From Square Screens to Shared Spaces

We’ve gone from square screens to shared spaces. Muting the audience and “no video” is no longer an option. You are seen & heard.   During the height of the pandemic and through the lens of zoom, our non-verbal communication got a break. It was impossible to see your foot shaking or your arms crossed. Those subconsciously evident facial expressions were off-limits in your tiny …

Can One Improvement Make A Difference?

“You can improve your value by 50% just by learning communication skills – public speaking…” ~ Warren Buffet “Peyton, that’s the best speech you’ve given all semester.” If you sat in my UNCA public speaking class lately, you’d hear that statement numerous times. You’d see the students inhabiting their speeches where content, delivery, confidence and poise are aligned and united. The students …

Can You Dosey Doe and Speak?

My first speaking engagement was a lunch event. Roasted chicken, green beans and chocolate cake were my greatest competition for the audience’s attention. That was a challenge. The shape of the room required me to stand in a doorway, the same door the waiter used to enter and exit. The audience is having lunch. I’m doing “dosey doe” with the …

‘How’ You Say ‘What’ You Say… Matters

If you recorded me talking to my dog, you’d “get” to hear my gleeful, high-pitch tones. Think…. “Just look at that face,” on helium and repeat. With this tone, I get a happy, tail wagging dog but, maybe not a happy speaking audience. Did you know you can captivate attention, motivate action, inspire a change of heart and lead a …