Envisioning Possibilities
Health
Fear of giving a speech can affect your health.
Picture this: you’re standing in front of a sea of expectant faces, your palms sweating, knees knocking, and your mind going blank faster than a dropped call. Yes, it’s the dreaded speech-giving moment, where even the most eloquent among us can become a stumbling mess.
As a long-time toastmaster, I have found a few helpful hints to improve speaker health.
A grand opening line is a good start. The celebrated speaker, Patricia Fripp, suggests a few opening lines for your next business presentation.
The purpose of this meeting is to . . .
Thank you for the opportunity to . . .
You will remember at our last meeting . . .
Thank you for your support with . . .
We have an amazing opportunity to . . .
There will never be a more perfect time to . .
Congratulations . . .
Last but not least – I need to offer a plug for Toastmasters.
Sign on to Toastmasters.org and “find a club”. A few have remained online after COVID-19. Even though you don’t get that in-person experience, you will get a speaking experience.
My personal experience in Toastmasters launched a new career for me in 2000. After being a school teacher, a presenter for my company, and a business owner required to give presentations to get the work, I didn’t know what I was missing. I could have been so much more. In addition, I’ve won speech contests and gained new clients.
If you would like to join me at Lehigh Valley Toastmasters for a new experience, we meet on the 2nd and 4th Wed. from 7-9. www.LVToastmasters.org
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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.
Pivot with Purpose
Where in your work or life are you clinging to an outdated strategy? What might need a pivot?
The Power of Micro Actions
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Habits and rituals
You don’t need a title to lead – you need alignment
How to Lead in a Failing World (Without Losing Yourself)
What’s one value you won’t compromise, no matter what’s happening around you?
Posture improvement – What Happened?
When you walked in the room with good posture how did you feel? What was the response of people you met?
Like my Mom said “Stand up Straight”
Bearing More Than Just Good Posture Years ago, I attended a leadership conference where the keynote speaker walked onto the stage with an effortless presence. She didn’t say a word at first—she simply stood tall, shoulders back, and surveyed the audience...