I probably shouldn’t say this out loud, but I’m not the hugest fan of AI. I resisted it for a long time. And I do not use it for a majority of my work. And yet - I can’t deny it has saved me time in prepping my talks.

But: Here are the few things it’s okay to use AI for when prepping presentations and speeches.

Are you the best man or maid of honor at an upcoming wedding? Need to give a toast? Or a speech?

I’ve been to too many weddings where the speeches/toasts were obviously not planned, practiced, or prepared.

Don’t be that guy or that girl or that person. Dig in for some easy tips to get you started on your wedding toast.

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.

If “Improve My Presentations” or “Improve My Speaking Skills” was on your list of new year’s resolutions (or on your performance review), I can help! Check out this article for some quick, easy-to-do tips. Oh yeah - and I’m here if you want some in-person help, too! Happy New Year, y’all.

It’s been a great year. Like many of my colleagues, I’m reflecting on the highlights and the learnings of the past year. Thank you for being a reader! I’m grateful for your time and attention. From 3 takeaways from clients and classes to new avenues I discovered, I hope you find the highlights inspiring, and the takeaways helpful.