Phoenix Public Speaking

Ronald Reagan's 1961 Memorial Day speech was among the best.

Happy Memorial Day! • Phoenix Public Speaking Memorial Day originally was called Decoration Day and was held to honor fallen soldiers in the Civil War. Later, the holiday was expanded and today we remember all those who died in service to our nation. Since it began, Memorial Day always has been a time for speech-making about those who have sacr...

Golden Nugget: A tip to make sure your next business presentation feels less like a lecture and more like a conversation.

Engaging your audience before you speak • Phoenix Public Speaking When it comes to delivering a powerful business presentation, most people focus on what happens after they step up to speak. But some of the most impactful moments can actually happen before your talk even begins. One of the simplest and most effective strategies? Greet your audience at the door. As...

Most business presentations are made in conference rooms – without a microphone. Here’s a cool little trick to determine how loud to speak in these settings.

How loud should you speak? • Phoenix Public Speaking You’re standing in front of a small to medium-sized room full of people and about to give a business presentation. There’s no microphone. How loud should you speak? The answer isn’t just about volume—it’s about connection and clarity. Here’s what to do: Locate the audience member the far...

When used well, a pause can engage an audience and move them in a way that words alone cannot.

The power of the pause • Phoenix Public Speaking “The most precious things in speech are the pauses.” – Sir Ralph Richardson   Sometimes saying nothing at all can speak volumes. A well-timed pause is one of the most powerful rhetorical tools a speaker has. Used effectively, silence can draw an audience in, emphasize a key idea, and create a...

Public Speakers: Stop asking, “How am I being judged?” Start asking, “How can I help them?"

Out of self-consciousness and into service • Phoenix Public Speaking They’re all looking at you. You’ve stepped to the front of the room. All eyes are on you. And it feels like judgment. Like the moment you open your mouth… something could go wrong. But what if you’re reading the room wrong? What if the audience isn’t a firing squad… but your quiet cheeri...

Best room set-ups for engagement, choosing the right microphone, pro checklist to be prepared

Set up for speaking success, prepare like a pro presenter Set your room for max engagementClassroom seating, round tables, U-shape – what's the best seating arrangement for your meeting?See the pros and cons of each set-up and discover some new ideas.

Michele Trent and I presented our signature public speaking workshop in Denver this week with a highly engaged group—lots of thoughtful questions, strong participation, and a genuine commitment to improving communication skills. It’s always inspiring to see people lean into the process, practice new techniques and support each other as they grow their confidence as speakers.

2026 is going to be a good year!