When you Skype a potential client or current customer, what should you wear? The answer is very simple – wear what you think they would expect you to wear. Last week I Skyped a potential client in New Zealand. It was a very casual day for me at the office, but I actually changed into a business suit for the Skype date. I only had one shot at projecting the image I wanted and I had two choices:
1. A top-rated trainer worthy of her business (including a trip from New Zealand and a three-day training fee)
2. Someone who was having …

“Oh, you look too serious,” is a comment often given during the coaching sessions of the SpeakersTrainingCamp®. People often ask, “Well, why should I smile, I’m not saying anything funny.” The reason you want to smile is that it conveys enthusiasm for what you are talking about and it also conveys friendliness toward the audience. People rarely smile. And I’ll admit that it’s really hard to do if you’re nervous (which causes lots of facial tension). I can remember one video shoot that I was doing for a training video. I was really trying hard to be energetic and enthusiastic. …

It’s tough to leave the “coach” in me behind when I go on vacation. On a recent spectacular trip to Durango, Colorado and Albuquerque, New Mexico I found myself in analysis-mode while listening to our different tour guides. After all, they were giving presentations. Here’s my analysis from worst to best:

#4: His family nicknamed him the “Yellow Pumpkin” and he guided us through an amazing current working Pueblo village. He was funny and he told great stories….. I think. The big problem was that he mumbled and about 40% of what he said could not be understood. The message was …

I was really excited to receive an email from a colleague announcing that my book, 101 Ways to Captivate a Business Audience is featured in the new American Management Association newsletter. Wow! That is a great endorsement and great publicity. People love the book because it is a fun, easy read with tons of how-to ideas for immediate implementation. As soon as I heard the news I thought a great deal about what the book writing process was like, and for me, it was a real struggle to get started. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, here are …

There’s a buzz in the air about the new Tony Robbins tv show, “Breakthrough,” and it reminded me of the time I attended a full-day motivational workshop – over 15 years ago. There are several things I remember from that day that are permanently branded in my system:
1. Be Authentic. There is no doubt in your mind that Tony is for real. His conversational style, his mesmerizing voice, and his wealth of real-life stories put the stamp on his sincerity.
2. Oh Yes! Tony explained that when he’s in his hotel room, getting pumped up for the session, he looks in …