“Give me your tired, your poor, your hackneyed phrases yearning to breathe free.” We’ve heard them all. Many of us have used at least one of them on occasion. (Truth time—embarrassingly—me … [Read more...]
By on December 10, 2013 Leave a Comment
Lessons from Showbiz: Patrick Stewart and the Fine Art of Selling
Sometimes, epiphanies come from unlikely places. I was reading the current issue of Esquire and spotted an interview with Patrick Stewart. Though I’m neither a Trekkie nor a huge fan of his pop … [Read more...]
By on November 14, 2013 Leave a Comment
Lessons from Showbiz: Every Performance Matters
From 2002-2005, one performer in Las Vegas was voted the top entertainer every year. His name was Danny Gans. As a pro baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, Danny picked up a small role in … [Read more...]
By on November 1, 2013 Leave a Comment
Tech Tip: Using PowerPoint on the Big Stage
Here’s the picture: You’re speaking at an event that will put you on the big stage. You’ve decided to use PowerPoint (or Keynote) to support your presentation. You’ve put in hours on your graphics… … [Read more...]
By on October 3, 2013 Leave a Comment
Lessons from Showbiz: Be Yourself
“Be yourself. Unapologetically.” —Ke$ha During my 20s and 30s, I had the privilege of backing up some legendary showbusiness personalities. Across the spectrum of performers… from Tony … [Read more...]
By on September 19, 2013 Leave a Comment
On Presenting: Put the Audience First
Fade up on comedian Jerry Seinfeld, on stage at a posh theater. We pick him up mid-monologue as he remarks with perfect comic timing… "…so I got off the elevator, cut in line and said; ‘what is … [Read more...]
By on September 6, 2013 Leave a Comment
Tech Tip: Make Sure You’re Heard
When moving from the conference room to the big stage, one of your most important tools will be the microphone. Here are a few basic tips to make sure you're heard. If you’re speaking … [Read more...]
By on August 14, 2013 Leave a Comment
Tech Tip: Dressing for On-Screen Success
In his 1972 book, "Silent Messages," UCLA Professor Albert Mehrabian introduced his landmark research into the relative importance of verbal and nonverbal messages. He found that three factors … [Read more...]
By on August 9, 2013 Leave a Comment
Lessons from Showbiz
It’s been said that everyone in America has two careers: Their own business. And show business. I actually started my career in showbusiness. No, I didn’t kick the Can Can in the Follies Bergere or … [Read more...]
By on July 30, 2013 Leave a Comment
On Presenting: Make Your Message Matter
If you’re tapped to speak at a meeting or convention, here are a few things to consider as you plan your presentation: Tell stories. People have communicated using stories since the dawn of spoken … [Read more...]