Shows
Hitched 2 HomicideRichard Cottingham. The Torso Killer.Send Kris and Rob a Text Message!From 1967 to 1980, New York City and suburban New Jersey was the playground for a sexual serial killer who would bind, torture, strangle and dismember his victims. He’s been convicted of a number of murders, but many, including the killer himself believe the number is closer to one hundred women and girls. This is the story of Richard Cottingham. The Torso Killer.Sources used for this podcastSupport the showJOIN THE HITCHED 2 HOMICIDE IN-LAWS AND OUTLAWS
2023-03-081h 19
Lift-Off With Energizing Results220-Rob CottinghamWho’s your ideal client and what’s the biggest challenge they face?What are the common mistakes people make when trying to solve that problem?What is one valuable free action that our audience can implement that will help with that issue?What is one valuable free resource that you can direct people to that will help with that issue?What’s the one question I should have asked you that would be of great value to our audience?When was the last time you experienced Goosebumps with your family and why?A CARTOON ABOUT HOW WE LIVE & WORK I...
2022-10-2017 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamEp. 73 No more boring speaker introductions!Before a speaker steps up to the microphone, there's usually somebody who introduces them. And that introduction could be helping to set the stage and prime the audience. But too many introductions are just tedious recitals of a speaker's biography. And they're so loooonnnng. Instead of revving an audience up, they put them to sleep. Let's kill those introductions off once and for all. This episode, we look at what an introduction can do for you and your audience, by promising some combination of six elements: authority, affinity, attraction, value, intrigue and entertainment. We'll talk...
2022-06-2312 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamEp. 73 No more boring speaker introductions!Before a speaker steps up to the microphone, there's usually somebody who introduces them. And that introduction could be helping to set the stage and prime the audience. But too many introductions are just tedious recitals of a speaker's biography. And they're so loooonnnng. Instead of revving an audience up, they put them to sleep. Let's kill those introductions off once and for all. This episode, we look at what an introduction can do for you and your audience, by promising some combination of six elements: authority, affinity, attraction, value, intrigue and entertainment. We'll talk...
2022-06-2312 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamDana Rubin is Speaking While FemalePick up a collection of speeches or quotations from history, and chances are most of those voices belong to men. That's changing. More women are claiming their time at the microphone. And it turns out the oratory of the past was a lot more female than many of its curators would have us think. One woman in particular, Dana Rubin, is working to change our understanding of public speaking history — and the role women have played in shaping it. And she's my guest on this episode. Links: The Speaking While Female Speech Ba...
2022-03-0125 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamDana Rubin is Speaking While FemalePick up a collection of speeches or quotations from history, and chances are most of those voices belong to men. That's changing. More women are claiming their time at the microphone. And it turns out the oratory of the past was a lot more female than many of its curators would have us think. One woman in particular, Dana Rubin, is working to change our understanding of public speaking history — and the role women have played in shaping it. And she's my guest on this episode. Links: The Speaking While Female Speech Ba...
2022-03-0125 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamEp. 71 Get out of your laneYou’ve probably heard the expression “stay in your lane.” And sometimes that’s good advice — but right now, we’re facing global emergencies on an unprecedented scale, and we need voices speaking out for truth, democracy, science and our very survival. If you have a platform, you can be one of those voices…even if you aren’t an expert. Here’s how to do it responsibly. Links: That Kris Straub cartoon about Internet "research" Music: All music is by Lee Rosevere. The theme music is "Twitter Will Kill Us All." Used under a Creative Commons
2021-10-1810 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamEp. 71 Get out of your laneYou’ve probably heard the expression “stay in your lane.” And sometimes that’s good advice — but right now, we’re facing global emergencies on an unprecedented scale, and we need voices speaking out for truth, democracy, science and our very survival. If you have a platform, you can be one of those voices…even if you aren’t an expert. Here’s how to do it responsibly. Links: That Kris Straub cartoon about Internet "research" Music: All music is by Lee Rosevere. The theme music is "Twitter Will Kill Us All." Used under a Creative Commons
2021-10-1810 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamFind Your Red Thread with Tamsen WebsterThere probably isn’t a speechwriter or speaker alive today who hasn’t heard the advice “Tell a story.” But you want them to do more than listen. You want to tell the kind of story your audience will turn into their story. Crafting that story is the heart Tamsen Webster’s terrific new book, Find Your Red Thread. Tamsen joins me this episode to talk about the five steps of an effective Red Thread — which just so happen to be a great way to outline your next speech or op-ed. And we talk about how great stories can move audiences and...
2021-07-2922 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamFind Your Red Thread with Tamsen WebsterThere probably isn’t a speechwriter or speaker alive today who hasn’t heard the advice “Tell a story.” But you want them to do more than listen. You want to tell the kind of story your audience will turn into their story. Crafting that story is the heart Tamsen Webster’s terrific new book, Find Your Red Thread. Tamsen joins me this episode to talk about the five steps of an effective Red Thread — which just so happen to be a great way to outline your next speech or op-ed. And we talk about how great stories can move audiences and...
2021-07-2922 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamSeven deadly sins of online presentation (part two)Well over a year into remote presentations as the norm, people are getting pretty good at it... but some mistakes are still cropping up again and again. Last time, we looked at four of the seven deadly sins of online presentations. This time we tour the final three... and then we'll look at how to flip those sins into shining, saintly virtues. Links: My wife Alexandra Samuel has co-written a terrific new book on making the most of remote work, called Remote, Inc. Highly recommended for making the most of the new workplace! Tamsen...
2021-07-2007 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamSeven deadly sins of online presentation (part two)Well over a year into remote presentations as the norm, people are getting pretty good at it... but some mistakes are still cropping up again and again. Last time, we looked at four of the seven deadly sins of online presentations. This time we tour the final three... and then we'll look at how to flip those sins into shining, saintly virtues. Links: My wife Alexandra Samuel has co-written a terrific new book on making the most of remote work, called Remote, Inc. Highly recommended for making the most of the new workplace! Tamsen...
2021-07-2007 minLeadership communications with Rob CottinghamSeven deadly sins of online presentations (part one)Well over a year into remote presentations as the norm, people are getting pretty good at it... but some mistakes are still cropping up again and again. In this two-episode series, we'll meet the seven deadly sins of online presentations — from not looking at the camera to not knowing your platform. And then we'll look at how to flip those sins into shining, saintly virtues. Links: My wife Alexandra Samuel has co-written a terrific new book on making the most of remote work, called Remote, Inc. Highly recommended for making the most of the ne...
2021-07-2008 minLeadership communications with Rob CottinghamSeven deadly sins of online presentations (part one)Well over a year into remote presentations as the norm, people are getting pretty good at it... but some mistakes are still cropping up again and again. In this two-episode series, we'll meet the seven deadly sins of online presentations — from not looking at the camera to not knowing your platform. And then we'll look at how to flip those sins into shining, saintly virtues. Links: My wife Alexandra Samuel has co-written a terrific new book on making the most of remote work, called Remote, Inc. Highly recommended for making the most of the ne...
2021-07-2008 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamAvoiding plagiarism: Are your words really your own?Sure, you and I would never take someone else’s writing and pretend it was our own. But not all plagiarism is deliberate. It can be surprisingly easy to steal someone else’s words by accident. Plagiarism scandals have caught up leaders ranging from presidential candidates to university officials. They’ve derailed campaigns and ended careers. Here’s how to keep that from happening to you — by making sure your words, really are your words. Links: Care to jog your memory? Here’s the background on Joe Biden’s and Melania Trump’s plagiarism issue...
2021-06-2506 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamAvoiding plagiarism: Are your words really your own?Sure, you and I would never take someone else’s writing and pretend it was our own. But not all plagiarism is deliberate. It can be surprisingly easy to steal someone else’s words by accident. Plagiarism scandals have caught up leaders ranging from presidential candidates to university officials. They’ve derailed campaigns and ended careers. Here’s how to keep that from happening to you — by making sure your words, really are your words. Links: Care to jog your memory? Here’s the background on Joe Biden’s and Melania Trump’s plagiarism issue...
2021-06-2506 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamKeep the "thought" in thought leadershipSo many leadership communications mistakes come down to one thing: not having a clear goal and a roadmap to get there. That’s especially true when it comes to areas where leaders aren’t as familiar with the subject matter. This episode looks at a high-profile communications failure: an op-ed that blew up in CEO's face, damaged the company's reputation and forced an embarrassing public about-face. We'll look at what went wrong... and how you can keep your communications on track. The important thing: Don't let stories like this discourage you from speaking up! You can...
2021-06-0410 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamKeep the "thought" in thought leadershipSo many leadership communications mistakes come down to one thing: not having a clear goal and a roadmap to get there. That’s especially true when it comes to areas where leaders aren’t as familiar with the subject matter. This episode looks at a high-profile communications failure: an op-ed that blew up in CEO's face, damaged the company's reputation and forced an embarrassing public about-face. We'll look at what went wrong... and how you can keep your communications on track. The important thing: Don't let stories like this discourage you from speaking up! You can...
2021-06-0410 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamWhat we've learned from a year of remote presentationsPublic speaking has changed a lot in the past year, since conference halls and auditoriums went dark and we traded stages and amplifiers for webcams and video. But those changes can help us be better speakers, when the time comes to return to the stage. Links: My wife Alexandra Samuel has co-written a terrific new book on making the most of remote work, called Remote, Inc. There's a chapter on presentations in there that I got to advise on, and it covers some of what I talk about here. (Think she'd be up for an interview in...
2021-04-2909 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamWhat we've learned from a year of remote presentationsPublic speaking has changed a lot in the past year, since conference halls and auditoriums went dark and we traded stages and amplifiers for webcams and video. But those changes can help us be better speakers, when the time comes to return to the stage. Links: My wife Alexandra Samuel has co-written a terrific new book on making the most of remote work, called Remote, Inc. There's a chapter on presentations in there that I got to advise on, and it covers some of what I talk about here. (Think she'd be up for an interview in...
2021-04-2909 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamI now pronounce you... correctlyMispronouncing someone's name from the stage is a lot more than a minor screwup. Here's why speakers should never go to the mic without knowing the correct pronunciation of every name they mention — and why speechwriters should never let them do it. Links: This episode of KUOW's RadioActive podcast delves into mispronunciation and race. And here's one of my favourite comments on the subject, from actor Uzo Aduba, quoting her mother: "If they can learn to say Tchaikovsky and Michelangelo and Dostoyevsky, they can learn to say Uzoamaka." Music: All music is by Lee Rosevere. Th...
2021-03-1604 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamI now pronounce you... correctlyMispronouncing someone's name from the stage is a lot more than a minor screwup. Here's why speakers should never go to the mic without knowing the correct pronunciation of every name they mention — and why speechwriters should never let them do it. Links: This episode of KUOW's RadioActive podcast delves into mispronunciation and race. And here's one of my favourite comments on the subject, from actor Uzo Aduba, quoting her mother: "If they can learn to say Tchaikovsky and Michelangelo and Dostoyevsky, they can learn to say Uzoamaka." Music: All music is by Lee Rosevere. Th...
2021-03-1604 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamLess is more, and short is beautifulPresenting online? Don't make the mistake of thinking longer is better. When you're speaking via video, you want to keep things short. Here's how to embrace short, even when you're scheduled to run long. Links: We spoke to Dr. Nick Morgan back in episode 58. His latest book is Can You Hear Me? How to Connect With People In a Virtual World. And since I recorded this episode, a new book is on the scene: Standout Virtual Events by David Meerman Scott and Michelle Manafy. It's really, really worth reading, whether you're a speaker, an event...
2020-10-0505 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamLess is more, and short is beautifulPresenting online? Don't make the mistake of thinking longer is better. When you're speaking via video, you want to keep things short. Here's how to embrace short, even when you're scheduled to run long. Links: We spoke to Dr. Nick Morgan back in episode 58. His latest book is Can You Hear Me? How to Connect With People In a Virtual World. And since I recorded this episode, a new book is on the scene: Standout Virtual Events by David Meerman Scott and Michelle Manafy. It's really, really worth reading, whether you're a speaker, an event...
2020-10-0505 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamZoom out! You're more than just another faceIf you're spending all day in Zoom meetings, then it's easy to think that speaking by video automatically means showing your head and shoulders... and nothing else. Let's talk about what you (and your audience) are missing by not letting the rest of your body get in on the act. (The bad news? You're gonna need to start wearing pants again.) Resource: Hanna Thomas Uose‘s post The Trauma of Zoom Music: All music is by Lee Rosevere. The theme music is "Twitter Will Kill Us All." Used under a Creative Commons license. Im...
2020-09-2206 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamZoom out! You're more than just another faceIf you're spending all day in Zoom meetings, then it's easy to think that speaking by video automatically means showing your head and shoulders... and nothing else. Let's talk about what you (and your audience) are missing by not letting the rest of your body get in on the act. (The bad news? You're gonna need to start wearing pants again.) Resource: Hanna Thomas Uose‘s post The Trauma of Zoom Music: All music is by Lee Rosevere. The theme music is "Twitter Will Kill Us All." Used under a Creative Commons license. Im...
2020-09-2206 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamGo big AND go home: Why you need to amp up your online energy for work-at-home audiencesYou might have thought up-close video would be more intimate than speaking from the stage. But one big thing we're learning from remote presentations is this: You need to bring more energy to your speaking style when your audience is at home in front of their screens. Find out why... and how. Music: All music is by Lee Rosevere. The theme music is "Twitter Will Kill Us All." Used under a Creative Commons license. Image: Thomas Kelley on Unsplash
2020-09-0805 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamGo big AND go home: Why you need to amp up your online energy for work-at-home audiencesYou might have thought up-close video would be more intimate than speaking from the stage. But one big thing we're learning from remote presentations is this: You need to bring more energy to your speaking style when your audience is at home in front of their screens. Find out why... and how. Music: All music is by Lee Rosevere. The theme music is "Twitter Will Kill Us All." Used under a Creative Commons license. Image: Thomas Kelley on Unsplash
2020-09-0805 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamEp. 60. The pivot: Mozilla adapts to communicating in the lockdownThis time, we look at how the technology visionaries at Mozilla are making the pivot from face-to-face leadership communications to virtual channels. We're joined by Justin O'Kelly, Mozilla's senior executive communications manager. Links: Mozilla, makers of Firefox, Monitor, Send and more. Music: All music by Lee Rosevere. Theme: "Twitter Will Kill Us All." Used under a Creative Commons license. Image: from Mozilla
2020-05-0127 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamEp. 60. The pivot: Mozilla adapts to communicating in the lockdownThis time, we look at how the technology visionaries at Mozilla are making the pivot from face-to-face leadership communications to virtual channels. We're joined by Justin O'Kelly, Mozilla's senior executive communications manager. Links: Mozilla, makers of Firefox, Monitor, Send and more. Music: All music by Lee Rosevere. Theme: "Twitter Will Kill Us All." Used under a Creative Commons license. Image: from Mozilla
2020-05-0127 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamLeadership communication through curationIf sharing really is caring, then the content you share needs to be content you really care about — and content your audience will care about too. This episode we look at content curation... and why just shovelling links onto Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn without care or context isn't just bad for your reputation — right now, it's dangerous to your audience. Links: I mentioned those mysterious letters "RSS", which really can make your life easier! If you're baffled, here's a pretty good primer. Feedly is my newsreader of choice. (My wife and I still feel...
2020-03-2513 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamLeadership communication through curationIf sharing really is caring, then the content you share needs to be content you really care about — and content your audience will care about too. This episode we look at content curation... and why just shovelling links onto Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn without care or context isn't just bad for your reputation — right now, it's dangerous to your audience. Links: I mentioned those mysterious letters "RSS", which really can make your life easier! If you're baffled, here's a pretty good primer. Feedly is my newsreader of choice. (My wife and I still feel...
2020-03-2513 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamGoing virtual (and staying human)With so many face-to-face presentations being cancelled, a lot of speakers are looking at going virtual. But with webinars and online conferences suddenly getting a second look, it’s important to keep in mind their special demands. This episode, we talk to presentation coach, theorist, blogger, speaker and author Dr. Nick Morgan about what we lose when we go virtual, and how to make up some of that lost emotional connection. And we’ll hear from author and (her delightful description) camp counselor for grownups Kim Werker. In roughly a week, she’s had to move an event...
2020-03-1424 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamGoing virtual (and staying human)With so many face-to-face presentations being cancelled, a lot of speakers are looking at going virtual. But with webinars and online conferences suddenly getting a second look, it’s important to keep in mind their special demands. This episode, we talk to presentation coach, theorist, blogger, speaker and author Dr. Nick Morgan about what we lose when we go virtual, and how to make up some of that lost emotional connection. And we’ll hear from author and (her delightful description) camp counselor for grownups Kim Werker. In roughly a week, she’s had to move an event...
2020-03-1424 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamMaking the best of a cancelled speechCancelled speaking gigs are a fact of life, but never more than today. And hey: with social distancing and disease prevention rightly taking precedence over oratory, we know better than to feel sorry for ourselves over postponed conferences and scrubbed events. But when you're left holding a speech without a stage to deliver it on, what's your next move? Instead of letting all your work writing and preparing your presentation go to waste, try these suggestions for getting some real value out of that broken speaking date. This is the third episode of our five-episode...
2020-03-1409 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamMaking the best of a cancelled speechCancelled speaking gigs are a fact of life, but never more than today. And hey: with social distancing and disease prevention rightly taking precedence over oratory, we know better than to feel sorry for ourselves over postponed conferences and scrubbed events. But when you're left holding a speech without a stage to deliver it on, what's your next move? Instead of letting all your work writing and preparing your presentation go to waste, try these suggestions for getting some real value out of that broken speaking date. This is the third episode of our five-episode...
2020-03-1409 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamLeadership communications in a crisis (part two)Getting leadership communications right is never more important than in the middle of a crisis. And as COVID-19 coronavirus outbreaks happening throughout much of the world, you may well be facing a crisis soon. Last episode, we talked about planning for your crisis leadership communications. This episode, we look at putting that plan into action with seven key principles: Be transparent and honest. Communicate early. Be proportionate. Connect emotionally. Be flexible. Listen. Inspire hope. And stay tuned all week, as we look at some of the implications of the coronavirus outbreak for leaders and the...
2020-03-1009 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamLeadership communications in a crisis (part two)Getting leadership communications right is never more important than in the middle of a crisis. And as COVID-19 coronavirus outbreaks happening throughout much of the world, you may well be facing a crisis soon. Last episode, we talked about planning for your crisis leadership communications. This episode, we look at putting that plan into action with seven key principles: Be transparent and honest. Communicate early. Be proportionate. Connect emotionally. Be flexible. Listen. Inspire hope. And stay tuned all week, as we look at some of the implications of the coronavirus outbreak for leaders and the...
2020-03-1009 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamLeadership communications in a crisis (part one)In a crisis, people are looking for reassurance, a sense of security... and leadership. And with COVID-19 coronavirus outbreaks happening across the planet, you may soon need to step up on behalf of your organization — for anything from coping with a supply-chain issue to temporarily shutting your doors. How you communicate will make all the difference for your audience. This two-part episode looks at effective leadership communications in a crisis. Part one is all about preparation: the plans you can put in place now so you're ready when the storm hits... either with this crisis, or the ne...
2020-03-0909 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamLeadership communications in a crisis (part one)In a crisis, people are looking for reassurance, a sense of security... and leadership. And with COVID-19 coronavirus outbreaks happening across the planet, you may soon need to step up on behalf of your organization — for anything from coping with a supply-chain issue to temporarily shutting your doors. How you communicate will make all the difference for your audience. This two-part episode looks at effective leadership communications in a crisis. Part one is all about preparation: the plans you can put in place now so you're ready when the storm hits... either with this crisis, or the ne...
2020-03-0909 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamIt's called public speaking. Not public singing.Are you falling into the trap of sing-song delivery? You could be sapping your speech's strength and breaking your connection to the audience. Here's how to recognize it... and how to stop. Wondering what's different about this episode? Could be the new theme music! Links: Episode 51 talks about how to reclaim your natural voice by talking to an audience of one (even when it's actually one thousand). Those voice acting lessons I mention are at Vancouver's On the Mic Training. Highly recommended! Music: All music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp...
2020-02-2106 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamIt's called public speaking. Not public singing.Are you falling into the trap of sing-song delivery? You could be sapping your speech's strength and breaking your connection to the audience. Here's how to recognize it... and how to stop. Wondering what's different about this episode? Could be the new theme music! Links: Episode 51 talks about how to reclaim your natural voice by talking to an audience of one (even when it's actually one thousand). Those voice acting lessons I mention are at Vancouver's On the Mic Training. Highly recommended! Music: All music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp...
2020-02-2106 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamHow to Talk to ExpertsSooner or later speechwriters and other leadership communications practitioners find ourselves talking to a subject matter expert: somebody (usually part of your client's organization) who’s going to give some of their time and knowledge to make your speech or article better. Here's how to get the most out of their time and yours. Thanks to Clare Kumar, Deb Rohac, Patti Bacchus, Evan Leeson, Ben Roberts, Ben Lucier, Mark Busse, Rob Beggs, Susan RoAne, Jamie Cohen, Luis Giraldo, James Glave, Anthony Floyd, Andréa Coutu, Richard Eriksson, Robert Beggs and Michele Owens who all weighed in online wit...
2020-01-2110 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamHow to Talk to ExpertsSooner or later speechwriters and other leadership communications practitioners find ourselves talking to a subject matter expert: somebody (usually part of your client's organization) who’s going to give some of their time and knowledge to make your speech or article better. Here's how to get the most out of their time and yours. Thanks to Clare Kumar, Deb Rohac, Patti Bacchus, Evan Leeson, Ben Roberts, Ben Lucier, Mark Busse, Rob Beggs, Susan RoAne, Jamie Cohen, Luis Giraldo, James Glave, Anthony Floyd, Andréa Coutu, Richard Eriksson, Robert Beggs and Michele Owens who all weighed in online wit...
2020-01-2110 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamDrop the pitch!It can be tempting to sell from the stage... especially when you know some of the people in your audience could be great customers. But resist that temptation. Here's why you should leave the sales pitch behind when you head to the mic — and how you can do a much better sales job if you aren't selling. Links: Go listen to The Freenoter, a great podcast by Tamsen and Tom Webster about making unpaid speaking opportunities pay off for you and your audience — without selling from the stage. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http...
2019-12-1108 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamDrop the pitch!It can be tempting to sell from the stage... especially when you know some of the people in your audience could be great customers. But resist that temptation. Here's why you should leave the sales pitch behind when you head to the mic — and how you can do a much better sales job if you aren't selling. Links: Go listen to The Freenoter, a great podcast by Tamsen and Tom Webster about making unpaid speaking opportunities pay off for you and your audience — without selling from the stage. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http...
2019-12-1108 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamZoom in on your audienceHaving trouble connecting emotionally with a speech you're writing or rehearsing? Maybe it's because you're trying to speak to the whole audience instead of just one person. This episode, here's why you may want to take a leaf from TV cop shows and zoom way in. (Note: This is episode of the podcast includes mild profanity: The word "bullsh*t" is used several times.) Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Looking Back," "Lost Days," "...
2019-11-2107 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamZoom in on your audienceHaving trouble connecting emotionally with a speech you're writing or rehearsing? Maybe it's because you're trying to speak to the whole audience instead of just one person. This episode, here's why you may want to take a leaf from TV cop shows and zoom way in. (Note: This is episode of the podcast includes mild profanity: The word "bullsh*t" is used several times.) Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Looking Back," "Lost Days," "...
2019-11-2107 min
Conversations on Careers and Professional LifeRob Cottingham on Communication Skills, Speeches and SpeakingRob Cottingham has 30 years of experience as a speech writer and speech coach. I've known Rob for nearly half that time through our attendance at the same conferences including Web Of Change and NTEN, a conference for the nonprofit sector and have always been impressed by his presentations, and communication skills writ large. Were it not for social media, I fear that I would have lost touch with someone like Rob, but thanks to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, I've been entertained by his Noise to Signal Cartoons and more. Rob also has a podcast, Leadership Communications, where he...
2019-11-0338 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamThe Pigeon of Dorian GrayI'm always telling you to tell stories... so for the 50th episode of the podcast, I'm going to share one of my own. It's about what a dead pigeon taught me about being a good speechwriter. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "More On That Later," "Places Unseen," "Sad Marimba Planet," "Small Steps," "It Was Like That When I Got Here," "Landing" and "Solutions (c)." Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Dawood Javed on Unsplash
2019-11-0116 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamWhat kind of emotional connection do you want with your audience?Coming up empty as you try to write your speech? Wondering why your presentations aren't landing quite as well as you know they should? You probably know you should connect emotionally with your audience — but maybe you need to think through just what kind of emotional connection you're both looking for. This episode, we look at six kinds of emotional connection, and how you can build them: confidence, trust, understanding, appreciation, shared values and what I call the mensch factor. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). In...
2019-10-2508 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamFind your speaker superpowers in your origin storyFor some reason, we love to hear how superheroes got their powers — their origin stories. And audiences will want to hear yours, too. Here's how to tell the story of how you got here in a way that connects with your audience and even moves them to action... faster (cough) than a speaking bullet. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Swiftwind," "Twitter Will Kill Us All," "Pensacola Twilight," "Atmospheres" and "Thoughtful." Used under a Creative Commons license. ...
2019-10-1709 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamCareful with that spotlight!As leaders, it can be tempting to forget that not everyone likes being the centre of attention. And when you have an audience, you can all too easily throw a harsh, unforgiving spotlight onto someone who isn't ready for it. This episode, we look at how to wield your audience's attention responsibly, whether it's from the stage or online. Links: Skip Weisman was kind enough to let me share his story with you. https://www.yourchampionshipcompany.com/ Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental...
2019-10-0110 min
Leadership communications with Rob Cottingham"Long Shot" and why speakers and speechwriters need some one-on-one timeThis summer’s film Long Shot is an entire movie about how speechwriter and speaker relate to each other. And it has something to teach us about making that relationship work — and how the key ingredient is time. If you're thinking of catching it, the movie's a lot of fun, even if (or probably because) it isn't exactly a documentary portrayal of political speechwriting. Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen are great, and their chemistry is super (although, ahem, that's a line I don't recommend speechwriters cross with their clients). Links: Most important, props to Long Shot...
2019-09-2807 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamWhat HBO can teach us about how NOT to write a speechWhat does a speech look like stripped of the craft of speechwriting? HBO's hit show Succession gave us a glimpse with a hilarious eulogy delivered by character Connor Roy... and in the process, helps speechwriters and speakers avoid delivering dull, lifeless speeches. Links: Here's that eulogy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEdOB9OIh70. Succession on HBO: https://www.hbo.com/succession. The writing credits for that episode of Succession go to series creator Jesse Armstrong (https://twitter.com/jessearmstrong1), writer Georgia Pritchett (https://twitter.com/georgiapudding) and story editor Alice Birch (https...
2019-09-1808 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamSpeakers, have a seat (in the audience)You can write a speech for a someone. Read it through. Rehearse with the speaker. But you won’t really know how effective it is unless you’re there when they deliver it. This episode: why speechwriters should fight for a spot in the audience, and how to use it to write better speeches. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "You're Enough (version a)," "Start the Day" and "Not My Problem." Used under a Creative Commons lice...
2019-08-1308 min
Leadership communications with Rob Cottingham"How do you do, fellow kids?" Speaking to young audiences (with Robin Stevenson)A lot of speakers who'd happily get up in front of a thousand-person audience start getting the shakes at the thought of speaking to children or (gulp) teens. Fortunately, we have child-and-teen author Robin Stevenson here to share her experience speaking in front of countless school auditoriums and classrooms. She'll tell us how you can keep your next young audience rapt from beginning to end. About my guest: Robin Stevenson is the award-winning author of 25 books of fiction and nonfiction for kids and teen, including the Stonewall Honor book Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Community. Robin speaks to...
2019-08-0927 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamSpeechwriters of the world, unite! Creating communities of practice: interview with Elana AptowitzerWriting is usually a pretty solitary pursuit. But solitary doesn’t have to mean isolated. Find out how Elana Aptowitzer created a community of speechwriters inside the Canadian public service — and how you can start building a community of your own. About my guest: Elana Aptowitzer heads up speechwriting at Canada’s Department of National Defence. She launched the federal government's first speechwriters' community of practice, where public service speechwriters can share tools, resources and best practices. In the last three years, she has received several awards for continual professional excellence in her demanding role, includ...
2019-08-0628 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamChanging the world... with op-edsWe’ve focused on speaking and speechwriting in the podcast — but there’s more than one way to connect with an audience. And one of the best: the venerable op-ed piece. About my guest: Today’s guest knows op-eds better than anyone I know: Professor Mira Sucharov is the author of Public Influence, and a prolific writer of op-eds published in such outlets as Haaretz, The Forward, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The Ottawa Citizen, The Daily Beast and Huffington Post. Dr. Sucharov is an associate professor of political science at Carleton University, and the...
2019-08-0227 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamCop an attitude — and take a standIf you really want your audience to care about what you're saying, they need to know you care about it too. And that starts with the attitude you project... and the stands you're willing to take. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Thought Bubbles," "HEAVN," and "It Was Like That When I Got Here." Used under a Creative Commons license. Lee has released a beautiful album in honour of Apollo 11's 50th anniversary, and you can...
2019-07-2606 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamQuote Me on ThatQuotations are one of a speechwriter's essential tools — right up there with metaphors, jokes and 3 a.m. espresso. But borrowed eloquence doesn't always work out, and as handy as a quotation can be, using it requires care. This episode looks at how to use quotations to elevate your whole speech, and how another person's fine words can make yours shine even brighter. Links: I mentioned them last time, but here's another link to Quote Investigator — one of the great services of the Internet. And yes, Marlene Dietrich really said that. It's from Marlene Diet...
2019-07-1907 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamTo tell the truthMost of us like to think of ourselves as basically honest people. But as speakers and speechwriters, it's surprisingly easy to find ourselves misleading our audiences: accidentally or (gulp) deliberately. Find out how — even with the best intentions — you may be leading your audience astray... and how to get back onto the path of truth. Warning: Contains traces of scolding and a glancing reference to the current American president. Links: More about Albert Mehrabian and his work on non-verbal communication. And about the aerodynamics of bumblebees. One way that bumb...
2019-07-1610 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamMaking the most of a rally speech, with guest Tzeporah Berman: part 2Political protest is on the rise — and with it, a growing need for leaders to speak to protest rallies. This episode, we talk with veteran environmental and climate campaigner Tzeporah Berman about rally speeches: how to plan, write and deliver them for maximum impact. This two-part episode starts with a discussion on planning your speech and thinking about strategy, and concludes in part two by talking about writing and delivery. About our guest: Tzeporah has over two decades of experience designing campaigns and speaking to crowds small and large (and very large). She's one of th...
2019-07-1117 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamMaking the most of a rally speech, with guest Tzeporah Berman: part 1Political protest is on the rise — and with it, a growing need for leaders to speak to protest rallies. This episode, we talk with veteran environmental and climate campaigner Tzeporah Berman about rally speeches: how to plan, write and deliver them for maximum impact. This two-part episode starts with a discussion on planning your speech and thinking about strategy, and concludes in part two by talking about writing and delivery. About our guest: Tzeporah has over two decades of experience designing campaigns and speaking to crowds small and large (and very large). She's one of th...
2019-07-1121 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamSpeechwriters on stageWant to be a better speechwriter? One of the best ways to improve your speechwriting is to get out from behind your keyboard and get in front of an audience. Why speechwriters should also be speakers — and how you can get started. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Here's Where Things Get Interesting," "Thought Bubbles," "More On That Later" and "HEAVN." Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: by Rob Cottingham. Links: I wasn't ki...
2019-07-0807 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamSpeechwriters on stageWant to be a better speechwriter? One of the best ways to improve your speechwriting is to get out from behind your keyboard and get in front of an audience. Why speechwriters should also be speakers — and how you can get started. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Here's Where Things Get Interesting," "Thought Bubbles," "More On That Later" and "HEAVN." Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: by Rob Cottingham. Links: I wasn't ki...
2019-07-0807 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamWhen the questions get tough, the tough get preparedIt may be in a media interview, a Q&A, a debate or a townhall. But when you're a leader, chances are sooner or later you're going to face tough questions. It just comes with the territory. The key to being ready for tough questions? Equally tough preparation. And that means fighting off the instinct to lob (or ask for) softballs... an instinct that just might be one of the reasons for this week's biggest U.S. political story. Links: Here's the electrifying exchange between Kamala Harris and Joe Biden at this week's Democratic debate.
2019-06-3009 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamCue the theatrics! What speakers (and speechwriters) can learn from actorsWhat does acting have to do with authenticity? More than you might think. This episode, we look at how the tools actors bring to their most compelling performances can help you connect with your audience. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Dusk Cathedral," "0___0," "Swiftwind" and "We're Almost There." Used under a Creative Commons license. (And check out this advance single from Lee's latest project, an album celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.) Photo: mostafa...
2019-06-2207 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamGetting started in speechwritingThere's no well-worn, signposted career path to being a speechwriter. That's the bad news. The good news? There are plenty of other paths in. This episode, we look at how to break into speechwriting — and some lessons from my own first big break. Music: Theme: "Good Times" by Podington Bear (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/). Incidental music by Lee Rosevere (https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/) including "Decompress," "All the Answers," "Thinking It Over" and "Telecom." Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Jon Tyson on Unsplash Links: Audrey McLaughlin's leadership campaign ga...
2019-06-1409 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamSorry seems to be the hardest word: delivering a great apologyNone of us is perfect, and sooner or later, leaders have to apologize for something. Sometimes it’s something out of your control; sometimes it really is on you. Apologize well, and you can come out with stronger relationships and a better reputation. Apologize badly, and you can make a bad situation worse. So in today's episode, we look at why it’s worth apologizing… how some people screw it up… and how to deliver an apology that brings some genuine closure. Music: New theme music this episode! Introducing “Good Times” by Podington Bear (http...
2019-06-0513 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamBuild your organization's podium strength.Over the past 29 episodes, we've looked at how you can be a better, more effective speaker and speechwriter. For episode 30, let's magnify your impact — helping your whole organization tap into the power of public speaking. Also, I reveal my hidden agenda. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Kane Reinholdtsen on Unsplash
2019-05-1410 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamBroaden your media dietThis episode, we talk about how expanding the kinds of media you like to read, watch and listen to can make you a better speechwriter and speaker. Links: The 100-Mile Diet by Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Eiliv-Sonas Aceron on Unsplash
2019-05-0907 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamEp. 28. Listen to speakers outside your nicheNiches are great places to develop a deep understanding of audience and subject matter, and to build community... but they can get pretty insular. Whether you're a speaker or a speechwriter, here's how to keep your work fresh, by drawing inspiration from outside your bubble. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Yuki Dog on Unsplash
2019-05-0705 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamMake your speech a content factorySpeeches are amazing. They can move audiences, inspire crowds... and they can help you create new content, quickly and easily! In this episode, we'll look at 10 ways you can repurpose your next speech into high-impact video, audio, text and images. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Kenny Luo on Unsplash
2019-05-0205 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamThink strategicallyWhen it comes to your organization's leadership speaking, you have strategic resources in play and strategic values on the line. That makes a pretty good case for a speaking strategy. Here's how to take the first steps toward crafting one. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Hendrik Morkel on Unsplash
2019-04-3010 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamBuild a platformThe applause from your speech may have faded, but the connection you make with your audience doesn't have to. Engaging online can help you deepen and broaden your audience relationship, while building a growing network that may become one of your most valuable assets: your platform. Links: It's been a few years since Platform by Michael Hyatt came out. It may not include the latest news on social networks and mobile engagement, but the principles will still be sound years from now. Strongly recommended. There are newer books, but this is the one I keep coming back...
2019-04-2511 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamReview your performanceWho are the top performers who need to review their performances so they can improve? Athletes... actors... and speakers like you! This episode, let's talk about how to review and improve your speaking and your content. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Stink Pickle on Unsplash
2019-04-2306 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamGo all inThis episode ties together everything we've talked about around speech delivery with one big idea for truly powerful speaking: commitment. Links: Here’s David Granirer’s long-running comedy course at Vancouver’s Langara College. David’s also the founder and driving force behind Stand Up for Mental Health. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Helena Lopes on Unsplash
2019-04-1806 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamOwn the spaceBreak out of the lectern cage! Make the stage your own... and learn how to use movement to deepen your presentation's connection to your audience. (Also, I go off on that whole "podium vs. lectern" thing.) Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Bill Williams on Unsplash
2019-04-1606 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamMake the most of your voice on stageWhen you treat your voice as an instrument (and not an afterthought!) great things happen to your speeches... and to your audiences. This episode, we break down three powerful vocal tools: pitch, pace and volume. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Ira Selendripity on Unsplash
2019-04-1107 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamHey! The audience's eyes are up here! And over here... and...For once, the conventional wisdom has it right: eye contact with your audience is powerful. Here's how to put it to work for you — even when you have to read your speech from the page. Links: That moment in Baby Mama with Tina Fey and Steve Martin Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Charles 🇵🇭 on Unsplash
2019-04-0908 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamGet your hands dirtyRoll up your sleeves... because this episode we talk about the tools of the public speaking trade. And one tool in particular: your microphone. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash
2019-04-0409 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamPrepare... even when you don't have timeI'm all about encouraging speakers to prepare and rehearse — but let's face it. There are times when you just haven't had a moment to prepare, and now it's 10 minutes 'til stage time. So maybe this isn't going to be a virtuoso performance. But it can still be a really good one. Here's how to lift a speech from the page when you only have a few minutes to prepare. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Veri Ivanova on Unsplash
2019-04-0204 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamPractice. No, really practice.Think rehearsal and preparation kills your spontaneity? This episode could change your mind — by showing you how rehearsal actually frees you to make spontaneous choices in the moment. Tips, techniques... and an excuse to use coloured highlighters. What more could you ask from a podcast? Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Manuel Nägeli on Unsplash.
2019-03-2805 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamDon't just read your speech. Perform it.This episode, we pivot from speechwriting to speaking itself. And we start with the single biggest way most speakers can level up: authentic performance. Links: Steal the Show by Michael Port is a smashing book on speaking and performance. I reviewed it a while back, and it's an easy book to recommend. Music: “Upbeat” by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Daniel Sandvik on Unsplash
2019-03-2609 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamHow to get great feedback on your speechHow often have you asked for feedback with "let me know what you think"? If you're trying to spark conversation, it isn't a bad gambit. But if you want actionable feedback on your speech, you need to use a much more focused approach. Here's how to ask the right person, for the right feedback, at the right time. Music: "Upbeat" by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Wynand van Poortvliet on Unsplash
2019-03-2108 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamGet your audience to expect more... of themselves. Your speech has brought your audience on an emotional odyssey, and you've reached your narrative destination together. Now's the time to invite them to continue the journey themselves—with a powerful call to action and conclusion. And you can do it in four steps: challenge, call, recipe and reward. Here's how. Music: "Upbeat" by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Ian Parker on Unsplash
2019-03-1904 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamDon't meet your audience's expectations...Wait, what? By all means, meet — or beat — your audience's expectations for what they'll get out of your speech. But not for what you put into it. Here's how to be surprising... and unpredictable, but reliable. Music: "Upbeat" by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Felix Mittermeier on Unsplash
2019-03-1404 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamMake your audience a little uncomfortableEvery instinct tells us to make our audiences comfortable. Yet a little discomfort can lead to some of the most powerful experiences your speech can offer. Here's how. Links: "Nanette" by Hannah Gadsby on Netflix, and Gadsby's speech on "The Good Men" Music: "Upbeat" by John Luc Hefferman. Used under a Creative Commons license. Photo: Annie Spratt on Unsplash
2019-03-1206 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamUse slides well... if at allThe world is full of speeches weighed down with terrible slide decks. Don't let yours be one of them. This episode, we look at how to make PowerPoint work well for you and your audience — and I make the case for not using slides at all. Links: Here are the books I mentioned at the end: slide:ology by Nancy Duarte, Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds, and Beyond Bullet Points by Cliff Atkinson. And here's an article about why people retain less information when it's projected onto a screen and read out loud to them....
2019-03-0708 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamEase up on the statisticsWhen your speech unleashes a flood of statistics, you can lose your audience's interest — and their emotional connection — fast. Let's talk about how to chose a gem of a statistic and put it in the perfect setting... and then make it part of what drives your story, instead of dragging it off course. Links: Nancy Duarte's great book Resonate includes an account of her work with Al Gore on the speech that became the Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth. There's so much more to the book than just that story — including a great tool for analyzing the narrat...
2019-03-0506 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamSuspenseOne of the most effective ways a speech can hold an audience's attention is suspense. And withholding a little information can whet their appetite for the answer to the question, "What happens next?" Links: Story by Robert McKee. He wrote it with screenwriters in mind, but there's a lot in here that speaks to the craft of writing speeches, too. Music: "Upbeat" by Jon Luc Hefferman, and short excerpts from "Snowmen" by Kai Engel and "Cylinder Three" by Chris Zabriskie. Used under a Creative Commons non-commercial attribution license. Photo: JR Korpa on Unsplash
2019-02-2805 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamConsider all of your audiencesThe folks in the room are just one of the audiences your speech is going to reach. Here's how to think through who else may be listening in... and how you'll account for them. Music: "Upbeat" by Jon Luc Hefferman, and Cheese by David Szesztay. Used under a Creative Commons non-commercial attribution license.
2019-02-2604 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamUse plain language... but not just plain languagePlain language can make your speech a lot clearer, and allow your ideas and thinking to shine through. But there are times when speechwriters and speakers want to reach for the more complex words... and even use (gasp!) jargon. Music: “Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial license. Links: The wonderful Thing Explainer by Randall Munroe Thing Explainer at Amazon.com (affiliate link) Photo: Raphael Schaller on Unsplash
2019-02-2104 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamDefend your narrative arcBetween "helpful" suggestions from others and your own creativity, it often isn't easy keeping a speech on topic and on track. Here are some tools for sticking to the path — and a few tips on handling unavoidable detours. Music: “Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial license. Photo: Jamie Street on Unsplash
2019-02-1905 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamGet vulnerableYou've probably always been told to project confidence and certainty when you're speaking from the stage. But if you want to truly connect with your audience, a little vulnerability in your speech can go a long way. Links: Probably the best-known writer and speaker on vulnerability is Brené Brown. If you want to explore more on the subject, check out her book Daring Greatly. You might also like my blog post on how to know if you're approaching vulnerability effectively — and authentically. Music: “Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons Attribut...
2019-02-1405 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamPlot your emotional arcWe've talked about your speech's one big story, the narrative arc. But running in tandem with it is something at least as important to your audience: the emotional arc. Music: “Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial license
2019-02-1204 minLeadership communications with Rob CottinghamTell one big story... with your audience as the heroThere are almost as many ways to approach writing a speech as there are speeches. But each one boils down to a story — one where the audience can identify with the protagonist, and that pulls them forward to the conclusion. Here's how to make your speech's story a powerful, compelling one. Music: “Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial license Photo: From a talk at Interesting Vancouver 2014
2019-02-0305 minLeadership communications with Rob CottinghamKnow your audienceBefore you can move an audience to where you'd like them to be, you need to know them. And that means a lot more than a head count. Here's what to look for, and where to find it — so you know exactly how to reach and move them. Music: "Upbeat" by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial license
2019-02-0305 min
Leadership communications with Rob CottinghamKnow what you want to accomplishThe first thing you need to know before you start crafting a speech is this: what's your goal? What do you want your audience to think, feel and do at the end of your speech? Everything else follows from that. Links: One of my favourite speechwriting books: Dr. Nick Morgan's Give Your Speech, Change the World Music: "Upbeat" by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial license
2019-02-0203 min