Category: Speaker’s Notebook

Helpful tips, techniques and stories for occasional as well as pro speakers, people looking for speakers, and anyone interested in public speaking.

Hate to Exercise? Try this

Most of us dread and avoid exercise because it’s painful, repetitive, boring, and a time-suck. What a shame that it’s the only 100% effective way to improve your mental and physical health regardless of your age or physical condition. Since exercise is too bitter a pill for many to swallow, I’m going to give you… Read more »

How Comedy Cures Cancer!

When I worked in television, some vexing problem would cause us to angst and beat our brows for hours until someone would say, “Hey, come on, guys. It’s comedy. We’re not curing cancer here.” That put our Big Problem into proper perspective—and was probably scientifically incorrect. I used to be a bit embarrassed that I… Read more »

Staying Sane on the Plane

During a recent 7-day stretch, I performed in five states, from Virginia to Seattle, and MO, IN, and KY in between. I’d have been a cranky, stressed out mess before I discovered these Five Ways to Stay Sane on the Plane.  Prep is Key: Hardly a Secret, it’s just common sense, but if you wait until… Read more »

Top 5 Ways to Kill a Joke

Guy walks into a bar, tells the bartender he wants eight shots of his finest bourbon, money is no object. Bartender figures he’s going to treat his buddies, but the guy plants his feet and knocks back all eight shots, bam bam bam. Bartender says, “Holy smokes! I’ve been a bartender for 20 years and… Read more »

5 Tips for Crafting KILLER Icebreakers

Even if you’re just an occasional speaker, you know that starting with a laugh is a good way to break the ice. You can tell a joke or grab a zinger from Brainyquote.com; however, as a professional motivational speaker/comedian, I can tell you with certainty that the BEST way to start your speech is with… Read more »