Creating a message can be difficult and time-consuming, taking up time that could be spent on other, more important tasks, such as actually writing or practicing the speech. My pro tip is to remember your purpose.

When I work with my clients, I often ask them, “Who’s a speaker you admire?” At least 90% of them say, “Barack Obama.” In this short list, I’m taking a look at the speech that put President Barack Obama on the map and showing you the elements that make it a great speech.

If you need to improve your public speaking skills, you may want to join Toastmasters, or you may want to hire an executive coach. Which is better - a speaking coach or Toastmasters? Both have their benefits. Here are some facts and observations about each; you get to decide.

Nothing sucks the air out of a presentation like a long, boring introduction Here are the best 3 tips for introducing yourself. Kick off your speech and get your audience engaged. Your audience needs to know why you’re the expert - not your entire resumé.

Among some of the best places to practice public speaking, one of my favorites is Pecha Kucha. This in-person presentation show features presentations of 20 slides shown for 20 seconds each. The slides auto-advance, so the speaker has to keep up - and get their message across in 6 minutes and 40 seconds.

“What if the audience stops paying attention?” It’s on you, the speaker, to ensure they’re engaged. See my one of my top suggestions for how to find tools to keep people listening and interested during your online meetings.