Perfect Public Speaking is an Asymptote
Recently, I wrote a post entitled Basic Speech Geometry. Today we return to the mathematics of points and lines and curves and surfaces. An asymptote is a straight line that a curve approaches but never touches. It comes from the Greek word asymptotos which means “not falling together”. In the diagram below, the horizontal orange […]
Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 76) – Booker T. Washington
I believe that one always does himself and his audience an injustice when he speaks merely for the sake of speaking. I do not believe that one should speak unless, deep down in his heart, he feels convinced that he has a message to deliver.
23 Public Speaking Secrets from the Greats
Today’s post comes from Carol Brown at OnlineCollege.org. Carol has gleaned 23 public speaking secrets from well-known people. As she says, while everyone has their favourite tip, nobody says it better than the great speakers. Each secret is accompanied by a quotation and a link where you can read more about that particular point. It […]
Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 75) – John Zimmer
“It’s been said that music is what happens between the notes. I believe that a great speech happens between the words, during the pauses when an audience can reflect upon and internalize the message. Never forget the impact that a well-timed pause can have.” John Zimmer
Basic Speech Geometry
The basic geometry of a speech should be circular, not linear.
"I Have a Dream" by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yesterday, the United States celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It is fitting that we take the time to reflect on Dr. King’s immortal speech, “I Have a Dream”, and why it remains as important as ever. On 28 August 1963, Dr. King delivered the speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, […]
Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 73) – Carmine Gallo
Carmine Gallo: “Speaking in jargon carries penalties in a society that values speech free from esoteric, incomprehensible bullshit.”
Quotes for Public Speakers (No. 72) – Nancy Duarte
Nancy Duarte on what it takes to create an interesting presentation.
A Lesson From Leo Tolstoy
A valuable lesson for public speakers from Leo Tolstoy’s classic story, “How Much Land Does a Man Need?”.
Tagged BashkirsJames JoyceKeynoteLeo TolstoyPresentationpublic speakingRussian literatureSlide Presentation