Rob Biesenbach 
Remember what a shock it was in 2020 to be thrown into the world of virtual presenting? It was definitely an adjustment for me, and I’ve been doing virtual for over a decade. And now we’re living in the “in-between” — some of us returning to in-person presentations, some not and others a little of … Read more
This summer, on my mother’s birthday, we held a memorial service honoring and celebrating her life. This is the eulogy I delivered. I’ve long felt that my mother was born at least a decade early. As the Baby Boomers dominated popular culture, more than once I heard her remark, ruefully, that she was part of … Read more
How often has this happened to you? You’re watching one of your leaders or clients speak at an event and they’re absolutely bombing. Yet they go on and on, oblivious to the palpable restlessness, confusion or annoyance in the room. How do they not recognize what’s obvious to all of us? Well, look at it … Read more
Sharing your wisdom from the stage at professional and industry conferences and other venues is one of the best ways to raise your profile, advance your career or boost your business. Public speaking will get you noticed and help build your reputation as an expert. And that can attract all kinds of opportunities, from a … Read more
Even in the best of times, it can be hard to control our emotions. But we haven’t been living in the best of times. Most of us have experienced some level of stress or even trauma as a result of the pandemic. So it’s natural to be feeling a little “raw” emotionally and unpracticed socially … Read more
Want to be viewed as a leader? Then get up on stage and present like a boss. A presentation tests your mettle in any number of ways, from your ability to inspire others to how you work under pressure to whether you can translate information into action. It can bring out your best — and … Read more
How do you feel about the idea of having a personal brand? If you’re like a lot of people, you may agree with this pithy comment I got on Facebook: “Barf.” That’s an understandable reaction. After all, we are not dish soap (“cuts through grease!”) or paper towels (“the quicker picker upper!”). So let’s dispense … Read more
If you’re struggling to organize your thoughts for a presentation, report or any important message, it’s hard to go wrong with this simple and time-tested communication framework. Known as “Know, Feel, Do” (or sometimes “Think, Feel, Do”), it’s an indispensable tool for creating communications that are compelling and that resonate with your intended audience. I … Read more
Here’s an important storytelling tip that will vastly improve the impact of your stories. It’s all about finding the moments. In my workshops and consulting, people often come up with the broad brushstrokes of a perfectly functional story. The problem is, it’s too broad. The devil is in the details. And the right details can … Read more
One of the most important things you can do for your professional development is to get some improv training. I studied improv for several years at Chicago’s Second City Training Center and it changed my life. Improv made me a better communicator, a better team member and a better (and braver) person. Someone in your … Read more