Leadership communications with Rob Cottingham

Most of us like to think of ourselves as basically honest people. But as speakers and speechwriters, it's surprisingly easy to find ourselves …

Political protest is on the rise — and with it, a growing need for leaders to speak to protest rallies. This episode, we talk with veteran …

Political protest is on the rise — and with it, a growing need for leaders to speak to protest rallies. This episode, we talk with veteran …

Want to be a better speechwriter? One of the best ways to improve your speechwriting is to get out from behind your keyboard and get in front of an …

It may be in a media interview, a Q&A, a debate or a townhall. But when you're a leader, chances are sooner or later you're going to face tough questions. It just comes with the territory.

The key to being ready for …

What does acting have to do with authenticity? More than you might think. This episode, we look at how the tools actors bring to their most …

There's no well-worn, signposted career path to being a speechwriter. That's the bad news. The good news? There are plenty of other paths in. This episode, we look at how to break into speechwriting — and some lessons …

None of us is perfect, and sooner or later, leaders have to apologize for something. Sometimes it’s something out of your control; sometimes it …

Over the past 29 episodes, we've looked at how you can be a better, more effective speaker and speechwriter. For episode 30, let's magnify your …

This episode, we talk about how expanding the kinds of media you like to read, watch and listen to can make you a better speechwriter and speaker.

Links: The 100-Mile Diet by Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon

Music: “Upbeat

Niches are great places to develop a deep understanding of audience and subject matter, and to build community... but they can get pretty insular. …

Speeches are amazing. They can move audiences, inspire crowds... and they can help you create new content, quickly and easily! In this episode, we'll look at 10 ways you can repurpose your next speech into high-impact …

When it comes to your organization's leadership speaking, you have strategic resources in play and strategic values on the line. That makes a pretty good case for a speaking strategy. Here's how to take the first steps …

The applause from your speech may have faded, but the connection you make with your audience doesn't have to. Engaging online can help you deepen and broaden your audience relationship, while building a growing network …

Who are the top performers who need to review their performances so they can improve? Athletes... actors... and speakers like you! This episode, let's talk about how to review and improve your speaking and your content.

This episode ties together everything we've talked about around speech delivery with one big idea for truly powerful speaking: commitment.

Links: …

Break out of the lectern cage! Make the stage your own... and learn how to use movement to deepen your presentation's connection to your audience. …

When you treat your voice as an instrument (and not an afterthought!) great things happen to your speeches... and to your audiences. This episode, we …

For once, the conventional wisdom has it right: eye contact with your audience is powerful. Here's how to put it to work for you — even when you have …

Roll up your sleeves... because this episode we talk about the tools of the public speaking trade. And one tool in particular: your microphone.

Music:

I'm all about encouraging speakers to prepare and rehearse — but let's face it. There are times when you just haven't had a moment to prepare, and now it's 10 minutes 'til stage time.

So maybe this isn't going to be a …

Think rehearsal and preparation kills your spontaneity? This episode could change your mind — by showing you how rehearsal actually frees you to make …

This episode, we pivot from speechwriting to speaking itself. And we start with the single biggest way most speakers can level up: authentic performance.

Links: Steal the Show by Michael Port is a smashing book on …

How often have you asked for feedback with "let me know what you think"?

If you're trying to spark conversation, it isn't a bad gambit. But if you want actionable feedback on your speech, you need to use a much more …

Your speech has brought your audience on an emotional odyssey, and you've reached your narrative destination together. Now's the time to invite them …

...Wait, what?

By all means, meet — or beat — your audience's expectations for what they'll get out of your speech. But not for what you put into it. Here's how to be surprising... and unpredictable, but reliable.

Music:

Every instinct tells us to make our audiences comfortable. Yet a little discomfort can lead to some of the most powerful experiences your speech can …

The world is full of speeches weighed down with terrible slide decks. Don't let yours be one of them. This episode, we look at how to make PowerPoint …

When your speech unleashes a flood of statistics, you can lose your audience's interest — and their emotional connection — fast. Let's talk about how to chose a gem of a statistic and put it in the perfect setting... …

The folks in the room are just one of the audiences your speech is going to reach. Here's how to think through who else may be listening in... and …

Plain language can make your speech a lot clearer, and allow your ideas and thinking to shine through. But there are times when speechwriters and speakers want to reach for the more complex words... and even use (gasp!) …

Between "helpful" suggestions from others and your own creativity, it often isn't easy keeping a speech on topic and on track. Here are some tools …

You've probably always been told to project confidence and certainty  when you're speaking from the stage. But if you want to truly connect with your …

We've talked about your speech's one big story, the narrative arc. But running in tandem with it is something at least as important to your audience: the emotional arc.

Music: “Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a …

There are almost as many ways to approach writing a speech as there are speeches. But each one boils down to a story — one where the audience can …

Before you can move an audience to where you'd like them to be, you need to know them. And that means a lot more than a head count. Here's what to look for, and where to find it — so you know exactly how to reach and …

The first thing you need to know before you start crafting a speech is this: what's your goal? What do you want your audience to think, feel and do …