Image by Jerry Friedman
I’m spinning off Jeanine Byers post about humor.
After working for many years in corporate America, I thought I had lost my sense of humor. You know what a stressful job is like. On time and within budget can be a life-changing event if you miss it.
My remedy for that was going to clown school. Yes, there is such a thing. At the time, one was at the University of Wisconsin in La Croix. My stomach hurt when I got home, and I was exhausted.
Rosie the Clown was born there. Her birthing costume was sewn before she arrived. The experience was priceless. Multiply the ways to get a person to giggle.
For instance, when you see someone in the super market running the wheelchair, ask when and where did they get a license to do that. Or if they needed a license. Check out the expression on the persons face first, they may not be in the mood for your humor. I have rarely had a bad, sad response.
Gabravo, Bulgaria claims to be the humor capital of the world, with a humor festival in May. I marched in their parade.
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
The Conversation
Because small talk isn’t small at all. It’s where big things begin.
Power of Story Telling
The Power of Storytelling in Your Presentations Make the client the hero.Your presentation isn’t just about showcasing your design genius it’s about inviting the client into their own success story. When they can see themselves living in the space you’re describing,...
Stage Presence in the Studio
: You don’t need a spotlight to shine—just presence.
Stop Saying ‘Um”
Stop Saying "um" Every “um” chips away at your authority—here’s how to stop. Three Key Points: - Use pauses instead of fillers. - Practice with recordings. Slow down your pace “The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as...
Mood Boards to Mic Drops
Mood Boards to Mic Drops – Using Visual Aids Like a Pro: 1. Keep it Simple A clean, uncluttered visual is easier for your audience to absorb quickly. Too much text, too many images, or busy backgrounds can distract from the message you’re delivering. Think of...
Successful Speaking
Your design may be flawless, but if you can’t communicate it, the brilliance gets lost.