Talk to audiences, not at them. Use a film acting technique and imagine you are speaking with one person, no matter the size of the audience.

Cultures are always reshaped by visionaries-- those with a passion to know, who question, and ultimately change the world.

Think through everything that could go wrong and have a Plan B. Being resilient is essential. Unless the set falls down, you will survive. You may not have good material for a game of Bottom This, but you’ll be much happier.

Remember the Arringatore the next time you step onto a stage. Imagine yourself representing thousands of years of history. From the beginning of time, individuals in leadership roles have delivered pronouncements which advanced their civilization and culture.

When you work on a presentation or talk, use combinatory play to activate your imagination. Go to an art exhibition, pick up an instrument, see a concert, or sing favorite songs. But keep your antenna up. Your unconscious mind will kick in and give you extra muscle to create your own brilliant, unique piece.

Shrink the goal. At Eloqui, we tell our clients to identify only one intention when they speak. This mindset shines a light on what they most want to achieve, edits their material, and saves them time, so that their energy is spent only on attaining their goal.

As speakers and communicators, never forget that audiences need to see and hear your emotion, your skin in the game, your perspective, and the "why" of your talk.

How many of us have wasted educational opportunities? From free webinars and podcasts, to live classes, we claim to be too busy or that we can’t afford it-- even when our firm picks up the tab. And while the consequences of turning down education here in the U.S. may not be as dire as in Bali, there is no better way to achieve partner status, rise in our respective fields, or stay current with industry advancements.

Kahneman suggests that our words can be very persuasive, especially if we are thoughtful in their selection and use. For instance, if you relate a client anecdote with strong visual details of the protagonist's obstacle and your solution, the listener's memory kicks in with their version of the same narrative.

What can we mere mortals learn from forward-thinking pioneers? Masterful speaking requires purpose, intense focus and the ability to set aside other interests to achieve success.