Wanna Be Funny? First, Be Confident

Love Tina Fey. . .don’t you? Reading her really funny book, Bossypants—a great line hit me, as a speech coach who finds humor for my clients: “Comedy is about confidence, and the moment an audience senses a slip in confidence, they’re nervous for you and they can’t laugh.” The truth is audiences really want you…

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Who Are Your Cheerleaders?

You know how we are so excited when we start our businesses? So much enthusiasm – we will set the world on fire! After the initial hoopla, what keeps us fired up? Who keeps you committed to your game? Who reminds you of your passion? I’m in a clean-up mode in my home office. Donating…

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Women, All Together Now: “I GOT THIS!”

A couple of weeks ago, I spoke for 90 women at Southern California Edison about being “Pitch Perfect.” I know entrepreneurs come with business confidence already installed in their systems. But to speak in front of a group? Not so much. My mission in life is to help women find their voice and claim their…

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6 "M" Action Plan for Success

Do a bunch of achieving women business owner award-winners want to hear a long keynote speech at their award ceremony? I think not. So when I was asked to emcee the NAWBO Ventura Bravo Awards, they gave me some time to speak. I delivered 15 minutes. It was the action plan that I know successful…

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When People Trust You, They Buy You

“I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort, where we overlap.” –Ani DiFranco One of the chapters in my new book begins with that quote. It’s the chapter on preparing about your audience. I say, “The more you know, the better the flow.” The most important part of…

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It's Your Birthday — Take Stock!

I haven’t always loved my birthday. When I was 5 years old, the cruel Chicago winter got in my way. The Mayor issued a traveler’s advisory and my party was canceled. The next February, the same thing happened. My mom suggested a half-birthday party in August – in the yard – with Japanese lanterns. It…

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Your Speech Coach Says: Always The Student

In your marketing speech, you “lead with the need” of your audience. You point out the pain, need or problem they are facing – for which your product or service is the solution. And then you tell them your solution. What words do you use in your message to describe your product or service? Some…

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Bless Your Holiday Stress, Revisited

Here it comes again –the season of giving AND receiving. You know how you’ll be “receiving” some family and friend obligations you never receive except during this season? Once you CHOOSE to receive, you now get to choose your attitude and behavior. In my book, Bless Your Stress: It Means You’re Still Alive! I define “bless”: to redirect the…

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Fun: The New Work Ethic

“Everything is for my entertainment or my education. If I’m not having fun, I must be learning.” I first heard that when I worked at Disney. Did Walt say that? Not sure. I say you can have fun while learning. And “fun” seems to be my brand. I got an email the other day from…

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Your Job: Be the Nicest Person in the Room

It pays to be nice. As a professional speaker, for over 30 years, I have found this to be true. Don’t believe the hype, even when people tell you that you’re fabulous at what you do. Years ago, I experienced a wake-up call.  I was booked to keynote at a women’s conference at a university…

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