The Science of the Pitch
We're not talking baseball. People like Jack Dorsey (Twitter) and Sir Richard Branson (Virgin) are great pitchers. They know how to pitch ideas to investors in a compelling and inspiring manner - and it started before they had money, staff or expensive jets. Pitching...
Style vs. Substance (Thanks, Mom)
"Parking lot speeches " are most prevalent in churches. These are when the preacher says something great and life changing. However, by the time you get to the parking lot, you have forgotten it. With so much riding on YOUR presentation, you cannot afford this to...
Practice Makes Perfect – Or Does It?
I have heard people say, "If practice makes perfect, and no one is perfect, then why practice?" Although funny and cute, nothing could be farther from the truth. Great speakers, politicians and preachers practice what their words and style. The difference between...
Getting What You Want – Persuasive Speaking
Remember this: ALL presentations are persuasive. Seeking funding? Talking to your boss? Speaking to peers at a scientific conference? All of us are trying to persuade someone to do something. The challenge is to do it without sounding like a used car salesman. We are...
Communication, Communication, Communication
To expand your business and share your idea beyond the borders of your state you will need to apply technology in a way that delights your customers without actually talking to them. Scary thought! When clients share a comment or question on your Facebook page, your...
Scientifically Speaking…Apple vs. Facebook
Apple vs. Facebook People continue to write articles about which company will come out on top. Who's growing faster? Who has the better CEO? Who has the better products? Products? These are the preverbal keys to the kingdom! How? Data show us that for the past...
It's in the Shoe's, Man!
I once heard a woman decides if she is going to date a man in the first 7 seconds of meeting him. Part of that evaluation is how his shoes look. Therefore, in addition to everything else, make sure you're wearing the right shoes to impress her. That same...
Twitter is Useless and Dead!
Twitter is useless! That's what I used to think. I have since changed my feelings. I felt there was no business application for Twitter. It was good for teenagers talking about Justin Bieber or the french fries at McDonalds, but that was it. After all, how do you...
Cheese, Peas and Chocolate Pudding
One of my favorite stories growing up was "Cheese, Peas and Chocolate Pudding." I remember the story of the little boy who wouldn't eat anything but cheese, peas and chocolate pudding. I haven't read that book in 35 years. Why do I still remember the title, specifics...
Scientifically Speaking…Q&A Time
The question and answer session SHOULD BE the cherry on top of your presentation sundae. Everything else was good, but this will be the best part! That's why you saved it until the end. Why? You've been talking AT them for the past hour. This is a chance for...
Scientifically Speaking…Visual Aids
Show them what you mean. Your visuals are an AID to your presentation. It is not the presentation itself. In his book, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, Carmine Gallo, he describes how Steve Jobs doesn't solely rely on fancy sounds and transition for his...
Scientifically Speaking…WIIFM
WIIFM ==> What's In It for Me Want your audience to listen to what you have to say? Start off telling them WHY they should stay. We all lead busy lives. And if we're not busy, we'll act like it during your presentation. The only reason people showed up is to find...