RETHINK AUTHENTICITY
People often talk about being “authentic” when they present. But that word can get in the way. A musician might resist changing their grip because it feels strange. A footballer might avoid adjusting their technique because it’s uncomfortable at first. But that’s how learning works – what feels awkward now often leads to better results later. Speaking is the same. Authenticity isn’t a fixed state. It grows as you grow. It means showing up with honesty, even as you try new things, make mistakes and adjust along the way.
Continue ReadingNO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR PRESENTATION SKILLS
They care about what those skills deliver. Your presentation skills aren’t the point. Audiences don’t show up to admire you. They want clarity and insight they can use. Presenting is just a tool. Timeless Presenter, my new book on the principles of communication that never expire, will be released soon. If you’d like to be notified when it’s out, you can join the early access list here.
Continue ReadingPRACTICE IS THE COURSE
A client once asked me, “What’s the most advanced presentation skills course you offer?” I told them the truth: “The most advanced thing you can do isn’t a course. It’s practice.” Techniques matter. So does structure. Delivery, storytelling, visuals – they all help. But what separates someone who knows how to present from someone who actually presents well is this: practice. Too many people collect tips but never apply them. They attend training, take notes and then move on. But presenting is a performance skill.
Continue ReadingWHAT’S IN IT FOR THEM?
At a conference a few years ago, an HR manager told me, “My team has to sit through internal presentations every month. Most of them don’t want to be there.” Then she asked, “What should presenters do when the audience has no choice?” It’s a good question. Here’s my answer: Start by asking yourself why they should care. If you can’t find a clear reason why your message matters to them, maybe they have a point.
Continue ReadingTHERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME
AI can write faster than you. Draft slides in seconds. Polish language on demand. When machines can generate so much, it’s easy to wonder why improving at anything still counts. But that reaction misses the point. When everything becomes easy to produce, what becomes rare is care. Machines are good at output. They’re not good at meaning. They don’t feel the tension in a room. They don’t notice when a sentence doesn’t land and adjust accordingly. They don’t take responsibility for how words affect people.
Continue ReadingYOU ALREADY ARE A PUBLIC SPEAKER
Early in her career, Agatha Christie didn’t see herself as a writer. She wrote stories while working as a nurse. Her first novel was rejected over and over. But she kept writing. Book after book, she found her voice. Public speaking works the same way. I often hear people say, “I’m not a public speaker,” as if it’s a special title handed out at some invitation-only ceremony – robes, handshakes, the works.
Continue ReadingWhat Hostage Negotiation Teaches Business Leaders
In this episode, former hostage negotiator Nigel Taberner shares practical lessons on how to guide tough conversations and build trust when the stakes are high. He explains how to get people talking, listen with intent and communicate with clarity in client meetings and negotiations. Leaders often face moments where every word carries weight. A client meeting, a negotiation, a presentation or a difficult one-to-one can shape results. In this episode of the Ideas on Stage Podcast, former hostage negotiator Nigel Taberner shared lessons from his work that translate directly to these business situations.
Continue ReadingHow to Stand Out at Work
In this episode of the Ideas on Stage Podcast, Lorraine K. Lee shares practical ways to improve your LinkedIn profile, communicate with confidence, lead better meetings and show up well on video. Great advice for anyone who wants to stand out at work. Strong professional presence shapes how others see you long before you enter a room. In this conversation, Lorraine K. Lee explained how leaders at every level can strengthen their presence, grow their credibility and move forward in their careers.
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