Posts Tagged ‘speaking’

Be Heard. Speak Plainly.

Every semester I get a handful of students who have settled on the idea that the more big words they use, the better. Regardless of whether they know what those words mean or not. So I get papers elucidating the patriarchal configuration of the social arrangement, rather than telling me about male-dominated societies. Or they pontificate on the topic of inadequate provision of pedagogical resources vis-à-vis the particular requirements of participation… Continue reading

November 17 2008 | By Dustin | Tagged: clarity, language, plain, public-speaking, speaking, writing | 34 comments»

10 Skills You Need to Succeed at Almost Anything

What does it take to succeed? A positive attitude? Well, sure, but that’s hardly enough. The Law of Attraction? The Secret? These ideas might act as spurs to action, but without the action itself, they don’t do much. Success, however it’s defined, takes action, and taking good and appropriate action takes skills. Some of these skills (not enough, though) are taught in school (not well enough, either), others are taught on… Continue reading

July 30 2008 | By Dustin | Tagged: learning, networking, skill, speaking, success, thinking, writing | 214 comments»

13 Tips to Zap Your Butterflies When Speaking in Public

Everyone gets nervous before giving a speech. Unfortunately, the more people in the audience, the more important the speech usually is, making any butterflies in your stomach multiply before you begin. Knowing how to keep yourself calm can make a big difference when giving a speech. I’m not a world-famous speaker. I’m just an introvert who has managed to train himself to stay calm on stage… Continue reading

December 18 2007 | By Scott H | Tagged: courage, fear, nervousness, notes, powerpoint, presentation, speaking, student | 29 comments»

How to Get Gutsy

“If you wanna run with the big dogs, you’ve gotta get off the porch.” This was the sage advice given to me some years ago as I considered my first entrepreneurial venture. You’ve got to take risks. Be gutsy. All of which led me to wonder what guts really is. And, more importantly, if you don’t have it, can you get it? What is… Continue reading

December 10 2007 | By Jonathan | Tagged: achievement, business, networking, speaking | 9 comments»

How to Cut Crutch Words When Giving a Speech

“...um...” “...you know...” “...like...” “...ah...” You’ve all seen it before. What would otherwise be a great presentation becomes one interrupted jumble of syllables. Instead of taking those key pauses to let the audience digest, every moment of hesitation is filled with a crutch word. Maybe it happens to you. Eliminating crutch words is one of the fastest ways to improve yourself as a speaker. Not only… Continue reading

November 8 2007 | By Scott H | Tagged: Communication, crutch-words, presentation, public-speaking, speaking | 45 comments»

18 Tips for Killer Presentations

Jerry Seinfeld has a skit where he points out that studies show public speaking is a bigger fear than death. That means, he claims, that if you are going to a funeral you are better off in the casket than doing the eulogy. While there isn’t a lot you can do to melt away your anxiety, a the best start is simply to make a better presentation. Becoming… Continue reading

August 23 2007 | By Scott H | Tagged: Communication, powerpoint, presentation, speaking | 45 comments»