As I write this blog, my dad is laughing hysterically at the fact that I have the unmitigated gall to author an article titled ‘Learn How to Use Your Voice like an Instrument.’  According to him, I can’t carry a tune in a bucket. That’s his affectionate way of telling me that singing… read more

At some point in the history of the English language, birds got a raw deal and became the butt of jokes and negative slurs. For example, if someone called you bird brain, jive turkey or old buzzard, you most likely would not leave the conversation feeling terribly friendly towards that person, or particularly good about… read more

  About two weeks ago, I’m wrapping up a video coaching session with a client named Gary. Always inquisitive, Gary said “Dez, one last question before we finish up . . . what is the sparkling jewel (glaringly obvious thing) that most speakers overlook during the presentation process?” For a moment, I struggled to answer… read more

In today’s social media-induced world of likes, shares and tweets, it’s easy to be seduced into believing that just because you’re standing in front of an audience, you automatically have their undivided attention. The reality is, every single time you address a group, you are auditioning. It doesn’t matter if you’re the company’s CEO, senior… read more

I’ll never forget coaching Angela Page back in July 2017. She was preparing to give a 15- minute, high stakes board presentation. Her coaching package included a draft of her speech, two revisions and four 90-minute coaching sessions. That’s correct . . . four sessions for a 15- minute presentation. What you don’t know is… read more

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I’m here today seeking justice on behalf of the falsely accused PowerPoint presentation. A word of caution before we begin ― this court proceeding will deviate from the traditional hearings process in which both sides present an opening statement outlining what their version of the evidence will show. In… read more

  For many years, one of the hotly contested subjects in professional speaking circles has been determining at what point a speech “officially” starts. Some say it’s the moment you reach the parking lot of the venue. Others say it’s the second you get into your car on your way to the venue. Alternatively, the… read more

  Would you believe that we developed most of our bad microphone habits before the age of 10? If you’ve ever sung your favorite jam into a fork or hairbrush microphone, you’re just as guilty as the rest of us. That experience, of course, doesn’t mean we know how to use the real thing …. read more

If you clicked on this article expecting to be mildly entertained while learning a few useful tips on how to effectively use a podium, now is a good time to stop reading. After spending the last decade immersed in all things public speaking, the one topic that continues to elude me is the podium. Now,… read more