This week's featured article ...

The Wow Factor!

by Stephen Boyd

Every speech needs a 'Wow!' factor or in other words content that makes the audience respond with 'Wow! I didn't know that!' In fact, if you are delivering a 30-minute speech, you should have a 'Wow!' factor every 10 minutes. An audience's attention span is short, so you know you are likely to lose your audience at various places in your speech. Each time you include a 'Wow!' you bring the audience back to you.

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Public Speaking Articles

My Mentor I Never Met

Filed in: Speech Writing | By Stephen Boyd | March 15, 2010

I am a firm believer in taking advantage of OPE or other people's experience. Find someone who does well what you want to be able to do and pick that person's brain. Take her to lunch or ride with him on a trip. I've done this several times and have found the experience to be invaluable. I have learned from a variety of such mentors.

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Pay Attention To The Words

Filed in: Speech Writing | By Stephen Boyd | February 17, 2010

Don't use words carelessly. I admire the wordsmith who can find just the right word to express an idea. Pay attention to the words you speak. Think about words before you speak them. Listen to words others use that explain an idea better than you could have and ask yourself if they are words you can use in your own speaking and writing vocabulary.

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Ask The Right Questions

Filed in: Delivery | By Stephen Boyd | February 11, 2010

When you ask the right question, effective communication occurs. Sometimes the right answer comes when you are two or three questions deep in the conversation. Get information before you give information. Don't be afraid to follow up one question with another.

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When Less Is More

Filed in: Speech Writing | By Stephen Boyd | January 21, 2010

Often a person says too much instead of too little. In a variety of communication situations, less is better. For example, if you are using a PowerPoint presentation, don't put 50 words on a slide.

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Effective Communication in 2010

Filed in: Delivery | By Stephen Boyd | January 4, 2010

We make New Year's resolutions about our careers, our eating habits, or our exercise. Let's make 2010 resolutions about our communication!

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No Apology Needed!

Filed in: Delivery | By Stephen Boyd | December 11, 2009

Don't apologize when delivering a speech unless it is something that keeps an audience from understanding you. Eliminating statements of apology is one of the earliest points you learn when receiving presentations coaching.

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Improve Your Listening Skills Today!

Filed in: Listening Skills | By Stephen Boyd | November 2, 2009

The skill to listen well is one of the most important elements to a successful career. We are so easily distracted as we respond to our cell phones, emails, or text messages that we miss what people are saying. Here are some tips on improving your listening skills today in order to pay better attention.

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