When you speak in public, who do you send out to represent you? It is the other you. Yes, you want to be genuine, exhibiting your personality and insights, yet the performer you send out is dressed for the occasion and delivers a script you have composed. Because we want to appear as persuasive as possible, how can we clearly assess the other, and improve them?

At times, we all take ourselves too seriously-- especially when it comes to public speaking. But without the persuasive qualities of joy, humor, and passion, we can lose our ability to connect. Like Vera, let's approach our presentations with high commitment, but always include what we enjoy about our subject.

Take the plunge and let go of the need to be perfect. Being genuine and in-the-moment creates presentations that are more powerful and moving than any varnished, pitch-perfect talk.

Utilize professional techniques when preparing for your next presentation. First, determine your intention. Then outline the arc of your talk from beginning to end. When rehearsing, speak the content aloud.

We hope you are winding down from a rich and bountiful Thanksgiving, having spent time with family and friends. While the narrative of the first American Thanksgiving was replete with creativity, the spirit of the holiday is nevertheless profound.

David recently recorded narration for a client's audio book*. A voice-over project tests one's ability to focus. Any glitch, like slurring a consonant, offbeat pronunciation, dropping an "a", or unclear interpretation can cause the director to call "Cut. Do it again."

We're still in the thrall of the recent World Series. After swallowing the hard lump of the Dodgers' loss, we began to admire the scrappy Astros, wondering, "How did they win this thing?" Their success is a lesson for anyone in a competitive environment, especially speakers.