Mostly, Your Stuff is for Your Book . . .
Years ago, I asked, ”What’s a keynote?” My client answered, “We just want the funny, pithy parts.” I’ve never forgotten that. And now, in the age of TED Talks with an 18-minute limit, it’s even more relevant. Attention spans have shortened. You cannot afford potential eye-rollers, like “Let me tell you the whooole story from…
Read MoreResist the Urge to Overshare
Ever thought “Why is she telling me this?” “Why am I listening?” “I want the last 10 minutes of my life back.” My client was at a conference. She introduced herself to the woman sitting next to her – – and the floodgates opened. The woman started talking about her hip! And her surgery. And…
Read MoreMake the Second Half Count
Are you over 50? What if, for everything you do in the second half of life, you get extra credit? It’s true in figure skating scoring. I’ve been wanting to write this to you since the Olympics a few months ago. Not only do I adore figure skating, but I’m fascinated by this fact: In…
Read MoreMimi is an Official TEDx Talk Speech Coach!
Have you had dreams of being a speaker on a big stage – – lighting up the audience with empowering thoughts and meaningful laughter? I have been doing that for over 30 years on the keynote stage. Lately, however, the keynoting business is celebrity-driven. So unless you are already “famous” or have a best-selling book…
Read MoreLeave It All On the Ice
Like some of you, I just spent two weeks watching 6 hours a day of Olympic coverage. Whew! I love figure skating more than football or any other sport. I find the Shib Sibs (Shibutani siblings) synchronized twizzles (multi-rotational one-foot turns) in ice dancing moved me to instant tears, just as the running back who…
Read More2nd Row in Zumba Class
Just had a birthday. I love my birthday. I love the whole month of February. It’s when I take stock of my life – – where I stand in the scheme of things. This time, I understand what Dad meant, “It’s all about quality of life.” So, I am thrilled at my quality of life.…
Read MoreNo Resolutions – – Just Do It!
When someone you want to have lunch with says, “Let’s have lunch sometime,” do you say, “Yes, let’s,” and leave it at that? Or do you get out your calendar? I get out my calendar and I schedule it. PLAN is not a 4-letter word. Most things get done because they are scheduled. Ask a…
Read MoreHappiest to You!
Happy Chanukah! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! And one more thing: Don’t go crazy. Attend only events that are absolutely necessary, and parties that will bring you joy!
Read MoreDon’t Wait Till Thanksgiving
Don’t wait till Thanksgiving to thank people. Do it now and always. So I want to say thank you to my bold brave clients, who are willing to put themselves out there and speak. Thank you for taking the word journey with me to write your answers to the question, “What do you do?” You…
Read MoreWhy You Should Never “Wing It”
Remember, one of Mimi’s Laws of Great Speaking: “Never make an audience nervous.” It’s not just that the audience is reminded of 8th grade speech class. They are more sophisticated now. With the popularity of TED Talks, people are used to well-structured excellence from the speaker on stage. They expect you to be smart, polished,…
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