Speak With Confidence
Presenting Technical Information to Non-Technical People
Technically-inclined professionals typically deliver technical presentations. We hear it repeatedly from the executives we coach: they face challenges in conveying technical information to laypeople or others who lack the same scientific background. They often face significant communication gaps when presenting to individuals outside their expertise and the listeners are left feeling overwhelmed or “lost in the weeds.”
Five Reasons Investor Presentations Fail
…And how you can avoid them
We’ve learned that many executives and teams are poorly prepared to deliver important messages effectively during formal presentations. For example, it could be simple nervousness or lack of confidence on the part of one or two presenters, poor team coordination, or difficulty conveying complex data.
Do team members see you as a threat?
When there’s a consistent communication disconnect between you and someone on your team, no matter who reports to whom, there’s a good chance that threat and defensiveness are at play. Often, it’s not even conscious. Competition and negative reinforcement can drive short-term performance, but long-term success depends on opening communication channels. Start by asking yourself: What about me might be threatening to this person? The answer can be surprising. Maybe they admire you yet feel
Grow Your Communication Skills
Even for those who are already very good communicators, there is always room to level up. Below I discuss three areas in which communicators can grow in effectiveness. Understanding even one of these is a good step toward growth. You should… KNOW THAT FAMILIARITY AFFECTS COMMUNICATION There is a huge difference between communicating with people you know and people who do not know you. I am a longtime soccer fan and a soccer coach, so
Do You Sound and Appear Credible When You Speak? (Part 1)
As an executive communication coach, I often talk with clients about the importance of credibility or ethos for speakers. If you want people to listen to, care about, and be persuaded by what you say, it is incredibly important to establish credibility with your listeners. If you’re an executive, you are certainly experienced and have many credentials and degrees, but listing those verbally can be boring and at worst may be seen as pretentious! How
Maximize Your Time Investment: Pro Tips for Professional Conferences
Attending a professional conference can be a powerful way to expand your network, showcase your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities. However, the benefits don’t come automatically. The key is thoughtful preparation. Here are actionable tips to ensure you maximize your time and investment at your next conference: Strategize Your Connections – Make a Target List:Review the attendee and speaker lists before the conference. Identify the people you want to connect with—aim high! This
More Speak with Confidence Tips
Tip #1: Enhance Your Professionalism Through Thoughtful Greetings and Endings Want to project more confidence in professional settings? Start by mastering your greetings. Instead of casual “Hey” or “What’s up,” opt for formal greetings like “Good morning” or “Good afternoon.” These greetings convey respect and instantly elevate the tone. For instance, swap “Hey, how’s it going?” with “Good morning, how are you today?” This subtle shift can make a big difference, highlighting your professionalism and
Why 90% Effort Gets You Zero Results in Communication
In communication, 90% effort often gets you 0% results. That may sound harsh, but it is true. Effort and outcomes are not always linear. To be effective in high-stakes moments, you have to be willing to be 100% present. That means reading the situation, choosing the right approach, and delivering with confidence. Think of it like riding a bike. When you are fully engaged—pedaling hard, posture steady, eyes ahead—you stay strong and balanced. But if
Five Traits to Keep Front-of-Mind for a Memorable, Impactful Message
When you step up to speak, your listeners are not just hearing your words. They are reading you. Within seconds, they decide whether they trust you and believe your message. When I coach speakers, I often remind them that memorable communication begins long before the first word is spoken. It starts with how you show up. Whether you are delivering a keynote, presenting to investors, or leading a team meeting, your presence signals credibility. I