Apple’s Tim Cook Shows CEOs How to Be Human

Who says a shareholders meeting has to be boring? While most companies seek to minimize risk at these events, Apple CEO Tim Cook showed last week what can happen when a leader acts like an actual human. Or, “feisty, funny and fiery,” in the words of the Los Angeles Times headline. Other CEOs can take … Read more

United Pilots Show Power of the Human Touch

Companies acting human

An erstwhile statesman once said, “Corporations are people, my friend.” And while he was making an entirely different point and the line was deservedly mocked, there is a core truth to the statement. Companies are ultimately made up of people, so they should communicate the way people do. Customers like to know they’re dealing with … Read more

Presenters: Are You Cheating on Your Audience?

I’ve thought a lot about why people continue to give such terrible PowerPoint presentations. Certainly lack of time is an issue for many. And some feel they don’t have the skills to do better. And others clearly don’t care—they just don’t think it’s that important to try and create a visually compelling set of slides. … Read more

11 Deadly Presentation Sins: On Sale NOW!

11 Deadly Presentation Sins

The day has come. My new book, 11 Deadly Presentation Sins, is here and on sale now at most of the usual places. Whether you’re a regular public speaker, a hardcore PowerPoint user or an occasionally terrified presenter, this book offers your path to redemption. The ability to present your ideas in clear and compelling terms … Read more

Answers to 7 Common Questions About Public Speaking

Questions About Public Speaking

As I prepare for the launch of my new book, 11 Deadly Presentation Sins, I’ve been thinking about the most common questions audiences ask me about public speaking. Here are my answers, along with links to further reading —here on the blog and elsewhere. 1. Which is More Important—Content or Delivery? They’re both important—probably equally … Read more

Public Speaking Lessons from Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King

We rightly marvel over the genius of Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. But when you know the backstory, the accomplishment is even more impressive, and carries powerful public speaking lessons for anyone who has to get up in front of an audience. A Moment of Improvisation As I’ve written before, much … Read more

Storytelling and the Brain: A Marriage of Lies

I hate to be the one to break the news, but your brain lies to you. Constantly. The good news is, you can use that knowledge to your advantage in telling your story. And storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to engage your audience and get them to act, whether it’s clicking through … Read more