Category Archives: Speeches from Film

12 Public Speaking Lessons from “Comedian”

Posted on 24/11/2012 by John Zimmer

I just finished watching, for the second time, Comedian, a terrific documentary about the efforts of Jerry Seinfeld to get back into stand-up comedy after a decade of starring in one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, Seinfeld. … Continue reading →

Posted in Humour, Speeches from Film | Tagged Bill Cosby, Humour, Jerry Seinfeld, Orny Adams, Seinfeld, Stand-up comedy | 31 Comments

When Things Go Wrong: Ten Presentation Lessons from Apollo 13

Posted on 24/09/2012 by John Zimmer

OK. The day of the big presentation has arrived. You’ve prepared, you know your material and you’ve arrived at the venue early to get set up. You check the room and everything looks fine. The stage is ready, the sound … Continue reading →

Posted in Preparation, Slide Presentation, Speeches from Film | Tagged Apollo 13, Keynote, PowerPoint, Problems, public speaking, Scott Berkun, Slide Presentation, Tom Hanks | 17 Comments

Collection of Speech Analyses

Posted on 15/07/2011 by John Zimmer

Without question, the best way to become a better speaker is to speak. We learn by doing, making mistakes, reflecting, refining and doing again. However, there are other ways that we can improve our skills at the craft. One way … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis of a Speech, Speeches from Film | Tagged public speaking, Speech Analyses, Speech Critiques | 2 Comments

Speeches from Film: Up in the Air

Posted on 18/03/2011 by John Zimmer

Analysis of George Clooney’s “What’s In Your Backpack?” speech in the movie, “Up In the Air”: Continue reading →

Posted in Speeches from Film | Tagged Backpack, George Clooney, public speaking, Speech, Up in the Air, Up in the Air (film) | 18 Comments

Oscar Night 2011

Posted on 27/02/2011 by John Zimmer

Tonight is the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. It’s been years since I’ve seen the show live. For me, watching it from start to finish can be a tedious affair. And now that I live in Switzerland, the show doesn’t get … Continue reading →