Presentation Skills

Ouch! The harshest presentation scorecard ever

August 15, 2017
Steel yourself—we want you to put your upcoming talk through this aggressive 12-point test. Our goal is to poke, nitpick and annoy until you have all your bases covered and can come off like an awesome leader, not a text reader.Let the tough love begin!

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.”

Got a big presentation? Rehearse & memorize

March 21, 2017
Practice until you can give your presentation not just by heart, but with complete confidence.

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.

How to create a poetic silence

October 26, 2016
How long should you pause when inserting a moment of silence in your presentations?