Two rules a commencement speaker must remember

Commencement speakers who put the focus on themselves are missing the point of the ceremony.

The critical element in a great speech

The essential element that determines success or failure of a speech is obvious: you must be able to hear the speaker. If you cannot, nothing else matters.

Words Words Words

Words — the building blocks for writers and speakers alike — have different impacts depending on the medium.

Common grammar goofs

It’s okay to break writing rules but first you must know them. This infographic on common grammar mistakes covers most of the errors I see.

A failure to communicate

A poorly worded email demoralizes teachers getting ready for a new school year.

What makes a good commencement address?

‘Tis the season for venerated commencement speakers to dispense pearls of wisdom to the future leaders of America. Unfortunately those waiting graduates are much more interested in getting that diploma and getting on with life than in anything a speaker might have to say. Nevertheless commencement addresses are a traditional part of the ceremony and so

What was this person thinking?

I had the opportunity to judge a speech contest recently. It was a Toastmasters area contest with only a few contestants, all with fairly good speeches and deliveries. One contestant was especially memorable but for reasons that she probably would not relish. Her speech was okay but her dress made me wonder what in the

The memorable conclusion: ending with oomph

The conclusion of a speech is your final chance to give your audience a takeaway. Leave them with words to remember.

Getting past the BLAH BLAH BLAH

Open your speech with impact. If you don’t capture your audience at the beginning, what you say later will not matter.