Rob Biesenbach 
Here are the five most important lessons we can learn from the world of acting about communications: Create an authentic connection with your audience by truly understanding who they are, what they want and where you fit in. Otherwise, your communication will be tone-deaf. Tell stories that resonate. You can find stories everywhere and use … Read more
We are likely to hear the word “tragedy” used a lot this week. For years, the overuse of this word has bothered me. As an English major, I was trained in the classical definition of a tragedy, which is essentially the story of a hero falling from grace due to some flaw in his or … Read more
Got writer’s block? No you don’t. That was a trick question. There’s actually no such thing as writer’s block. That may surprise you as you sit there, staring helplessly at the screen, trying to get started on that presentation or report. I know, I know, you’ve seen the movies with the tortured artist holed up … Read more
I’m not one of those who considered Ronald Reagan “The Great Communicator” or even a great communicator. He was a good communicator, certainly, but no more so than I would expect from a successful politician and actor. His speech in the aftermath of the Challenger disaster was especially moving. He could deliver a well-timed one-liner, … Read more
Chris Farley used to do this great bit on SNL, where he played this typically rumpled character who bemoans his lack of communication skills. As he catalogues his various deficiencies, he punctuates each one with great, sausage-fingered air quotes: Maybe I’m not “the norm,” I’m not “camera friendly.” I don’t “wear clothes that fit me,” … Read more
When Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, it electrified the audience gathered on Washington’s mall and inspired the nation. Almost 50 years later, it still shines as one of the great pieces of rhetoric from the 20th Century. But you might be surprised to know that on that summer day … Read more
Even the Big Sur coastline of California has its moments of imperfection. But they’re mostly man-made. And since vacation is no time to let down your grammar/usage guard, I endangered myself and others in order to snap this photo and pass along an invaluable lesson. Insure should be reserved for insurance matters. Like if you … Read more
This is the first in a series of videos we’re doing to bring the Act Like You Mean Business lessons to life. It’s basically a condensed and “out-loud” version of The Fugitive story, which is one of my favorites from the book. There are so many lessons from that one scene: Focus on what’s essential … Read more
I’m getting a sense of deja vu from this article [link no longer available] about Tina Fey’s book, Bossypants. The author applies lessons from Fey’s book to business. Several of his points hit on things I discuss in my own book, including the “agreement” and “yes, and” concepts you learn in improv: Fey explains that the … Read more
I admire this instructor’s self-control. I might have slapped the little twit. I have no regrets about my English major. Indeed, I’m proud of it and have actually found it helpful in my career. It helped with my writing, but mostly it sharpened my analytical skills. When you’re picking apart every phrase or even every … Read more