What an opportunity to give brief reviews of some of the speakers at this year’s National Speakers Association convention in Orlando. The only problem it is relentless – nary a break, so I’ll be brief and just give text of memorable highlights.

Zig Ziglar spoke on this Sunday Morning. What an inspiration – and what a pro. Although if you’ve heard him before you’ve heard him say, "I speak at 280 words per minute with gusts up to 550," but each time he repeats a bon mot or phrase, it seems fresh. And delivered with such style.

Since Zig gave a spritual talk, I won’t go into the content here (although it was personal, moving and very motivating.) The learning point is his vocal style. Zig takes what might be faults in another to strengths. Much like Johnny Carson used his early nervous mannerisms as a signature in movement and gesture and facial expression.

Ziglar uses "ums" as long drawn out pauses – they aren’t ums at all, just his style. And his drawing out the end of his words works so well. Like "for themmmmmm…" and "astronomicallllllll" and "heavennnnn…" and "real, real welllllll."

He says he likes to tell things in a story fashion, which he does real, real well. The great speakers use stories. Join them.