Blog Post

What Makes for a Great Attention Getter?

Jeffrey Davis • May 08, 2018

I LOVE this acceptance speech. And a big part of what makes Sam Rockwell’s acceptance of the 2018 Best Supporting Actor Award so excellent is the attention getter he gives at the top. What makes it so great? Here’s my thoughts:

  1. It includes a touching personal story about his parents! – Stories are your STRONGEST weapon against audience boredom, y’all.
  2. It’s not only a story, but, also, a short joke, with a great punchline – notice the way that Mr Rockwell sets up his story to be solemn, and then takes us in a surprising direction. Jokes are GREAT icebreakers. A great joke needs to be BRIEF and have the ELEMENT OF SUPRISE. Mr Rockwell’s joke has both.
  3. His icebreaker is appropriate for the occasion – it’s about going to the movies with his parents, and he uses the story as a way of demonstrating both his love of movies and his appreciation of his parents.

AOC and the Art of Public Speaking

By Jeffery Davis • 16 Dec, 2019
AOC does not become a victim of her adversary's expectations for her English or her intellect. It fires up her public speaking craft. Does inequality fire you up to prove your adversaries wrong? For more on how AOC handles public speaking challenges, click here.

Accent Reduction Hacks for Chinese Speakers of English

By Jeffery Davis • 30 Jul, 2019
Accent Reduction Hacks for Chinese Speakers of English

How to Craft a Tight VC Pitch

By Jeffery Davis • 16 Jul, 2019
Here are a few tips to help you get ready for your next big pitch!

Accent Reduction Hacks for Indian Speakers of English

By Jeffery Davis • 09 Jul, 2019
Accent reduction tips specifically geared toward Indian ESL executives.

Relaxation Exercises for Public Speaking 

By Jeffery Davis • 25 Jun, 2019
Watch Jeffrey as he leads you through three breathing exercises specifically designed for public speaking. 

Accent Reduction Hacks for ESL Executives 

By Jeffery Davis • 18 Jun, 2019
Quick tips to reduce your accent, and speak clear English.

What is the Fastest Way to Speak Clear English?

By Jeffery Davis • 28 May, 2019

A Speech Coach's Perspective on Bill Gates's Ted Talk

By Jeffery Davis • 23 May, 2019
An analysis of Bill Gates storied 2009 TED Talk.

Should Your Expectations Be High or Low Before You Present?

By Jeffery Davis • 14 May, 2019
Many people think high expectations help them present well. Actually, it leads to tension, and stumbling.

How to Pace Yourself While Presenting

By Jeffery Davis • 07 May, 2019
A few simple tips to help you slow down while presenting.
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