The Elements of Story
(6/11/2018) I never thought I’d learn about business while sailing alone on a small boat at sea, but here’s the story: When I was a young man still in college, I found myself—quite through happenstance—in the company of an odd band… READ ON
(6/11/2018) I never thought I’d learn about business while sailing alone on a small boat at sea, but here’s the story: When I was a young man still in college, I found myself—quite through happenstance—in the company of an odd band… READ ONThoughts on Thanksgiving
(11/21/2023) When the urge to gripe arises, consider that no matter what dark clouds may loom on the horizon, you threaded the needle of human history. Imagine what life would have been like had you been born not so many years… READ ON
(11/21/2023) When the urge to gripe arises, consider that no matter what dark clouds may loom on the horizon, you threaded the needle of human history. Imagine what life would have been like had you been born not so many years… READ ONTwo Stories Professional Speakers Never Tell
(11/14/2023) Here are two great stories to NEVER tell: One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking things up and gently throwing them into the ocean. “Hey kid, what are you doing?” “Throwing starfish… READ ON
(11/14/2023) Here are two great stories to NEVER tell: One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking things up and gently throwing them into the ocean. “Hey kid, what are you doing?” “Throwing starfish… READ ONStage Fright: Turn Nervous into Service
(10/31/2023) Advice on how to deal with stage fright ranges from absurd (don’t picture the audience naked unless you’re speaking at a super-model convention—and that could be distracting) to just plain useless. The popular assumption is that people are naturally fearful… READ ON
(10/31/2023) Advice on how to deal with stage fright ranges from absurd (don’t picture the audience naked unless you’re speaking at a super-model convention—and that could be distracting) to just plain useless. The popular assumption is that people are naturally fearful… READ ONJazz and Musical Storytelling
(10/16/2023) What is musical storytelling? Many of our favorite storytellers rely on music to help them deliver their messages with impact. Depending on what’s happening in the story, they use specific techniques and strategies. For example, when there’s a dream sequence,… READ ON
(10/16/2023) What is musical storytelling? Many of our favorite storytellers rely on music to help them deliver their messages with impact. Depending on what’s happening in the story, they use specific techniques and strategies. For example, when there’s a dream sequence,… READ ONThe Three Circles of Storytelling
(10/3/2023) A story’s success relies on three perspectives—three lenses through which its component parts must be viewed: What to Say: Choose the right words How to Say it: What media and skills will you use to deliver your message? Why They’ll… READ ON
(10/3/2023) A story’s success relies on three perspectives—three lenses through which its component parts must be viewed: What to Say: Choose the right words How to Say it: What media and skills will you use to deliver your message? Why They’ll… READ ONFind the Music in Your Words
(9/19/2023) Find the music in your words! A speechwriting colleague told me she always guaranteed her clients that her work would be well received by the audience. “That’s a big risk,” I said. “No matter how good your writing is, you… READ ON
(9/19/2023) Find the music in your words! A speechwriting colleague told me she always guaranteed her clients that her work would be well received by the audience. “That’s a big risk,” I said. “No matter how good your writing is, you… READ ONTake the Twerking Out of Networking!
(9/5/2023) Another agonizing networking event! You walk around the room, introduce yourself to the next stranger, ask them what they do, and pray they'll offer anything remotely relevant to you. Great! Another realtor! Wow! Another financial manager! Nice to meet you… READ ON
(9/5/2023) Another agonizing networking event! You walk around the room, introduce yourself to the next stranger, ask them what they do, and pray they'll offer anything remotely relevant to you. Great! Another realtor! Wow! Another financial manager! Nice to meet you… READ ONThe Essential Absurdities
(8/21/2023) Watch a sunbeam Magic! The light reveals swirling dust, a hidden universe Slip a jar under it Close the lid What do you have? Nothing Take a picture of a sunset. Can you capture the grandeur of the frameless… READ ON
(8/21/2023) Watch a sunbeam Magic! The light reveals swirling dust, a hidden universe Slip a jar under it Close the lid What do you have? Nothing Take a picture of a sunset. Can you capture the grandeur of the frameless… READ ONWhy AI-Generated Marketing Copy Misses the Mark
(8/8/2023) Is AI-Generated Marketing Copy the powerful shortcut we've been told it is? The explosive growth of online content has done little for the evolution of graphic design or copywriting. Publishing has never been so easy, and the demands of producing… READ ON
(8/8/2023) Is AI-Generated Marketing Copy the powerful shortcut we've been told it is? The explosive growth of online content has done little for the evolution of graphic design or copywriting. Publishing has never been so easy, and the demands of producing… READ ONNever Play the Victim Card
(7/25/2023) Keep your poor me stories off the stage. My friend Tony showed me a video of a speaker who told the story of her escape from alcohol and depression and her long, hard road to personal and professional success. “It’s… READ ON
(7/25/2023) Keep your poor me stories off the stage. My friend Tony showed me a video of a speaker who told the story of her escape from alcohol and depression and her long, hard road to personal and professional success. “It’s… READ ON