Sentence Structure Still Matters. Here's Why.
"I was struck by the bridge." What does this title sentence mean….? 1. I was in awe of the majesty of the bridge. 2. I was hit by a car...
Quiz: Do you write with ESP?
In our Writing for Business Workshop, we teach ESP: writing with Economy, Simplicity, and Precision. To test your ESP proficiency, try...
Before you answer a Q&A question, take a breath (and 3 more tips).
Speakers ask us all the time, “How can I get better at answering questions that I didn’t expect?” First - take a breath. Too many...
How to stop "wordslumming" and become a more precise speaker.
Wordslumming is a term I coined to describe those needless words and phrases that creep into our language. Wordslumming can clutter your...
3 Steps to Be More Persuasive in 2021
You're not alone if your business planning for 2021 feels a bit like herding bees – buzzworthy goals, uncertain direction. Here's a...
How to Toast (Virtually) to 2021
The holidays are here! This season, your Zoom meetings might include giving toasts – for work, virtual holiday parties, ir retirement...
How Great Speakers Engage an Introverted Audience
Picture this: you’re pouring out your heart and soul – delivering vital information to an audience that desperately needs it. Yet, they...
Silver Threads, Part 4: In 25 Year of Presentation Coaching, What Hasn't Changed?
by Shelley Bamberger In parts 1-3 of this Silver Anniversary series, we’ve focused on the many changes in how people improve their...
Silver Threads Part 3: What's Changed in my Top Ten Tips to Becoming a Powerful Presenter?
In 25 years, only THREE of my Top Ten Tips to Becoming a Powerful Presenter, that have changed substantially: 1. How to practice for an...
Silver Threads Part 2: What’s trending in how we present and persuade.
Welcome to Part 2 of my Silver Anniversary Series: How presentation coaching has evolved over the past 25 years. First, thanks to the...
Silver Threads: My 25 years as a Presentation Coach!
Presentation Skills are now a core competence of many jobs – especially STEM.
How to stop overusing "Like" – and why it matters
Since about 500 BC, philosophers have sought to understand the meaning of life. Since about 1990 AD, leaders have sought to understand...
How to read a script – without sounding robotic
TV and Radio personalities routinely use prompters and cue cards. Yet they sound spontaneous and natural. This is a skill they’ve develope
"You took care of that thing, right?" - WebEx Tips from the Mafia
How can you be sure action steps are followed and deadlines are met – without hounding your team like a mob boss?
The Seven Habits of Highly Annoying Speakers
What's the #1 reason you tune a speaker out? Here are the 7 most popular answers.
6 Keys to Storytelling in a Business Presentation
Last year, we worked with a speaker who was asked to address a graduating class. She was terrified. Together, we created a story about her r
Please get to the point before my scheduled retirement date!
In our workshop – The Effective VIRTUAL Meeting – we ask participants: What’s the number ONE skill associates could develop to improve...
Winning the Job Interview: It’s not the IT; it’s the FIT.
You’ve been told that hiring managers are looking for the IT factor. But no one can define exactly what IT is. They say stuff like: --...
Cover Letter Tips: Clear First Impression, Positive Mindset
Most job seekers obsess over their resumes – but give little thought to the cover letter. Big mistake! Hiring managers insist that the...
Reading this article will improve your presentation skills by 13 percent!
An absurd claim? Of course it is. I can’t prove it. And you can’t measure it. Yet we’re bombarded daily by equally outlandish claims from...