Presentation Skills

The best audience of all: a dog?

August 9, 2017
American University has eight canines on a roster of “audience dogs,” whose main duties are to be attentive for university students nervous about presentations.

To tame speech anxiety, be selfless

June 30, 2017
In the days and hours leading up to your presentation, you may wallow in anxious thoughts such as, “I dread this” or “I hope I don’t look stupid.” Joey Asher, an Atlanta-based speech coach, calls this “selfish self-talk.”

Welcome challenges from the crowd

March 9, 2017
You’re more apt to engage audiences if you invite them to speak up at any time.

Stand out with a new meeting strategy

December 23, 2016
Timing is everything when you’re trying to persuade someone.

2,300 years old … and a terrific speaker

December 8, 2016
Over 2,300 years ago, Greek philosopher Aristotle found that orators could win over audiences by integrating three elements: logos, ethos and pathos.

Make every second of silence count

December 8, 2016
Everyone knows that it’s easier to sell yourself and your ideas if you’re able to listen well. And the best way to listen is to keep quiet.

Organize ideas in a tight package

December 2, 2016
If you want to persuade an audience, start by picking the right organizational structure.

A 3-point plan for a winning speech

October 11, 2016
Preparing to deliver a big speech? Rather than just visualize yourself succeeding, practice well to gain confidence.

How to deliver a 5-minute speech

September 5, 2016

You can say a lot in five minutes or less, but less time for a speech means more planning. Here are 3 tips for doing it.

Woo a crowd with a splash of emotion

July 29, 2016
In 2007, Scott Harrison founded a nonprofit to fund water projects in the developing world. Within six years, he raised over $100 million.