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 ONTempest in the Lizard Kingdom: A True Christmas Tale
(12/21/2020) In 1989, as a 25-year-old sailing solo on a 26-foot sailboat, I spent a surreal Christmas weathering a North Atlantic gale, at anchor in a not-so-sheltered place in the central Bahamas. This piece was originally published in my sailing memoir,… READ ON
(12/21/2020) In 1989, as a 25-year-old sailing solo on a 26-foot sailboat, I spent a surreal Christmas weathering a North Atlantic gale, at anchor in a not-so-sheltered place in the central Bahamas. This piece was originally published in my sailing memoir,… READ ONPitch Trolls in the NidekniL Marketplace
(12/8/2020) Nideknil Marketplace was all hustle and bustle. Colorful signs above the merchant stalls proclaimed the advantages of endless products and services. Businesspeople crowded the aisles, picking up samples and literature and talking to the vendors. The pitch-trolls were out in… READ ON
(12/8/2020) Nideknil Marketplace was all hustle and bustle. Colorful signs above the merchant stalls proclaimed the advantages of endless products and services. Businesspeople crowded the aisles, picking up samples and literature and talking to the vendors. The pitch-trolls were out in… READ ONThoughts on Thanksgiving
(11/24/2020) 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
(11/24/2020) 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 ONStorytellers: Be a Journeyist, Not a Journalist
(11/10/2020) Be a journeyist, not a journalist. The purpose of a speech is to transform the audience—to elicit some change in thought, feeling, or action. The purpose of the audience is not to help you unburden yourself of your story. Life… READ ON
(11/10/2020) Be a journeyist, not a journalist. The purpose of a speech is to transform the audience—to elicit some change in thought, feeling, or action. The purpose of the audience is not to help you unburden yourself of your story. Life… READ ONI-We-You. Tips for Speakers and Writers
(10/27/2020) I-We-You. You’re addressing an audience. When should you switch from the inclusive “we” to the more personal “you?” When is it acceptable to use “I?” When talking about your own experiences, use “I.” Listeners will follow your story as long… READ ON
(10/27/2020) I-We-You. You’re addressing an audience. When should you switch from the inclusive “we” to the more personal “you?” When is it acceptable to use “I?” When talking about your own experiences, use “I.” Listeners will follow your story as long… READ ONMemorize Your Speech? or Not?
(10/13/2020) Should you memorize your speech? Is it okay to use notes? Proponents of memorization rightly assert that it's difficult to perform well and read a script at the same time. Especially in these days of so much on-screen presentation, we… READ ON
(10/13/2020) Should you memorize your speech? Is it okay to use notes? Proponents of memorization rightly assert that it's difficult to perform well and read a script at the same time. Especially in these days of so much on-screen presentation, we… READ ONHome Economics and the “New Normal”
(9/29/2020) Getting Forward to New Normal Retailers have been hit hard by COVID19. Foot traffic is down and online retailers are winning the game. But that story is only partially true. Online retailers started winning the game long before COVID19 shuttered… READ ON
(9/29/2020) Getting Forward to New Normal Retailers have been hit hard by COVID19. Foot traffic is down and online retailers are winning the game. But that story is only partially true. Online retailers started winning the game long before COVID19 shuttered… READ ONDon’t Hire Experts and Tell Them What to Do!
(9/14/2020) Too many professionals buy the story that expertise is a commodity: Hire an expert, tell them what to do, and get the job done. Experts are experts because they know more than you do about their professional discipline. Experts are… READ ON
(9/14/2020) Too many professionals buy the story that expertise is a commodity: Hire an expert, tell them what to do, and get the job done. Experts are experts because they know more than you do about their professional discipline. Experts are… READ ONWho Are You to Judge?
(9/1/2020) Have you ever been disappointed with a judge's call—in a courtroom, on a ball field, or in a contest? Who are you to judge? In August of 2020, I watched eight finalists compete in the World Championship of Public Speaking,… READ ON
(9/1/2020) Have you ever been disappointed with a judge's call—in a courtroom, on a ball field, or in a contest? Who are you to judge? In August of 2020, I watched eight finalists compete in the World Championship of Public Speaking,… READ ONPotent Verbs Spice Up Your Storytelling
(8/18/2020) Verbs are the engines that move your writing, your speaking, and your readers, but many authors don’t spend enough time choosing the right ones. If your writing was an electric guitar, your verbs would be the volume, tone, and distortion… READ ON
(8/18/2020) Verbs are the engines that move your writing, your speaking, and your readers, but many authors don’t spend enough time choosing the right ones. If your writing was an electric guitar, your verbs would be the volume, tone, and distortion… READ ON
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Every two weeks, I send out a new article about business communication. Storytelling, writing, and presentation skills are common topics, though I’ve been known to throw in an occasional oddball post around the holidays. Your questions and comments are always welcome!