You’ll find out what I’ve learned over three decades of speechwriting, speaking and communications strategy. And you’ll meet some guests with their own wisdom to share on reaching audiences with powerful messages.
Ep. 57. Making the best of a cancelled speech
Your event was cancelled? Sorry to hear it. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to mean the end of the road for your speech.
Ep. 56. Leadership communications in a crisis (part two)
Getting leadership communications right is never more important than in the middle of a crisis. Here are seven key principles for effectively communicating when your audience needs you most.
Ep. 55. Leadership communications in a crisis (part one)
This two-part episode looks at effective leadership communications in a crisis. Part one is all about planning now so you’re ready when the storm hits… either with this crisis, or the next one.
Ep. 54. It’s called public speaking. Not public singing.
Sing-song delivery saps your speech’s strength and breaks your connection to the audience. Here’s how to recognize it… and how to stop.
Ep. 53. How to Talk to Experts
Sooner or later you’ll find yourself talking to a subject matter expert: somebody who’s going to give some of their time and knowledge to make your speech or article better. Here’s how to get the most out of their time and yours.
Ep. 52. Drop the pitch! Why selling from the stage sells you and your audience short
Here’s why you should leave the sales pitch behind when you head to the mic — and how you can do a much better sales job if you aren’t selling.
Ep. 51. Zoom in on your audience
Having trouble connecting emotionally with a speech you’re writing or rehearsing? Maybe it’s because you’re trying to speak to the whole audience instead of just one person.
This episode, here’s why you may want to take a leaf from TV cop shows — and zoom way in.
Ep. 50. The Pigeon of Dorian Gray
I’m always telling you to tell stories… so for the 50th episode of the podcast, I’m going to share one of my own. It’s about what a dead pigeon taught me about being a good speechwriter.
Ep. 49. What kind of emotional connection do you want with your audience?
Coming up empty as you try to write your speech? Wondering why your presentations aren’t landing quite as well as you know they should? You probably know you should connect emotionally with your audience — but maybe you need to think through just what kind of emotional connection you’re both looking for.