Using Stories with dialogue and conflict When you were six years old, could there have been better words at bedtime? Or after a sweaty recess at school, the glorious moment when you and your classmates sat on the floor in … Continue reading →

(Does this look like the general direction of your speech?) “I am the greatest!” “Things are worse than ever.” “They don’t make them like they used to.” “This is the best ice cream ever.” “Coke is better than Pepsi.” Phrases … Continue reading →

You are intelligent. You are wise. You have more experience than you realize. You may say to yourself: Michael H. Schaefer, Executive Speaker Coach, communications consultant and keynote speaker, thank you for saying so. But are you just polishing my apple? Is … Continue reading →

Answer the multiple choice question after reading this speech opening: “How do you feel when you have to admit something you don’ t want to? At least 400 times a day in New York City someone gets on a subway … Continue reading →

How do you open your speeches? Do you know what Darren LaCroix, 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking says? First, let me tell you what he did to start his championship speech. His introduction was essentially a faceplant. He fell … Continue reading →

The Power of Visual Aids in Speaking Ever been in this situation? And did your thoughts sound like this: “How many more of these slides do we have to go through?  …Hey, buddy, I can read the slide myself …Maybe … Continue reading →

How amazing is it when someone in a sharp outfit strides up to the front of the room, looks us right in the eye and delivers a message that we are thirsty to hear? As the speaker moves around the … Continue reading →

The finest clothing made is a person’s skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this. ~ Mark Twai How fast do you make your snap judgments? When you meet someone for the first time? When you watch a … Continue reading →

Two Sides of the Same Coin: The quickest, most efficient way to become interesting visually to your audience is to allow yourself to gesture with your hands. The best way to communicate relaxed confidence (after good eye contact of course) … Continue reading →

If you’ve cut loose a little during a rehearsal and ‘danced’ your gestures without words, (See Pt. 1), then you’re already well on your way to matching your gestures to your words. By working from an expressive impulse, your gestures … Continue reading →