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2 Jun Speak with Confidence Tips
Tip #1: Make them care
Whether it’s an internal presentation, a meeting with potential buyers, a sales pitch, a job interview, a fireside chat, a PR segment, or a media interview, always ask yourself, “WHY SHOULD ANYONE CARE?” or “HOW CAN THIS STORY HELP OTHERS?” Remember, people will tune out if the content is solely about you.
Tip #2: Get back to the media within one hour of a TV interview request
First, get excited! Second, reply to the reporter immediately. Third, consider it a fire drill; drop everything to be there, the interview might be only a few hours from the first call you get. This is a wonderful opportunity. Go get ’em!
Tip #3: Don’t pretend you are perfect
Early in the pandemic, I led a big group workshop on Strengthening Virtual Presentation Skills. After dividing the group into breakouts on Zoom, it was time to bring the group back together. However, the button “End Breakout” was right beside the button “End Meeting”, and since they had the same color, I accidentally hit End Meeting, kicking everyone off the Zoom workshop!
I dramatically screamed “Nooooooooo!” to myself, and luckily, participants slowly started logging back on. Once everyone had returned, I said, “Well, I DID tell you this morning that it’s important to end virtual meetings a few minutes early, but that was a bit TOO early! Sorry about that!”
After my self-deprecating joke, everyone laughed, and we moved on. Charisma often starts with confidence. Everyone stumbles. Being perfectly polished is exhausting and not even possible. Just embrace it, call it out, and move on with a smile.
Tip #4: When you are in the office, avoid the temptation to look at your phone
On average, people spend 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phones each day. Individuals check their phones an average of 58 times each day. If you travel to your office, make it worth your time. Look up, make some small talk, use eye contact, and meet someone new. The email and apps will be there when you get home!
Tip #5: In media interviews, remember they can’t print what you don’t say
There might be moments that feel “off the record,” like the casual chit-chat while you are getting mic’d up, but keep in mind that there is no such thing as “off the record.” Stay attentive and maintain professionalism throughout. The interviewer is not your friend no matter how friendly they come across. Nothing personal, simply a reminder that you are always ON.
Tip #6: Walk around the office with a secret purpose
Looking to rebuild relationships post-Covid? Try taking a secret purposeful walk around the office once a day. Take out your AirPods, slow down, leave the cell phone, and engage in trivial or meaningful conversations with colleagues. Compliment their work, inquire about their interests, or acknowledge their contributions. Walking with intent and the willingness to listen fosters connection and builds trust.
19 May New eBook: Communication Skills for Managers: Speak Clearly, Persuasively, and Confidently Vol. 1
Now, as managers, they’re expected to communicate in ways that inspire teams, persuade stakeholders, delegate effectively, and motivate performance. They must deliver presentations that secure funding, provide clear guidance in high-pressure situations, and handle sensitive conversations with diplomacy and tact. In short, they need to influence and lead—not just inform. Poor communication doesn’t just lead to missed deadlines or small budget overruns—it can impact profitability, increase legal or financial risks, jeopardize safety, derail regulatory approvals, and erode organizational trust.
This eBook bridges that gap. It equips executives and managers at all levels with proven strategies, tools, and techniques to master the art of management communication. Drawing on over 60 years of experience coaching leaders from companies such as Merck, Bank of America, KPMG, Apple, and Amazon, the insights here will help you communicate with authority, empathy, clarity, and confidence—skills essential for leadership in today’s complex business landscape.
Access it on our secure server:
https://speechimprovement.com/communication-skills-for-managers-vol-1.pdf/
Communication Skills for Managers: Speak Clearly, Persuasively, and Confidently Vol. 1
Effective communication isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s a critical success factor. Often, when the stakes are high and the margins for error are slim, important communication skills can’t be left to chance—clarity, precision, and impact are non-negotiable. Yet, many managers did not initially aim to become leaders. Earlier in their careers, as individual contributors, they had excelled. However, the skills that earned them recognition and rewards often don’t translate seamlessly to leadership demands. (more…)
Five Reasons Life Sciences Investor/Partner Presentations Fail
Life sciences investor and partner presentations are among the most powerful, productive, and valuable means of securing funding and/or advancing your business. They are, however, different from other business presentations. There are unique requirements, expectations, and challenges. (more…)
Conquer the Conference: Strategies for Networking, Building Connections, and Maximizing Opportunities
Attending conferences can be both an opportunity and a challenge. Whether you’re an executive, an entrepreneur, or a professional looking to learn and grow your network, these events are designed to expand industry knowledge, foster connections, spark ideas, and open doors. But let’s be honest—many people find conferences overwhelming, awkward, or just plain exhausting. (more…)
Communication Skills for Managers: Speak Clearly, Persuasively, and Confidently Vol. 2
This second volume offers 12 more lessons for improving your management communication. From “Preventing Interruptions” to “Tips for Leading Effective Meetings,” our coaches offer practical, real-world advice that you can put to use immediately. (more…)
Hate Speech in the Workplace: A Manager’s Guide
It’s out there, it’s ugly, and business leaders should be prepared before it shows up in your company. This complimentary guide will help you recognize and address troublesome situations. (more…)
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.” (more…)
How to Choose a Speech Coach
When you are charged with finding and selecting a vendor to help you or your employees strengthen their communication skills, you are taking on a crucial task. Whether it’s helping a colleague prepare for a major presentation, learning to navigate difficult conversations yourself, or developing an organization’s leadership team, you need to closely match the learning needs to
the training skills. (more…)