8 Great Presidential Communicators

Lynda Stucky February 20, 2023 Public Speaking

Some presidents stick out as being great orators. Here are 8 presidents and their greatest communication skills as speakers that we can learn from.

How to Master Impromptu Speaking

Lynda Stucky June 12, 2018 Build Your Brand, Public Speaking

Sometimes the most dreaded “presentation” that people tell me they dislike the most, is impromptu speaking.  They fear of stumbling on words, sounding dumb, and drawing a blank when they are called upon to give an opinion.  There is something about unplanned presentations, which makes people want to crawl under the table and hide.  Believe me; you are not alone if you would like to become invisible when all eyes are on you to speak.  I get many requests from my clients to help with this skill (and it truly is a skill).  But let me assure you that you can develop it, if you are not at the level you wish to be.  Here are some pointers:

Unshakeable Confidence

Lynda Stucky May 24, 2019 Build Your Brand, Public Speaking

Did you know that June is National Smile Month?

I’d like to use National Smile Month as a campaign to boost your executive presence.  How?  Well, read on and discover how your smile can provide you with all of the self-confidence that you need to have all the executive presence you desire….

Is chewing gum OK during an interview?

Lynda Stucky February 10, 2014 Build Your Brand, Public Speaking

Here is a riddle for you: When is it ok to chew gum and give an interview in front of millions of people?

How are Leaders’ Presentations and Olympic Athletes the Same?

Lynda Stucky February 21, 2014 Build Your Brand, Public Speaking

It’s hard to believe that the Olympics are almost over and there will be no more late nights!  I hope that you have been enjoying these tremendous athletes and all their heartwarming stories!

Communication Gifts That Your Audiences Will Love

Lynda Stucky December 24, 2014 Build Your Brand, Develop Language, Develop Your Speech, Develop Your Voice, Public Speaking, Reduce a Foreign Accent, Reduce a Regional Accent

While many things can go wrong in a presentation, don’t forget to consider all the things that you do well to awe your audiences. Here are 12 speech, language, and voice gifts to “give” your audiences every time you present. They will love you for it!

1. Optimal pitch–The pitch you speak at every day is your habitual pitch level. But does it match your optimal pitch level? The optimal pitch is where you vocal cords function their best. Too low or too high can be hard to listen to and could damage your vocal cords and make you hoarse.

Posture Yourself for Success!

Lynda Stucky March 4, 2015 Build Your Brand, Develop Your Voice, Public Speaking

How you stand, place your arms and feet and hold your head are indicators of how self-confident you are and whether or not you will be taken seriously. The first step in successful body language that conveys confidence is your standing position or posture. If you feel like it, stand up and get into neutral position:

Place equal pressure on both feet (no shifting from leg-to-leg).
Your feet are hip width apart.
Your knees and thighs are relaxed.
Your shoulders are back and down.
Your hands are comfortably at your sides.
Your chin is up and parallel with the floor.

5 Amazing Solutions to Get People to Listen When You Speak

Lynda Stucky April 9, 2015 Public Speaking

Have you ever been at a meeting and felt like no one was listening to you when you spoke? Here is a 3-minute crash course that will help you command the room and be more influential. Avoid these five common mistakes and try these suggestions so that you are compelling to listen to…

How to Craft Messages that Resonate with Your Audiences

Lynda Stucky November 4, 2016 Build Your Brand, Public Speaking

With the US political campaign season coming to a close, you may have noticed that a stark difference in communication styles exists between the top two candidates.  Each candidate resonates with some audiences but not with others. This fact verifies what you already know: you can’t please everyone with your style. Often times when I give examples of style differences at my workshops, I hear complete opposite reactions to the same voice. One person loves the way a speaker communicates and someone else hates it. This dichotomy presents an interesting challenge for you, because as an executive speaker who is trying to resonate with your audience, you know that there are audience members that you just won’t be able to reach. 

How To Stop Ho-Hum Presentations

Lynda Stucky July 12, 2017 Public Speaking

Should business presentations be delivered as effectively as keynote speeches that are intended to inspire and engage?

Board rooms and staff meetings tend to be the most boring places to engage people.  Reports are read and too many details on too many slides are presented.  What can you differently? 

Well, how about telling stories in your presentations to sell an idea, to present your stats and/or to motivate and inspire your staff.  Your leadership skills and ideas will come through the  best by telling compelling stories that resonate with your audiences.  I’m inspired to tell you this because last night I attended the Moth in Pittsburgh and I want to share with you four tips…