Rob Biesenbach 
Companies update their privacy policies all the time. Sometimes the changes are innocuous, and sometimes they’re downright alarming. So it’s a good idea to pay attention to them, even if they’re written in a way that seems to deliberately obstruct understanding by a typical consumer. This weekend I received email notices from two companies announcing … Read more
If you buy just one business book this year, make it mine. If you buy two business books, then I strongly recommend Spin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age. It’s a new book authored by Gini Dietrich, CEO of marketing and communications firm Arment Dietrich. For years Dietrich has run one of … Read more
Why would anyone ever hire a self-described “motivational speaker?” Would you hire a motivational accountant? One who makes you feel great about your vital role in the economy but may or may not help you avoid an IRS audit? How about a motivational plumber? Somebody who gets you fired up about drainage systems but can’t … Read more
Are you a low-key person? Reserved? Introverted? There’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re unable to turn up the necessary energy when you hit the stage, it can make or break your success as a presenter or public speaker. That’s why low energy is one of the 11 deadly presentation sins and something you need to … Read more
Last week I attended one of the best presentations I’ve ever seen in person and came away with some really important public speaking tips. Some of these are for advanced speakers, but they’re skills anyone can aspire to achieve. The occasion was a local chapter meeting of the National Speakers Association, and the speaker was … Read more
One of the best ways to surprise and delight an audience is to leave them wanting more. After all, nobody ever left a room saying, “I wish that speech had been longer!” So your first priority is to trim the fat and keep your presentation focused. The Incredible Shrinking Speech Slot In the age of the … Read more
The audiobook edition of 11 Deadly Presentation Sins is now on sale! So if you’re not the “reading type,” you can just sit back, listen, and learn how to become a more skilled and confident presenter—all in just two hours. If you’re suffering from stage fright, unsure of how to organize your ideas, tired of … Read more
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
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
I was very excited to wake up this morning to another positive review for 11 Deadly Presentation Sins, this time from Nick Morgan, who’s a renowned expert on public speaking and communication. He’s counseled CEOs and presidents, has authored several books, and writes a great blog that I enjoy following, so it’s a real honor … Read more