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Feb 28, 2019

One of the most effective ways a speech can hold an audience's attention is suspense. And withholding a little information can whet their appetite for the answer to the question, "What happens next?"

Links: Story by Robert McKee. He wrote it with screenwriters in mind, but there's a lot in here that speaks to the craft...


Feb 26, 2019

The folks in the room are just one of the audiences your speech is going to reach. Here's how to think through who else may be listening in... and how you'll account for them.

Music: "Upbeat" by Jon Luc Hefferman, and Cheese by David Szesztay. Used under a Creative Commons non-commercial attribution...


Feb 21, 2019

Plain language can make your speech a lot clearer, and allow your ideas and thinking to shine through. But there are times when speechwriters and speakers want to reach for the more complex words... and even use (gasp!) jargon.

Music:Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons...


Feb 19, 2019

Between "helpful" suggestions from others and your own creativity, it often isn't easy keeping a speech on topic and on track. Here are some tools for sticking to the path — and a few tips on handling unavoidable detours.

Music:Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons...


Feb 14, 2019

You've probably always been told to project confidence and certainty  when you're speaking from the stage. But if you want to truly connect with your audience, a little vulnerability in your speech can go a long way.

Links: Probably the best-known writer and speaker on vulnerability is Brené Brown. If you want to...