On Not Getting It
We now painfully know what those in the financial services industry can do and what they expect for their "work". For too long we've known what a politican can do and what they expect for their "work"....
View ArticleAre You Speaking Clearly? The Value of Correct Pronunciation (July 2009...
You've been handed a business card by someone you just met. A quick look down and your heart sinks. The name seems impossible to pronounce. You didn't expect to be in this situation. What to do? Keep...
View ArticlePriceline Co-Founder Scott Case’s Unexpected High School Commencement Address
What was Priceline.com co-founder Scott Case doing speaking at Greenwich (CT) High School's commencement? It so happens, Case is a Greenwich High School alum and obvious success story. On June 29,,...
View ArticleThe Persuasion Formula: Take A Lesson From The Pols
When you're trying to persuade people to take action, identify a simple, powerful message and return to it as many times, and as emotionally, as you possibly can.
View ArticleHoliday Greetings Game Change
I don't have the time, inclination, or energy to wrangle another 300 or so holiday cards, signatures, and stamps. Nor do I want to send the message of impersonal, mass-delivered inauthenticity. Thanks...
View ArticleA Sticky Situation
If you've ever had to react on the spot to a situation that was so sticky, so icky that it left you speechless, read on to see how a friend of mine handled a recent conflict.
View ArticleDuring NFL Lockout, No Deep-Sixing Of Ochocinco
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, Chad Johnson Ochocinco, hasn't let the labor dispute dilute his brand.
View ArticleMake Your Public Speaking Pass The “Waiting In Line” Test
While speaking is something almost everyone is capable of, doing so in front of large groups remains daunting. But there's one clear measure of success: is your audience waiting in line to meet you...
View ArticleSPEAKRETS BLOGConflict For Its Own Sake Is Not An Option, But It Can Also...
People who don't engage in conflict don't commit.
View ArticleSPEAKRETS BLOGWhy Newt Gingrich And Elizabeth Warren Are So Damned Persuasive
Left for dead only two months ago, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is now a front-runner for the GOP nomination. On the Democratic side, Elizabeth Warren has buzz of her own. The candidates couldn’t...
View ArticleHow Obama Misses the Mark On Leadership
The past few months have seen a rash of world crises and, as usual, the United States is looked to for its leadership. President Obama’s communications on matters ranging from the Middle East to Russia...
View ArticleIt’s Wedding Season
This time of year brings lots of inquiries that go something like this: “I have to give a toast at a wedding, and I don’t know what to say/want it to be funny/i’m scared to death…” and the like. (A...
View ArticleHyping Myself Has Become Exhausting
There was a great article by Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post concerning our culture of social media self-promotion. She particularly takes issue with what she terms the “humble-brag.” “As in:...
View ArticleThe Talented Mr. Trump
Trump to host #Oscars? #TrumpVlog A video posted by Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump) on Feb 23, 2015 at 8:10am PST If you are worried about Donald Trump becoming President, don’t. There is zero...
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Propaganda And The Future Of America
(Andrew Harnik / AP Photo) Most of us aren’t delving into policy statements posted on candidates’ website. We should, but, we’re not. We’re also not reading in-depth reporting in the major papers. The...
View ArticleKanye West: How NOT To Give An Awards Acceptance Speech
Kanye West just cannot get out of his own way. In his acceptance speech for the VMA Vanguard Award, a huge honor, he once again lacked the grace, humility, and, frankly, the skills to deliver the...
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Time to end our love affair with charisma
Is it time to end our love affair with charisma? As an unabashed cheerleader for smart and engaging communication, I want to explore whether that mysterious quality is given too much weight. The truth...
View ArticleSPEAKRETS BLOGConflict For Its Own Sake Is Not An Option, But It Can Also...
There are a plethora of opinions about what leadership entails. One sub-theme that has emerged–and is of particular interest to me–is the theme of conflict. I find conflict quite upsetting. I don’t...
View ArticleSPEAKRETS BLOGWhy Newt Gingrich And Elizabeth Warren Are So Damned Persuasive
Left for dead only two months ago, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is now a front-runner for the GOP nomination. On the Democratic side, Elizabeth Warren, the Harvard Law professor who is running...
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