Katherine Streeter for NPR

Sound perceptions

My May newsletter blog points readers to a report of a study about the importantt first impressions you make with the very first words you speak.

And, as always, you can also find more info about my upcoming One-Day Blitz workshops. And here you will find details about Focus on You, my service that gets your business video story out there. Take advantage of these trainings before I dive fullsteam ahead into summer teaching at American University and take a workshop "hiatus."

Tips you can use!

Friends don't let friends uptalk
Seriously? I can't believe I am still telling you this? You diminish your credibility if you can't make a declarative statement? Sad but true, uptalk lives on. Let's bury it.

The perfect three
Limit your main points to three per speech; it's standard organizational practice. Four might work occasionally but that's about as far as this rule stretches. Listeners can't process more than that. So streamline your content to fit into those three main points for a more effective, powerful message.

Straight up, no twist!

Standing, that is. The best posture is also the most natural. Untwist by undoing bad habits, like standing with your feet crossed, or putting all your weight on one hip. Do some stretches (yoga or otherwise), and get used to feeling that neutral, relaxed position whenever you stand. You'll have more energy and look better too!