Is Speaking Ability Over, Under, or Properly Rated?

I was listening to a panel discussion at a conference, and realized that I was rating the ability and intelligence of the panelists based on their speaking ability. Now if I do this, it’s likely that others do so as well. Which led me to ask myself, is speaking ability overrated? As someone who considers … Continue reading Is Speaking Ability Over, Under, or Properly Rated?

How To Use Humor To Enlighten

As always when I’m at the Enterprise 2.0 conference, I find myself hanging around with the delightful Marcia Connor of the Altimeter Group. In between gossiping about industry scandals and debating the best color for Eileen Fisher slacks, Marcia shared a powerful insight. It’s no secret that I enjoy making people laugh, especially when I … Continue reading How To Use Humor To Enlighten

Palin Breathes Life Into McCain Campaign

Governor Sarah Palin’s speech tonight was harsh, pandering, and full of factual inaccuracies. And it breathed life into the dying McCain campaign, which seemed headed for a landslide defeat.It was only earlier today when MSNBC’s microphones caught two leading conservative commentators, Peggy Noonan and Mike Murphy, calling the McCain campaign “over,” the Palin pick “cynical,” … Continue reading Palin Breathes Life Into McCain Campaign

The Secret Behind Obama’s Speech, and What McCain Must Do In Response

It was Hannibal’s favorite tactic. Alexander the Great loved to employ it. So did Napoleon. And tonight, Barack Obama used it put John McCain back on his heels. The secret? The counterattack. Used properly, the counterattack combines the strength of defensive positioning with the aggressiveness of an offensive attack and the added bonus of surprise. … Continue reading The Secret Behind Obama’s Speech, and What McCain Must Do In Response

Speaking Is Not Writing (How To Speak Well)

The following is my response to a comment from Hillary on my recent on improving your message with my “Say It Badly” technique. I thought it was an interesting enough thought to deserve reposting. *** The difference between speaking and writing is like the difference between improv and scripted comedy. There is an immediacy and … Continue reading Speaking Is Not Writing (How To Speak Well)

Speaking Is Not Writing (How To Speak Well)

The following is my response to a comment from Hillary on my recent on improving your message with my “Say It Badly” technique. I thought it was an interesting enough thought to deserve reposting. *** The difference between speaking and writing is like the difference between improv and scripted comedy. There is an immediacy and … Continue reading Speaking Is Not Writing (How To Speak Well)