presentation skills
17 Mar Speaking Successfully at a Conference Fireside Chat
A fireside chat in business is an informal yet structured conversation between a moderator and a guest speaker (or panel) at a conference, event, or corporate gathering. Unlike traditional keynote speeches or panel discussions, fireside chats are engaging, relaxed, and interactive—almost like an intimate conversation around a fireplace, which is where the term originates.
Of course, speaking in this format may not always feel comfortable. Nerves can creep in between the lavalier mic, a tight dress belt, and the fear of the unknown. As coaches, we’ve helped hundreds of professionals prepare for fireside chats, and here are our top tips for success:
1. Embrace the Conversational Format
Unlike formal speeches, fireside chats should feel like a candid conversation between you and the moderator (and the other speakers if appropriate).
How to Prepare:
- Ditch the script. Instead of a full-page speech, keep an index card with key points or hard-to-memorize data. Ideally, you have no notes.
- Trust the flow. There’s no need to memorize word-for-word—let the conversation develop naturally.
- Pivot when needed. A great moderator will shape the conversation, but if an important point hasn’t come up, don’t be afraid to steer the discussion toward it.
Pro Tip: Moderators have the toughest job—they act as conductors of an orchestra, guiding the discussion’s rhythm and tone. The best ones will make it effortless for you! Meet them in advance to get in alignment.
2. Engage with the Listeners
Fireside chats often include Q&A segments, making them more dynamic and interactive.
How to Prepare:
- Predict questions. Think through likely questions and prepare a loose 30–60-second response for each.
- Prepare for the tough ones. Anticipate the questions you hope you don’t get and have a clear, concise answer ready.
- Stay composed. Suppose an unexpected question catches you off guard. In that case, pause before answering—silence for a few seconds is better than rushing into an unclear response.
3. Be Relaxed Yet Informative
Fireside chats are professional but casual—a balance of credibility and approachability.
How to Deliver Well:
- Smile and maintain good posture—but don’t be stiff.
- Use quick stories or examples to illustrate key points. (Plan a few)
- Could you keep it simple? Make complex topics more accessible and engaging.
Pro Tip: The best fireside chat speakers create a “behind-the-scenes” feel—offering insights that go beyond rehearsed corporate messaging.
4. The Biggest Rule of Speaking at a Fireside Chat
Don’t Over-Speak—Make an Impact Quickly
- Get to the point quickly—be crisp, clear, and compelling.
- Use a purposeful pace—avoid rambling, and keep responses within 60 seconds before passing them back to the moderator or a fellow speaker.
- Allow space for moderator engagement and co-speakers—a good fireside chat flows like a great dinner conversation. Don’t ramble or repeat yourself due to nerves or being distracted by the setting, such as media photographers or 50 people nibbling croissants.
Final Thoughts
A well-executed fireside chat creates a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience for the speaker and the audience. And let’s be honest—no one ever complained about a lack of long PowerPoint slides in this format. So, smile, enjoy the experience, and embrace the conversation!
5 Mar What Does Your Handshake Say About You?
A handshake is one of the first things a client or colleague notices about you, shaping their perception of your strength, confidence, and ability to connect. Regardless of age or seniority, a well-executed handshake sets the right tone for any professional interaction. As a communication coach, I work with clients to ensure their handshakes convey confidence, approachability, and credibility.
The Power of a Handshake
Dating back to ancient Greece, the handshake has long symbolized trust and goodwill. Over time, it has become a universal sign of respect and connection. In professional settings today, it remains a key nonverbal cue that influences first impressions.
The Handshake Spectrum: What Does Yours Say About You?
Your handshake can project confidence and warmth, or unintentionally signal weakness or aggression. Use this 1-to-5 handshake scale to assess where you stand:
Level 1 – Soft touch, limp wrist, curled fingers; Impression Conveyed: Perceived as weak or lacking confidence
Level 2 – Light grip, minimal eye contact; Impression Conveyed: May suggest disinterest or insecurity
Level 3 – Firm grip, good eye contact, brief but controlled; Impression Conveyed: Conveys warmth, confidence, and approachability
Level 4 – Very firm grip, prolonged eye contact; Impression Conveyed: Can be seen as domineering or aggressive
Level 5 – Crushing grip, excessive shaking, or duration; Impression Conveyed: Viewed as overly aggressive, possibly intimidating
The ideal handshake falls in the Level 3-4 range: firm but not overpowering, with eye contact and a brief but solid grip.
Tips for the Perfect Handshake
- Practice Regularly: Test your handshake with trusted colleagues or friends and ask for feedback.
- Maintain Eye Contact: This establishes trust and connection.
- Be Mindful of Hygiene: Keep your hands clean and dry. If you tend to get sweaty palms, touch a metal surface (like a doorknob) beforehand to cool and dry your hands.
- Match the Energy: Your handshake should reflect the level of enthusiasm you bring to the conversation.
A handshake is more than just a formality; it’s a powerful communication tool that can set you up for success. Ensure your handshake conveys confidence, warmth, and professionalism
For more on the history and significance of the handshake, check out this article: The History of the Handshake.
25 Feb Have the Listeners in Mind!
I speak with hundreds of conference speakers a year. In fact, I love doing it because it is great to learn what is being discussed around the world in a variety of industries, and it obviously helps those speaking to say what they say more effectively.
One thing that I constantly hear is how do I make sure that I am keeping people’s attention? This is a great question, however the nervousness behind it is always surprising. Keeping people’s attention is not something to worry about but something to strive for. Since more conferences are a combination of talks and presentations, there are two ways to keep attention:
- What’s in it for me? In presentations, speakers constantly do a great job of explaining what the information is but not what is in it, more me as the listener! I work with speakers constantly to determine what aspects of their presentation are essential to their listeners and then hone their presentation to focus on that value. If you do that, you will keep people’s attention.
- I don’t get anything out of this! Most talks are supposed to provide the listeners with thought leadership on important topics. Most talks discuss important topics but fall short of providing anything. What is important is that in each of these talks, someone must moderate or facilitate that conversation correctly, which means setting aside time after each segment of the talk to highlight important terms or ideas that should be remembered by the listeners.
If you are attending a conference and plan to present or give a talk, remember what is in it for me and how you can make sure your listeners get something out of it! This will make every conference you attend more engaging and memorable.
19 Feb Creating Conversation at Conferences
One of your goals when attending conferences is meeting and connecting with other attendees.
Building relationships starts with a conversation. Many of my clients are not entirely comfortable striking up conversations with strangers. I am often asked, “What do I say?” I work with clients to create conversations based on the Three Ws.
1st: Where are you? Think about where you are physically.
2nd; What do you have in common with the person? What do you share with this stranger?
3rd: What do you say? The first two W’s will help you with what to say.
Here’s an example:
You are attending a conference out of state, and you are at a meet-and-greet event.
1st: Where are you? 1. At the Conference, in a new setting (hotel, state, city), 2. At an event (dinner, lunch, cocktail hour, or session).
2nd: What do you have in common? 1. The conference, 2. Everyone travels to the event; 3. You all have a job related to the industry; 4. You are all enjoying food and drink.
3rd: What do you say? 1. “What sessions have you attended?” 2. “Where are you from?” 3. “What company are you with/what do you do?” 4. “Have you attended this conference in the past?” 5. “They have some food; have you tried anything yet?”
Remember, the intent is more important than the content when creating a conversation with a stranger. It’s more important that you start a conversation. We need to start conversations with basic questions that anyone can answer.
10 Feb Networking When You Hate Networking
True confessions: I’m an introvert. I do not like talking to people I don’t know. However, I will be entirely unsuccessful in my profession if I do not meet new people.
For so many professions, meeting new people is crucial to success. And for people like me, networking is a dirty word. So, how can we make networking less painful and more doable?
Attending professional conferences provides an excellent opportunity to engage in networking. Here’s a template for networking at conferences even when it’s not your favorite:
The first step is to attend a panel, talk, or discussion and PAY ATTENTION. While listening, jot down some interesting ideas you hear the speakers sharing. Plan out what you will say based on the template below. When the session is over, choose one of the speakers, go to the front of the room, and start things up.
Start by introducing yourself briefly. For example, “Hello. I’m Cat Kingsley Westerman, and I am just getting into the short-term rental business with three properties.”
Then use HEC (Headline – Example – Comment).
Give them a headline:
H: “I found your comments on short-term rentals interesting.”
Then an example:
E: “That was a great story about the people who put thought into their interior design and had a 50% bump in occupancy.”
Then, a comment:
C: “I would like to know if I can have a similar effect by changing the exterior of my property.”
Finally, follow with a question:
“What are your thoughts on that? What other advice would you give to someone like me?”
Interactions like this demonstrate that you are smart and well-informed, make the speaker feel good, and create new connections with other smart people in your field. Set a goal for yourself for how many people you will meet at the conference and watch your network grow!
29 Jan Do You Struggle to Get to the Point? Try the HEC Strategy!
Ever been asked to “get to the point” and found yourself scrambling? If so, you might be an inductive thinker—someone who starts with smaller details and builds toward the bigger picture. While this approach feels natural for many, it can waste time and frustrate deductive thinkers, who prefer starting with the conclusion.
Enter the HEC strategy: Headline-Example-Comment. This simple framework helps you speak clearly and efficiently in 20 seconds or less.
1. Headline
Start with your main point or the most attention-grabbing idea.
Example: “Hey Paul, having an official agenda could make our meetings shorter and more productive.”
2. Example
Follow up with a specific detail that supports your headline.
Example: “For instance, if I know something I care about is coming up on the agenda, I can stay focused and avoid interrupting with questions that’ll be addressed later.”
3. Comment
Wrap up with your opinion or a suggested action.
Example: “Let’s try sending an agenda out a couple of hours before our next meeting. I’m happy to help create it if that’ll make things easier.”
By using HEC, you’ll communicate more effectively, saving time and earning the respect of your deductive-thinking peers.