After more than two decades of coaching professionals to speak with confidence and influence, I’ve learned one thing for certain: A presentation succeeds or fails on one thing – clarity of message. Strong delivery can’t rescue unclear thinking. Confidence can’t compensate for confusion. And no amount of well-designed slides will save a message that lacks focus. Across healthcare, disability services, …
Capturing an audience’s attention is only the first step. The real challenge lies in keeping it for the duration of a presentation. Experienced speakers know that engagement isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. Leaders and managers who want to speak with confidence and influence must learn to hold listeners from start to finish. One of the most effective techniques is storytelling. People …
If you lead people, you already know this truth: the question isn’t whether you’ll face pushback – it’s how you handle it that your team will remember. Whether you’re rolling out a change, clarifying expectations, or holding someone accountable, questions and objections are part of the job. The good news is that Q&A isn’t a battle to win. It’s a …
Most presenters feel a bit safer behind the lectern. It’s a handy spot to rest your notes, grip the edges, feel safe, and create a sense of control. But that comfort and safety come with a hidden cost – connection. The lectern may make you feel secure, but to your audience, it can look like a wall between you and …
Engineers, scientists, and technical professionals often have a wealth of data to share. But when presenting to a broader audience, that data alone rarely creates action or influence. People may struggle to follow the numbers, lose interest in charts, or forget key findings. The challenge isn’t having enough information; it’s transforming that information into a message that sticks. Here are …
Public speaking is often described as one of the most anxiety-inducing activities, but for neurodiverse individuals, the experience can be even more intense due to sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, and communication differences. Despite these challenges, neurodiverse speakers bring unique strengths to the stage – such as deep focus, attention to detail, creativity, and empathy – that can captivate and inspire audiences. …
