You ace your speech and it feels so great! Is there a word for that feeling of verbal empowerment? Our ability to communicate articulately and confidently is not only the single most pivotal skill that can get us what we need out … Continue Reading
“Communications is the Bedrock of Success” – An Interview with Brian Rashid
In a video filmed at the 92nd Street Y in NYC, Brian Rashid asked a classroom of students, “What prevents you from being a great speaker?” “Rejection!” “Nerves.” “Lack of confidence.” “Self-doubt.” “Fear of boring the audience.” “Not being smart.” … Continue Reading
Like, Can I Check Your Reservation? How My Dad & an App Got Me to Stop Talking in Similes!
“Stop talking in similes!” This is a phrase (and often an exclamation!) I have come to know all too well throughout my life. It originates from none other than my own father, and one he wishes he didn’t feel compelled … Continue Reading
J. Scott Wunn Answers 3 Big Qs on Debate in Our Divided Country & Emerging Tech’s Role
There is no debate about J. Scott Wunn’s mission and his good works. Since 2003, Wunn has been the executive director of the National Speech & Debate Association. With the goal of giving all students access to speech and debate, Wunn has … Continue Reading
The Words Every College Senior Dreams of: “I GOT A JOB!” #SpeechFitness
Staying in shape is never easy. It requires dedication, motivation and a willingness to commit time. If you don’t work on your physical fitness on a weekly basis, then you lose your momentum and have to start back at … Continue Reading
Actors! Casting Director Marci Liroff (Credits: “Mean Girls,” “E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial, etc.”) on Why Being Articulate, Like, Totally, Matters
Marci Liroff is a pre-eminent casting director with credits that include many of the most iconic films (and several of my all-time favorites) including E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial, Mean Girls, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Pretty in Pink, Vampire … Continue Reading
Who is, Like, in Your LikeSquad?
The way we speak is contagious and a tribal form of bonding (like, ya know, totally!). We are all so busy wanting to be part of the tribe that we don’t realize how habitual verbal crutches become – how they … Continue Reading
Giving New Meaning to “Fillerbuster”
Ever since I had the epiphany that the use of filler words are at epidemic proportions, and that an app could help us all be better speakers, I have been frustrated by the lack of words to describe this pervasive phenomenon. … Continue Reading
Superhero Lauren Galley on Generation Z’s “LIKE” Overload!
Over the years, Twitter has delivered some pretty spectacular new friends. One of my favorite “tweeple” is the 21-year-old inspiring superhero, Lauren Galley. If you don’t know about her, you should… Lauren is all about girl power! As an award-winning teen … Continue Reading
How NOT to Sustain an Injury During a Presentation #SpeechFitness
I remember my first middle school presentation as a blur of me stuttering profusely right before tripping over an overhead projector cord into the whiteboard, which left me with a bruised face, broken ego, and my teacher’s reassuring words that … Continue Reading