King is known as the greatest orator in modern times– a man whose words and style created profound social change. Though few of us will transform society, we can elevate our professional world through the way we speak. Here are three lessons: Author Laurie Schloff View all posts

Advocating for yourself – 30-min recorded webinar
Speaking up on your own behalf should not feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. This 30-minute recording will focus you on both the mindset and methods for advocating for yourself and your ideas. Author Jeff Turner View all posts

Humility and Gratitude: Humanizing Your Corporate Image
As coaches, we sometimes have clients with big egos and high opinions of themselves—in short, real Type A personalities. Sometimes they have trouble getting their ideas across to others or connecting with audiences. This is confusing for them (they are, after all, subject-matter experts), as having hard-charging personalities has helped them be successful and often sought-after speakers. They ask: What’s not working here? Why do some audiences tune me out? Why do I get the

Mindful Listening in a Hybrid Work World
This past year has been filled with loads of change. We have rapidly learned how to channel our energies to get our work done. There has been a lot of focus on doing, producing, participating, fulfilling deadlines, and creating content. The communication part of our work streams is still being fine-tuned. As a communication coach, I frequently tell clients that the capacity to maintain and establish trustworthy relationships is the key to success during this

Affect and Technology
Affect relates to the presentation’s general impression, the feeling it evokes. It’s like overhearing loud voices in the next room or getting “an impression” of what is happening. Affect refers to the openness, tension or mood of the experience. It is primarily intangible but a genuine and crucial part of communication. Author Dennis Becker View all posts
