Donald Trump tells the story about the first time he met Michael Jackson – backstage before his Thriller tour concert at Madison Square Garden.  Trump describes Michael as very soft spoken, kind, and humble.  He thought that there was absolutely no chance that this gentle character could possibly go onstage and blow out the building with song and dance.  Of course, he was wrong.  Jackson was spectacular.  How can a mild- mannered person carry forth the persona onstage or (for a business presenter who is shy) get up in front of any group and appear powerful and confident?  The answer …

News reports this week highlighted the passing of Dr. Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald, the physician who diagnosed and treated her own cancer while stationed in Antarctica.  What a brave woman.  She was also a motivational speaker.  One of the morning news shows displayed a clip of one of her speeches.  She said that the questions about when am I going to die, or how am I going to die are not important at all.  But the important question is this:  ”Did I really really live?”  What a great thought.  Super motivational speakers do that – they “make a dent” – they …

I was often asked why Billie Mays, the famous shouting pitchman was so popular.  What was it about him that coerced people to buy the products he was selling?  It’s all in his voice.  His somewhat frenzied shouting made the listener feel a sense of urgency and a sense of enthusiasm.  It was mostly the volume of his voice and the speed.  He had very little vocal inflection.  The listener is like a chameleon – if the presenter is excited, he or she will be excited too.  He also looked like the guy next door – a real person giving …

Some people get away with it.  Some presenters do.  Susan Boyle, the sensational Britain’s Got Talent singing contestant does.  She is not at all interested in a make-over.  She wants to be herself.  Usually, we try to pour people into molds – because that’s what is expected.  Lawyers wear dark suits, Hollywood stars are trim and fit, presidents need to look presidential, etc.  Sometimes I will work with a client who totally breaks the mold – and I encourage him or her to do so.  I worked with a lawyer who wears suede jackets with long fringes on the sleeves, …

I love watching American Idol.  I’m there right through all the goofy auditions to the pouring of confetti over the winner.  Every Tuesday night I arrange my schedule or set my DVR so I can enjoy the show.  The business presenters I work with are a lot like the American Idol contestants.  Sometimes the “dark horse” will surprise me, and make the most improvement – both on the show and in the training room.  It’s all about the individual recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, listening to feedback, incorporating suggestions into the next performance (or presentation), etc.  Those who are coachable …