Q & A: Public Speaking Tips Pt. 1

Q: As a motivational speaker and thought leader, do you have any suggestions or experience that you want to share? I understand that practice makes perfect. Do you have specific tips for improving public speaking? —Yue L., School of Management, Syracuse University

Constant Elevation – 7 Questions to Keep You on Point

Million-Dollar Networking Questions

Click here for a free pdf version.

Strong professional relationships are resources that can give you a competitive advantage in the 21st Century and one of the best ways to build professional relationships is via networking.

“But what do you say (or talk about) when you first meet someone?”

“What do you say (or do) when there’s a lull in the conversation?”

My response to both questions is the same.

Nine Words and Phrases Women Use

I would love to be able to take credit for this witty little piece, but I can’t. Someone forwarded it to me so I’m not sure who the original author is. Enjoy!

Delayed Gratification – The Lost Art

A Lesson on Failure from Alfred H. Duncan,Sr.

“Happy first Father’s Day!”

A warm, tingling sensation filled my chest as I responded to my father’s words of congratulations: “Thanks, Dad. Happy Father’s Day to you, man.”

After being on the phone for a few minutes longer, my father and I said our good-byes. As I stood there, in the middle of our kitchen, looking down at the bundle of endless potential in my arms, the sensation in my chest started to get more intense.

“I promise with all that is in me to be a good dad and to show you how to be a good man.”

Unable to really focus his eyes, Mekhi Eli, my one month old son, looked up at me as if to say: “You had better. I’m counting on you to lead the way.” Then with a stretch and a yawn, it was back to sleep for my little man.

As I contemplated various things to teach my son, I thought about how grateful I am for the myriad of lessons my father taught me. I wouldn’t be half the man I am had it not been for him. But there is one lesson, for which I am extremely appreciative, that stands apart from the others.

A Lesson on Leadership from Jackie Robinson

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”-Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson

Yesterday, Sunday, April the 15th, was the 60th anniversary of an exceptional act of leadership that has left an indelible mark on history. Jackie Robinson became the first African-American major league baseball player.

Drifting into reverie while watching the ball games on Sunday, I wondered what it would be like to be a trendsetter of that magnitude.

How would it feel to be a leader that has affected the lives millions and millions to come? What do you say to yourself when you know you’ve taken a swing at history, caught a ball for the future, and rounded the bases for the ages?