The Myth of Multitasking
The myth of multitasking is that we can do more than one thing at a time. In fact, when you’re “multitasking,” you’re rapidly switching back and forth between tasks. Similar to the principle in physics that two objects can’t occupy the same space at the same time, we can’t focus on multiple tasks simultaneously. And …
Suspending Certainty
Real dialogue is where two or more people become willing to suspend their certainty in each other’s presence. (David Bohm) What does this quote make you think or feel? When I think about “suspending certainty,” I feel a little uneasy. Certainty feels great! I can look around and find other people who share my certainty—that’s …
What Spock Tells Us About Preparing
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.” Spock, the rational thinker, makes decisions based on the greater good. Who will benefit? One individual, or many? A moment may come when you need to start preparing for a speech, presentation, meeting, or event. You won’t feel like it. You may …
A Peek Behind the Recording Booth Curtain
I’m really excited to announce that the audiobook version of Before You Say Anything: How to Have Better Conversations, Love Public Speaking, and Finally Know What to Do with Your Hands is available now! Huge thank you to The Talking Book, an audiobook producing company located right here in Asheville. I had a terrific experience with them, and …
To Have Presence…
To have presence, be present. Be truly present with the experience, with the people, with however you’re feeling about it. Instead of trying to remember what you practiced, connect with the people in the audience.Instead of loading your slides with information, invite questions.Instead of rushing to prove your point, demonstrate curiosity. Presence is demanding. It’s …
“I Just Want to Tell You That I Can Be an Oversharer…”
Long-time friend and blog reader Josh got in touch last week, looking for some advice. He told me: I have an interview for a position that would be really…prestigious. I’m wondering if you have any tips for avoiding my biggest interview bugaboo – “oversharing.” Ah! This is pretty common, especially with more extroverted folks. The adrenaline of the interview …
Do You Have a November Resolution? I Have a Suggestion.
What does it mean to be a good public speaker? Does it mean that you’re not horribly nervous? That you feel prepared? That your audience truly connects with your message? Or D, all of the above? The Public Speaking Catalyst is happening again, and this is a terrific way to promise yourself you’ll feel confident, …
The Real Job of the Car Salesman
If I asked you what a car salesman’s job is, you might say, “Well, it’s to sell cars.” Yes, for sure. But if they go into work every day with the default intention ”I’ve gotta get people to buy cars,” I bet they’re not very successful. If “to make the sale” is the salesperson’s intention, …
How Is the Idea of Executive Presence like Obscenity?
“Executive presence” is one of those things, that, like the Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said about obscenity, “I know it when I see it.” In other words, it’s extremely subjective. Different pairs of eyes see different behaviors as demonstrating “executive presence.” Part of the important work we can do is to address our innate …
True Confessions about Big Workshops
True confession time: While my company started its journey in communication skills training by leading big, short-term workshops, I’m unconvinced that these kinds of programs have as much impact as we wish they did. Large-group workshops are great for checking “public speaking training” off an organization’s annual to-do list. They may even help a few …
