Author Archives: John Zimmer

About John Zimmer

A Canadian now living Switzerland, I am married, with two terrific teenage daughters. I am passionate about public speaking and helping others improve their public speaking and presentation skills.

Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 163) – Richard Branson

Posted on 03/05/2013

“To be an impressive public speaker, you have to believe in what you are saying. And if you speak with conviction and you’re passionate about your subject, your audience will be far more forgiving of your mistakes because they’ll have … Continue reading →

Six Public Speaking Lessons from Freddie Mercury

Posted on 23/04/2013

Freddie Mercury was the heart, the soul, the very essence of showmanship. The lead vocalist and lyricist of Queen had one of the most incredible unique singing voices ever. And his singing talent was matched, step for step, by his … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged audience, Freddie Mercury, Queen, stage, Under Pressure, Using the Stage, vocal variety | 15 Comments

Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 162) – Carly Fiorina

Posted on 04/04/2013

“For me the process [of writing a university philosophy paper] would begin with writing twenty pages. Then I’d edit to ten, then five and finally two. I finally would get to a two-page, single-spaced paper that I hoped didn’t merely … Continue reading →

Posted in Quotes for Public Speakers | Tagged Carly Fiorina, Hewlett Packard, public speaking quotes, quotations, quotes, simplicity | 4 Comments

An Evening with Kofi Annan

Posted on 02/04/2013

One of the great things about living in Geneva is the variety of interesting people who visit the city. A little over a month ago, I was able to take in a great lecture by Hans Rosling. (You can read … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis of a Speech | Tagged Geneva, Kofi Annan, moderator, public speaking, United Nations, University of Geneva | 2 Comments

Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 161) – Tina Fey

Posted on 26/03/2013

“The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready; it goes on because it’s 11:30. “This is something Lorne [Michaels] has said often about Saturday Night Live, but I think it’s a great lesson about not being too precious about your … Continue reading →

Posted in Quotes for Public Speakers | Tagged Humour, Lorne Michaels, public speaking, quotes, Saturday Night Live, Second City, Tina Fey | 12 Comments

Rhetorical Devices: Aporia

Posted on 23/03/2013

This post is part of a series on rhetoric and rhetorical devices. For other posts in the series, please click this link.Device: Aporia Origin: From the Greek ἄπορος (aporos), meaning “impassable”. In plain English: An expression of uncertainty or doubt. Effect: … Continue reading →