The ten questions every leader should ask before crafting an important message. Over the past three decades of coaching executives and observing leaders across industries, I've noticed a consistent pattern: over 80% of the communication I observe is centered on what the speaker wants and needs to express rather than what the audience wants and needs to hear. Most communicators spend the majority of their preparation asking questions like: What do I want to say? Which slides s

Most executives don’t struggle in their preparation because they lack expertise. They struggle because their preparation process doesn't leverage that expertise or strengthen the relationships that matter most. When preparing for a presentation, a speaker’s job isn’t to simply transfer data. It’s to create clarity, build confidence, and move something forward. After coaching leaders across industries—from healthcare and technology to finance and media—I’ve noticed the same p

Every January, I encourage leaders to set communication goals for the year ahead. I love reading the thoughtful, ambitious goals they share—goals that reflect the kind of communicator and leader they aspire to become. I believe reflecting on that progress deserves equal attention. This is not about bemoaning all the things you didn’t get around to doing. The guiding principle here is an old saying often attributed to Maya Angelou: "Do the best you can until you know better.

Some presentation advice has stood the test of time. Some should have quietly retired decades ago. Unfortunately, the latter still gets repeated in boardrooms, conference rooms, classrooms, and green rooms around the world. While these myths are usually well-intentioned, many can actually make you a less effective communicator. Here are ten that deserve a graceful exit. 1. "Imagine everyone naked." Perhaps the most famous public speaking advice of all. It's also one of the st

12 Things to do before your next presentation People often ask me for “last minute advice”. The answer usually isn't a dramatic technique or secret trick. It's a collection of small habits that help them think more clearly, connect more effectively, and perform with greater confidence. Here are twelve easy habits worth adopting. 1. Visit the room early Spend a few minutes getting comfortable with the space. Familiarity reduces uncertainty and allows you to focus on your audie

Happy New Year! Every January, people set goals around fitness, finances, and productivity. Far fewer think about one of the skills that influence almost every opportunity they'll have this year: communication. Whether you're leading a team, pitching a client, interviewing for a promotion, speaking at a conference, or simply contributing in meetings, your ability to communicate shapes how people perceive your ideas—and your leadership. Unlike many resolutions, communication

When turbulence strikes, the first question most leaders ask is, “How can I stabilize the situation?” But over the years, I’ve observed that the most effective leaders go beyond merely stabilizing—they inspire. In times of uncertainty, resilience in its truest form isn’t just a personal virtue; it’s a gift you give to your team, your organization, and your community—those who look to you for guidance, not just to navigate challenges but to find purpose within them. This doesn

Around the globe, leaders across industries chase the elusive nature of gravitas—its essence, the role it plays in building trust and recognition, and, perhaps most importantly, how it’s cultivated. Can it be learned? what practices matter most? And how long does it take? The reassuring news is that while cultivating enduring gravitas is indeed a journey requiring time and dedication, there are practical techniques that can yield immediate dividends in everyday meetings, pres

People ask me every day if it’s okay to use AI to write a speech or presentation. The answer, like most communication itself, is not black and white, but rather, filled with nuance and dependent on context. Here are some of the most critical pros and cons to consider. Let's start with the pros: Good structure AI can help organize thoughts into a coherent structure using effective speechwriting models. This gives you a solid framework for your speech. Many people have a hard

Board presentations are like no other—they have the distinct honor of being unanimously frustrating for the speakers and the board alike. Board members complain they don’t get what they need. Presenters leave exasperated with a Sisyphean task: No matter what they do, criticism abounds and they are back to square one the next time. In fact, Carl Icahn famously said , “I sit on a lot of boards. I don’t have to watch SNL anymore. I just sit at the board meetings.” It does not

Happy New Year! I recently learned that January is National Thank You Month. What a wise way to start the year. All good leaders and...

When you prep to appear on a panel, do you have a strategy to boost your messaging and deliver your brand? Or do you simply hope to skate...

One of the first official speeches given since the birth of the United States was by Founding Father, Samuel Adams, a leader of the...

At some point, most executives and public figures need to give a speech from a teleprompter. If you haven’t already had the experience, it’s possible your day is coming. Prompters have great advantages—they allow you to look out at the audience and/or into the camera, while still having your entire speech right in front of your eyes. However, the pitfall is that it’s easy to look stiff and stilted. Prompters are notorious for turning spontaneous natural speakers into wooden s

17 minutes. 1625 words. Millions of hearts and minds. Many people have talked about racial equality over the centuries, from writers like...

"How A 'High-Level' Mindset Helps You Realize Your Potential" This year’s TED main stage was graced by the likes of billionaires Bill...

Every CEO I’ve ever worked with would agree even the prospect of layoffs are one of the most painful parts of the job. It’s tough to...

For years people have been asking me to give public courses on overcoming the fear of public speaking. And I promise I will, as soon as I...

President Volodymyr Zelensky has become an icon of valor in the past few months. Aside from his obvious courage and bravery in the face...

As well-meaning companies offer employees flexibility about returning to the office or working from home, so far, results show that men...