Speaking On A Panel: 3 Tips

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Posted by Ben Decker | July 12, 2017 | 2 Comments | Tweet this

So, you’ve been asked to speak on a panel—what now?

Whether you like to prepare a lot (or not at all), here are three things to think about that will help ensure success at your next panel.

When you’re on a panel, it should feel like a casual conversation between you and a group of friends (even if you’re just meeting for the first time).

Stay present and listen to the answers and opinions of the other panelists. It’s okay to ask them questions or dive deeper into a particular idea—just go for it! No need to be formal or stiff, bring out the natural you with these tips.

Next week, we’ll share 3 more tips for what to do if you’re the moderator on an upcoming panel.

The Vampire Effect: Do Your Messages Suck or Stick?

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Posted by Leah West | April 5, 2017 | 1 Comment | Tweet this

Have you ever seen a cool ad, but can’t recall what it’s actually for? You’re experiencing the Vampire Effect, a term coined after a study conducted by MediaAnalyzer Software & Research, which results concluded that attention-grabbing content—from sexy images to celebrity endorsements—was sucking attention away from what the ad was actually trying … Continue reading →

You Are Your Presentation

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Posted by Kelly Decker | March 14, 2017 | 0 Comments | Tweet this

It happened again. Another case of PowerPoint abuse. This time the offender was House Speaker Paul Ryan—and we’re just waiting for an SNL skit on this one. ICYMI: Last week, he held a press conference to explain the newly proposed healthcare plan—a massively debated issue. And he used a PowerPoint … Continue reading →

Yada Yada Yada

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Posted by Ben Decker | February 16, 2017 | 0 Comments | Tweet this

There is so much focus on the importance of storytelling in business. From brand to leadership to managing client relationships, storytelling has become the “silver bullet” for how to approach something better. This post is not about when or why to tell a good story. Instead, I want to call … Continue reading →

Analogize It!

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Posted by Gene Bloch | March 11, 2016 | 1 Comment | Tweet this

It’s one of the most common communications white lies we tell ourselves: “If I say the words, people will get it.” Even when your audience is well-versed in your subject matter, it’s not always true. The truth is, the most accurate data points and thoughtful analysis in the world won’t resonate … Continue reading →

The Big Short

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Posted by Ben Decker | February 25, 2016 | 1 Comment | Tweet this

A lot of times people ask, “What are the essential components of a speech?” They’re looking for the silver-bullet, the ideal length of time spent, the appropriate level of seriousness, how much humor, how many data points to include, etc. Often, we look to TED talks, popular speeches and commencement … Continue reading →

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

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Posted by Ben Decker | May 13, 2015 | 0 Comments | Tweet this

There’s nothing like 77 bathtubs to give you a quick idea of what “7.7 cubic meters of water” looks like. A friend recently sent me a link to this post on the current drought situation in California. Regardless of your political standpoint on Gov. Jerry Brown’s response to the drought, … Continue reading →

Stop Compartmentalizing: Find a Story to Tell

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Posted by Ben Decker | May 28, 2014 | 0 Comments | Tweet this

Last week I was working with an executive, and he got flustered. “I can’t think of a story,” he said. I told him, “Just think about it – the stories will come to you.” And sure enough, they did. Why were we looking for stories? Not just because it’s trendy … Continue reading →

Ring in the Humor

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Posted by Kelly Decker | February 26, 2014 | 1 Comment | Tweet this

Bobsled. Halfpipe. Hockey. Figure skating and speed skating. Slalom. Ski jumping. Even curling. With 3 young boys in the house, we watched a lot of Olympic coverage this year. My personal favorite moments are always the opening and closing ceremonies, and I was floored at this year’s closing ceremony. Of … Continue reading →