Successful Speaking for Technical Professionals

“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow Internet service to see who they really are.” — Will Ferrell, comedian and actor Two weeks ago, my wife, Elaine, and I moved to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, just outside of Charleston.  We loved living in Northern Virginia, but we wanted to move to a warmer climate.  We weren’t disappointed.  The beaches, the Charleston downtown, and the wonderful neighborhood in which we now live (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina) confirmed that we made the right decision to move to the Charleston area.So we moved in and are still opening boxes.  We moved in on a Monday and didn’t obtain Internet access until Thursday.  We had access until the following Tuesday, when men from the Internet company came to bury the cable in my yard.  Unfortunately, they left without checking my Internet access.  You guessed it. I had no access after they left.We had to wait until the following Friday to get our Internet access restored. I started thinking about what we could do as speakers if our Internet access were cut during a live presentation.This podcast explores three backup plans if your Internet access is lost during your presentationReferences Forbes Technology Council. (2020). “13 Effective Ways To Stay Online When Internet Service Is Unreliable.” ForbesGallo, Carmine. “The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs.” (2010). Gallo discusses the power of rehearsal and preparation, which includes having contingency plans for tech failures.Duarte, Nancy. “Resonate.” (2010). Duarte emphasizes audience engagement through storytelling and adaptability—having a co-presenter is an extension of that adaptability.

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”— Sun Tzu from The Art of War,  My wife, Elaine, and I recently moved from Northern Virginia to the Charleston, South Carolina, area.  To say our move was chaotic is an understatement.  The packing, moving, and unpacking (which is still ongoing) were and are stressful.This chaos of moving to another state got me thinking about the chaos that speakers have to deal with.This podcast episode offers valuable tips for speakers to navigate the challenges posed by travel and logistics, content juggling, and the emotional strain of balancing their speaking commitments with personal responsibilities.References Brown, Brené (2012). Daring Greatly. Gotham Books. – On embracing vulnerability and managing the emotional cost of visibility.Duarte, Nancy (2010). Resonate: Present Visual Stories That Transform Audiences. Wiley. – On modular content creation and the structure of compelling presentations.Morgan, Nick (2011). Give Your Speech, Change the World. Harvard Business Press. – On message frameworks and speaker adaptability.Port, Michael (2015). Steal the Show. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. – On the systems, preparation, and performance mindset required for speaking.Hyatt, Michael (2019). Free to Focus. Baker Books. – On productivity, routines, and systems that reduce chaos.Sinek, Simon (2009). Start With Why. Portfolio. – On creating clarity and intentionality in your speaking purpose and process.Loehr, Jim & Schwartz, Tony (2001). The Making of a Corporate Athlete. Harvard Business Review. – On the importance of emotional and physical recovery in high-performance roles.

“People don’t want perfect; they want real.” – Modern audience engagement trend Excellent public speakers keep up with the latest audience trends.This podcast explores three audience trends for which public speakers should take advantage.ReferencesGallo, C. (2022). The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman. St. Martin’s Press. Discusses how tech-savvy leaders are using evolving platforms for storytelling.PwC (2020). The Future of Work: A Journey to 2022. Highlights how emerging tech will transform communication and collaboration.Hofstede, G. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. McGraw-Hill. Provides a framework for understanding cultural dimensions and communication.Duarte, N. (2019). DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story. Wiley. Emphasizes audience awareness and message adaptation.Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly. Penguin Random House. Explores how vulnerability builds trust and connection—key for future communicators.Harvard Business Review (2020). The Feedback Fallacy. Emphasizes the need for meaningful, two-way communication.

“What you do for yourself dies with you. What you do for others is immortal.” — Albert Pike, attorney and writer  On this Memorial Day, it is proper to remember those who have given their lives so we may enjoy our freedom. Memorial Day in the United States began as a way to honor and remember soldiers who died in military service, particularly those who died during the Civil War, both Union and Confederate.Those families touched by the tragedy of war no doubt have memories of their fallen sons, daughters, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, fathers, and mothers.On this Memorial Day, we will explore what you, as a public speaker, want to be remembered for when you are gone.In this podcast, we will explore three traits for which every public speaker wants to be remembered.______________________________References Gallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds. Gallo emphasizes that the best TED speakers show vulnerability and speak from personal experience, which enhances their authenticity and connection with the audience.Duarte, N. (2010). Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences. Duarte highlights the importance of structuring presentations with clear, logical flow and using language that makes ideas accessible to all audience members.Carnegie, D. (1936). How to Win Friends and Influence People. Though broader than just public speaking, Carnegie’s principles underline the importance of making others feel involved and valued—the key to engagement. 

“It’s not the words that count, but the moment you made them feel something.” — Nancy Duarte, CEO of Duarte, Inc., and author of Resonate  A compelling and under-discussed topic for public speakers is the power of micro-moments – how small interactions shape audience perception.These micro-moments have a significant effect on engagement with your audience. In this week's podcast episode, we will discover just what are micro-moments, where micro-moments happen in a presentation, and how to design micro-moments into your presentations.References Nalini Ambady & Robert Rosenthal (1993): “Thin Slices of Expressive Behavior”  Audiences often judge a speaker’s credibility, warmth, and confidence based on brief, nonverbal micro-moments before any content is delivered.Albert Mehrabian (1971): “Silent Messages: Implicit Communication of Emotions and Attitudes. Wadsworth Publishing.” This classic finding underscores how micro-expressions, tone, and pauses during a presentation impact how the message is perceived emotionally, shaping audience trust and connection more than the actual content.Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.  Micro-moments appeal to this fast-thinking system. The split-second impressions speakers make—how they walk on stage, pause, or react to the audience—shape perception instantly and intuitively, long before logical evaluation occurs.

“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.” — Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States In my weekly articles, I have extensively discussed how to create, practice, and deliver presentations. However, I have not often discussed what you should do before you create your presentation.Before creating your presentation, you should take three essential preparatory steps to ensure your message is relevant, practical, and engaging. These foundational actions lay the groundwork for clarity, audience connection, and the impact of your presentation.References Lucas, S. E. (2019). The Art of Public Speaking. McGraw-Hill. Lucas emphasizes that “adapting to the audience is one of the most important keys to effective public speaking,” underscoring the need for thorough audience research.Duarte, N. (2010). Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences. Wiley. Duarte advises speakers to “articulate the big idea,” stressing that without a central message, the audience will struggle to retain anything meaningful.Reynolds, G. (2011). Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery. New Riders. Reynolds promotes simplicity and structure, stating that “the best presentations are well planned and well organized,” not just visually compelling.

“If you listen to your audience, they will tell you what you need to know.” — Lee Clow, American advertising executive, best known for creating the iconic “1984” Apple Macintosh commercial.  Speakers often consider what their audience can learn from them. Have you ever considered how much you can learn from your audience?This podcast episode explores three ways you can learn from your audience.ReferencesGallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED. Gallo explains that great speakers monitor audience reactions and use them to improve content and delivery, particularly noting the value of “listening with your eyes.”Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly. Brown emphasizes the power of vulnerability and listening in leadership and communication, encouraging speakers to see feedback as a gift that reveals what truly matters to others. Morgan, N. (2008). Trust Me: Four Steps to Authenticity and Charisma. Morgan argues speakers become more effective by responding to audience signals — adapting tone, body language, and content delivery based on real-time input.

“When you position your customer [or audience] as the hero and yourself as the guide, you win the day.” -  Donald Miller in his book Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen  Donald Miller’s book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen (Harper Collins Leadership, 2025), discusses making your client the hero of your interaction. You are the guide who leads them to the solution to their challenge. This is directly applicable when you speak to your audience. Do you know their challenges, and do you lead them to the solution to their challenges through your speaking?This podcast episode outlines three ways to make your audience the heroReferencesResonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences, by Nancy Duarte (John Wiley & Sons, 2010)Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen, by Donald Miller (Harper Collins Business, 2025)Connect, Then Lead, Harvard Business Review article (Cuddy, Kohut, Neffinger, 2013) shows that warmth, affirmation, and empowerment foster a stronger speaker-audience connection:

 "Designing a presentation without an audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it 'to whom it may concern.'" — Ken Haemer, Presentation Research Manager at AT&T  This podcast episode covers the nitty-gritty of how to create, practice, and deliver excellent presentations.It contains practical processes for doing this you can implement immediately. 

“Ideas are worthless unless you can make them heard.” — Phil Cooke, media consultant and speaker  You were immersed in engineering or scientific matters in your engineering school or school of science. You then work in industry or government where you want to practice engineering and science.Somewhere along the way, hopefully early, you realize you must “sell” your ideas to get ahead. It comes as a shock. You thought all you needed to succeed was sound engineering or science. Unfortunately, unless you can convey your thoughts intelligently in public, there will be a ceiling on your advancement.In this podcast, we will explore three reasons technical professionals need excellent public speaking skills.ReferencesGallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds. St. Martin’s Press.National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2023). Job Outlook Survey.https://www.naceweb.orgKotter, J. P. (2012). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.Ibarra, H., & Hunter, M. (2007). How Leaders Create and Use Networks. Harvard Business Review.Carnegie Mellon University Career Center. (2021). Top Skills for Engineers Beyond the Lab.Arruda, W. (2013). Ditch. Dare. Do!: 3D Personal Branding for Executives. Wiley.Duarte, N., & Sanchez, P. (2016). Illuminate: Ignite Change Through Speeches, Stories, Ceremonies, and Symbols. Portfolio.Zak, P. J. (2014). Why Your Brain Loves Good Storytelling. Harvard Business Review.Pentland, A. (2012). The New Science of Building Great Teams. Harvard Business Review.

“Champions don’t do extraordinary things. They do ordinary things better than everyone else.” – Tony Dungy, former NFL player and coach, best known for leading the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl win Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers football team, on taking over as head coach of the Packers, said, “I am not going to change anything. We will use the same players, the same plays and the same training system. But we will concentrate on becoming brilliant on the basics.”Becoming brilliant at the basics of public speaking has always been and will always be the foundation of any excellent presentation. In this podcast episode, we will explore three essential skills every public speaker must master to become brilliant in the basics: References Lucas, S. E. (2014). The Art of Public Speaking (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill.Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia Learning. Cambridge University Press.Cuddy, A., Kohut, M., & Neffinger, J. (2013). Connect, Then Lead. Harvard Business Review.Kennedy, G. A. (2007). On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse. Oxford University Press.Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent Messages. Wadsworth.Gilbert, G. M. (2010). The Psychology of Communication. Allyn & Bacon.

 “The worst part of holding the camera up to speak is knowing that no one is really there to nod or smile back at you.” — Unknown This week, my son Frank returned from a six-month Navy submarine deployment. He is a nuclear officer on the USS Indiana fast-attack submarine. My wife Elaine and I are very proud of him for defending our great country.I thought about how my son and the other sailors on his boat must feel isolated being underwater for months. They have no contact with the outside world when they are underway.Online-speaking entrepreneurs may also feel isolated at times. Speaking to and with others on a virtual platform differs from meeting with or presenting to others in person.This episode explores three ways online speaker entrepreneurs can avoid isolation.________________________________________ReferencesNational Speakers Association: www.nsaspeaker.orgToastmasters International: www.toastmasters.orgLinkedIn Networking Tips: LinkedIn Business SolutionsPodMatch for Podcast Collaborations: www.podmatch.comEventbrite for Finding or Hosting Events: www.eventbrite.comStreamYard for Webinar Hosting: www.streamyard.comMastermind.com: www.mastermind.comSCORE Business Mentoring: www.score.orgCoachHub for Professional Coaching: www.coachhub.com

“Everybody wants to win. However, there are few people who want to prepare to win.” - Paul “Bear” Bryant, legendary coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team Today’s professional speakers face several challenges that can impact their effectiveness and career growth. Here are three key concerns of today’s professional speakers and how to address them:____________________________ReferencesGallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds. St. Martin’s Press.Duarte, N. (2012). Resonate: Present Visual Stories That Transform Audiences. Wiley.Neffenger, J. (2018). Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential. Penguin Books.Vaynerchuk, G. (2018). Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence—and How You Can, Too. Harper Business.Scott, D. M. (2020). The New Rules of Marketing & PR. Wiley.Schaefer, M. (2014). Social Media Explained: Untangling the World’s Most Misunderstood Business Trend. Mark W. Schaefer.Allen, K. (2015). The Speaker’s Edge: The Ultimate Go-To Guide for Locating and Landing Lots of Speaking Gigs. Indie Books International.Walker, C. (2020). The Wealthy Speaker 2.0: The Proven Formula for Building Your Successful Speaking Business. Speaker Launcher.Baer, J. (2018). Talk Triggers: The Complete Guide to Creating Customers with Word of Mouth. Portfolio.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker, renowned management consultant, educator, and author, As a professional speaker, you must manage various business aspects to build and sustain your career. We will examine three key business matters for you as a professional speaker in this podcast episode.__________________________ReferencesAccording to insights in Book More Business, effective branding is essential for speakers to stand out in a competitive market.As noted in Book More Business, digital adaptation is a critical business matter that demands continuous learning and technological integration.Brands on Brands emphasizes that understanding and managing fee structures is crucial for long-term financial sustainability in the industry. 

 “Everyone who got where they are had to begin where they were.” – Richard Paul Evans, American author best known for writing The Christmas Box As a speaker, you may often experience imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon in which you doubt your abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of your competence. In this episode, we will examine three key reasons why you may feel like an imposter and what you can do to overcome these feelings, supported by references (at the end of this article) from psychological research and communication studies.ReferencesFestinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140.Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.Kruger, J., & Dunning, D. (1999). Unskilled and unaware of it: How difficulties in recognizing one’s own incompetence lead to inflated self-assessments. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(6), 1121.Swann, W. B. (1983). Self-verification: Bringing social reality into harmony with the self. Psychological Perspectives on the Self, 2, 33-66.

“Of all the talents bestowed upon men, none is so precious as the gift of oratory. He who enjoys it wields a power more durable than that of a great king.” -- Winston Churchill, British statesman, military officer, and writer who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 (during the Second World War) and again from 1951 to 1955. In this world of accelerating technological speed, it would be good if we stepped back in time instead of stepping forward to reveal what three legendary speakers can teach us about public speaking.In this episode, we will briefly examine the public speaking wisdom of Cicero (106 – 43 BCE), Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965), and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 – 1968).ReferencesCicero, “De Oratore”Cicero, "On the Ideal Orator"Cicero, “Brutus”)William Manchester, “The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill”Winston Churchill, “The Second World War, Volume II”Richard Toye, “The Roar of the Lion: The Untold Story of Churchill’s World War II Speeches”Martin Luther King, “I Have a Dream” Speech, August 28, 1963Martin Luther King, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”Martin Luther King, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” Speech, April 3, 1968

"The future of public speaking is not about a solitary orator on a stage—it's a dynamic interplay between technology and human connection, where immersive digital experiences bring audiences closer than ever before." – Will Higham, behavioral futurist, author, and speaker known for exploring emerging trends in communication  It is hard to imagine the transformation in speaking in store for us as we speak.This transformation is possible because of the rapid acceleration of technology.This podcast episode examines three ways public speaking is expected to evolve.References A detailed exploration of these innovations is provided in the article "The Future of Public Speaking: Emerging Trends and Technologies," which discusses how XR technologies are poised to transform the speaker–audience dynamic by blending physical and digital experiences (​speakeragency.co.uk). The Future of Public Speaking: 10 Emerging Trends Every Speaker ShouldKnow. The Public Speaking Academy's review of emerging trends, which emphasizes the role of multimedia and virtual platforms in modern presentations, provides additional insights (​publicspeakingacademy.co.uk)."The Future Of Oratory: AI Enhanced Public Speaking". Illustrates how speakers leverage AI tools to refine their techniques, offering concrete examples of AI-driven coaching and performance analysis (forbes.com). Virtual presentation experts provide complementary perspectives, and they note that AI is increasingly becoming essential for tailoring speeches to real-time audience feedback (​speaking.coach).The article "Top Trends in Public Speaking: What Audiences Expect in 2024" discusses how modern audiences demand a more participatory experience, prompting speakers to integrate interactive tools into their presentations (speakeragency.co.uk)Further support comes from insights in "Trending Topics in Public Speaking for 2025," highlighting the growing emphasis on using data to personalize content and boost engagement during live events (​speakerhub.com).  

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney, American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur Self-motivation, overcoming obstacles, and becoming a better leader are crucial for public speakers.They directly influence your ability to engage audiences, inspire action, and maintain effectiveness over time. In this episode, you will discover why each of these areas is vital to you as a speaker:ReferencesIn his book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, Daniel H. Pink discusses how intrinsic motivation, as opposed to extrinsic rewards, leads to higher performance and satisfaction—key qualities for a public speaker.In Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth emphasizes how grit—the combination of passion and perseverance—is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success. Public speakers often exhibit this trait to push through difficult moments and improve their craft.Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek focuses on the idea that effective leaders create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to contribute. Public speakers who embrace leadership principles can foster a similar environment in their talks. 

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward, American inspirational writer  In the hit cartoon movie Madagascar, there is a group of talking penguins led by “the Skipper.” One of the penguins asks, “Skipper, don’t you think we should tell them the boat’s out of gas?” The Skipper simply says, “Nah! Smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.”As a speaker, how can you greatly benefit from smiling and waving to your audience?Smiling and waving before speaking can offer several advantages that enhance your delivery and audience engagement. In this episode, we will explore three benefits of smiling and waving at your audienceReferences “5 Reasons Why Smiling Will Improve Our Public Speaking,” eFactor Consulting, efactorconsulting.com“Does Smiling Help or Hurt Presenters?” Guila Muir & Associates, guilamuir.com“5 Reasons to Smile While Speaking,” Ethos 3, ethos3.com 

 “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin (1809–1882), naturalist, geologist, and biologist Have you ever considered that adaptability is key to you delivering an excellent presentation? How do you develop the ability to be adaptable “on the fly?”Seamlessly adaptable speakers can adjust their delivery, content, and engagement strategies based on the situation, ensuring their message remains impactful. In this episode, you will discover three essential techniques for you to be adaptable during your presentations.

“When you walk into a room, own it. Let your presence be felt. Confidence isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you carry yourself.” - Oprah Winfrey, Media Mogul and Philanthropist To own a room effectively, speakers can employ several strategies:This podcast episode explores three strategies:  exuding confidence, engaging through storytelling, and mastering delivery techniques.Reference1.    Magnetic Speaking 

"Speed reading is a skill that allows you to process information more efficiently, which is critical for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in today’s fast-paced world."  – Tony Buzan, British author and educational consultant, best known for his work on mind mapping and mental literacy Have you ever thought how reading at a faster rate can help you become a better speaker? Probably not.This episode will explore three ways reading faster will enhance your speaking.ReferencesBuzan (1993) in The Speed Reading BookBerg and Ehrenberg (2013) in The Anxious BrainCarroll (2005) in Confidence in Public Speaking

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier, American author and publisherMaintaining motivation is a challenge for speakers like you.  This episode explores three ways you as a speaker can maintain your motivation.

“Your content is your voice. Post consistently, and the right people will hear you.” – Unknown  One of the most common ways to become known as a speaker is to post your content regularly on various electronic platforms.This episode reviews three platforms you can use to post your speaker content online.ReferencesMedium Blog (2023). “Why Blogging Remains a Powerful Content Medium.”Patel, N. (2023). “The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Blog”. Neil Patel.Statista (2023). “Number of Social Media Users Worldwide 2023”.Forbes (2023). “How Social Media Drives Content Creation”. Forbes.YouTube Blog (2023). “The Power of Video in Content Sharing.”HubSpot (2023). “Why Video Marketing Works”. HubSpot. 

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles, Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens  Public speaking has always been a cornerstone of societal change, personal influence, and cultural growth. From ancient forums to modern stages, powerful speeches have shaped our world.In this podcast, you will discover three ways your public speaking leaves a legacy.References Carson, C. (2001). The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Warner Books.Mio, J. S., Riggio, R. E., Levin, S., & Reese, R. (2005). “Presidential Leadership and Charisma: The Effects of Metaphor.” The Leadership Quarterly, 16(2), 287-294.Sorensen, T. C. (1965). Kennedy. Harper & Row.TED. (2020). Impact Report 2020. Retrieved from ted.com.Zenger, J. H., & Folkman, J. (2012). “What Inspires People to Give Their Best?” Harvard Business Review.

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.” –- Steve Jobs, American businessman, inventor, and investor best known for co-founding the technology company Apple Inc. Have you ever thought about why you speak to your audience? Although the number of topics you can speak on is limitless, there are only a few primary reasons to talk to your audience. They are to inform, persuade, or inspire others.This article will explore these three reasons in more detail._________________________________________________ReferencesLucas, S. E. (2015). The Art of Public Speaking (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.Aristotle. (2007). The Rhetoric (W. Rhys Roberts, Trans.).Carnegie, D. (1936). How to Win Friends and Influence People. 

“A panel discussion is a great way to explore multiple viewpoints, but it only succeeds if the panelists are engaged and the moderator knows when to steer or step back.” — Nancy Duarte, American writer and speaker You may be asked to moderate a panel discussion one day.In this podcast, we will explore ways you can prepare, conduct, and follow up as the moderator of a panel discussion. 

"If you can't write your message in a sentence, you can't say it in an hour." — Dianna Booher, American author and communication expert It's the holiday season, and you have more than a few things to do. So, how do you get them all done?  The key to a happy holiday season is to prioritize the items you need to accomplish and then complete them one at a time. If you do this, you won't complete all the items on your "To Do" list, but you will complete the most important ones.There is an analogy between this and your presentations. Sometimes when you want to get so much done in a presentation, your message is lost on your audience.This week's podcast explores three strategies you can use to focus on your message

"Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall."  -  Oliver Wendell Holmes, American jurist who served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme CourtDo you have challenges answering technical questions from the audience during your presentations? You are not alone.  Fortunately, there is a myriad of information on how to overcome the challenges presented by audience questions.In this week's episode, we explore three of these challenges and how you can overcome them______________________________________________ReferencesCarnegie, D. (1936). How to Win Friends and Influence People. The book emphasizes the importance of listening and clarifying for effective communication.Gallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds. The book highlights the importance of storytelling and analogies in making technical content accessible.Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The habit of "seeking first to understand" aligns with acknowledging limitations and committing to clear follow-ups.

"If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into committees. That'll do them in."  -  Author unknown When technical issues occur during a presentation, technical professionals can take a few key actions to address and resolve them efficiently. In this episode, we explore three critical steps that technical people can take to address and resolve presentation technical issues:

“Approach each customer with the idea of helping him or her to solve a problem or achieve a goal, not of selling a product or service.” – Brian Tracy, self-development expert Selling a technical idea through a technical presentation involves more than just delivering technical details; it requires making the idea compelling and relatable to your audience. In this week's podcast, we will discover three of the best ways for technical professionals to achieve this: 

"If you want something stuck in someone's head, put it in a sequence of three."— Brian Clark, Canadian businessman The "power of three" is a communication and presentation technique based on the principle that people tend to process, remember, and respond well to information presented in groups of three. This concept suggests that three points, ideas, or examples create a sense of completeness and balance, making complex information more accessible to understand and recall. In practice, it leverages the natural human preference for triads, making messages more impactful and memorable in various contexts, from storytelling and speeches to marketing and technical presentations.This week's podcast will illustrate three reasons why the "Power of Three" is a powerful tool in technical presentations.

Have you ever been interrupted in your presentations by an audience question?  The question may or may not be Germaine to your presentation topicDealing with presentation interruptions and topic detours can be challenging, but effective strategies exist to manage them. This podcast episode details three strategies you can use

In your technical career, you will realize you must sell your ideas to get ahead in your career.To a large extent, you can sell your ideas through presentations.  However, how do you overcome your lack of confidence in delivering presentations?In this episode, we explore three effective strategies to overcome your lack of confidence in delivering presentations.

Technical people are often frustrated with how management or marketing teams may prioritize style and polish over the actual content or data.  This style and polish can feel superficial to technical people who value substance and accuracy.The key to an excellent technical presentation is to find the right balance between style and polish and substance and accuracyTo balance style and polish with actual content or data in a technical presentation, technical people should focus on three strategies: simplify the visual design, prioritize key data, and tell the technical story.

 Technical professionals are often asked to explain complex information under a time constraint.You can effectively condense complex projects or data in a short time while maintaining critical technical information by employing the following strategies:  visual communication, executive summaries, modular documentation. 

“People who know what they’re talking about don’t need PowerPoint.”  -  Steve Jobs, American businessman, inventor, and investor best known for co-founding the technology company Apple Inc.   While this might sound a bit extreme, the essence of the Steve Jobs quote is clear: to truly engage, you must focus on more than just slides—you need to connect with your audience. This can be challenging but not impossible in the world of technical presentations.Imagine you’re in a room full of people with dim lights. You’re about to deliver a highly technical presentation you’ve spent weeks preparing. The stakes are high, but your audience is scrolling through their phones or staring blankly. Engagement is nowhere in sight. Technical people often find themselves in this scenario, struggling to captivate their audience despite having crucial information to share.In this article, we’ll explore how you can successfully engage your audience, no matter how complex your topic. We’ll go over the following three ways you can transform your next technical presentation from a dull lecture into an interactive and engaging experience: Know Your Audience and Tailor Your ContentUse Storytelling to Simplify and EngageEngage Your Audience Actively

"By visualizing information, we turn it into a landscape that you can explore with your eyes. A sort of information map.”  -  David McCandless, writer, designer & creative director living in LondonTechnical people delivering technical presentations have an additional burden which non-technical speakers don't have to worry about– how to represent data on their slides.Regarding data representation in technical presentation slides, presenters should focus on the following focus areas: (1) Accurate and Objective Representation of Data, (2)  Consistency in Visual and Content Representation, and (3) Inclusivity and Accessibility in Representation

As a technical professional, you may often experience specific frustrations related to the complexity of content in your presentations.In this podcast episode, we will explore three frustrations you may have experienced and what to do about them:  overwhelming detail, audience knowledge gaps, and balancing technical depth and clarity. 

Why do people still go to the movies? Because everyone loves a story.In these weekly articles on public speaking, I have often talked about the power of story in your public speaking. However, do you also use stories in your technical presentations?When you use stories in your technical presentations, you demonstrate how the technology is used in the real world.Using stories in your technical presentations can translate complex information into readily “digestible” information for your audience.In today's episode, we'll discuss three ways to use stories in your technical presentations to make your message have more impact: (1) case studies and real-world examples, (2) problem-solution narratives, and (3) personal anecdotes

Forbes Magazine tells us the number one fear of people is public speaking.This is unfortunate because speaking intelligently to an audience, engaging them, and leaving them with something that will improve their personal and professional lives will do more to advance your career than anything else.Some people believe technical expertise is what companies prize. They do, but it is much easier to find technical talent than someone with excellent public speaking skills who can positively influence the company’s customers to award contracts to the company.This week’s episode will explore public speaking fear considerations and what speakers can do to lessen fear before and during their presentations.

Welcome to “Successful Speaking for Technical Professionals,” the podcast dedicated to helping you shine in the spotlight and deliver your technical expertise with flair. I’m your host, Frank DiBartolomeo.In each episode, I will draw from my over 40 years experience as an engineer and over 30 years experience as a Toastmaster to explore the nuances of presenting complex information in a way that resonates and engages.Whether you're a software engineer, data scientist, or any tech professional eager to polish your presentation skills, this show is for you. We’ll tackle everything from crafting clear and compelling narratives to mastering the art of visual aids and handling challenging questions with poise.Join us as we speak with seasoned presenters, communication specialists, and industry insiders who will share their secrets for making your technical presentations not just informative but unforgettable.If you’re ready to transform your technical knowledge into impactful presentations and leave a lasting impression, you’re in the right place. Remember, great presentations are not just about sharing information—they’re about connecting with your audience and making your message resonate. From refining your narrative to perfecting your delivery, every detail counts.Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review and share it with your colleagues. We’d love to hear your feedback and any topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes.Thanks for joining us, and until next time, keep honing those presentation skills and make every tech talk count!