I love to talk to people. I believe everyone has a story to tell. I love hearing others tell it. But how do you get them to start? sometimes it depends on where you are. Where you are having a conversation has a bearing on what kind of conversation you have. Are you standing in … Continue reading On making small talk

I have found that some of the best conversations that I have had are because I was trying to show an act of kindness to the other person. If someone can sense that you care, they are much more willing to open up into conversation. They will definitely be glad that you talked to them. … Continue reading Being kind and talkative

I heard a wonderful talk this afternoon as I attended a Toastmasters competition. The speech was given by my competition for the contest. The moment she started her presentation I though, “Whoa. I might get beat this time.” Her topic? Her personal journey to self improvement. Though she desribed herself as a once shy and … Continue reading The Journey

Have you ever sat through a presentation and thought, “what are they talking about?” It’s not that you don’t know the topic...it is the presenter hasn’t landed on what they are trying to say. Have you ever been there? Is it just me? I have done a fair amount of speech coaching over the years. … Continue reading What do you want me to know?

It happened today. I gave a speech at Toastmasters. It was a pretty good one. I have given it before, so it went well. That’s not what happened. I got called out. It was awesome. One of my coworkers named Jessica had my favorite evaluation of the day. She told me that the David they … Continue reading On being called out