Podcasts by Professionally Speaking

National Speakers Association, Northern California, January Chapter Meeting from 2020-01-12T01:56:01

People try to put us d-down (talkin' 'bout my generation)Just because we get around (talkin' 'bout my generation)Things they do look awful c-c-cold (talkin' 'bout my generation)I hope I die before ...

Interview: Dr. Gail Ferreira – Agile Leader from 2019-02-10T21:28:40

Gail is an executive level expert and thought leader driving the vision and tactical decisions for large-scale transformation programs, from the C-Suite to the team level. Gail excels at leading co...

Interview: Resolving Public Speaking Anxiety with Jonathan Berent, L.C.S.W., A.C.S.W from 2019-02-09T17:34:13

Jonathan Berent, L.C.S.W. has pioneered treatment for performance and social anxiety since 1978. A certified psychotherapist, he has worked with thousands of individuals of all ages in individual, ...

A Conversation with Ian Griffin on Speechwriting, Social Media & Blogging from 2018-12-13T22:02:05

On Thursday, December 13 the Silicon Valley Speeechwriters Roundtable hosted Ian Griffin in a free conference call.



I'm usually the one doing the interviewing. However, Barbara...

A Conversation with Jeff Davenport on Speechwriting, Screenwriting and Delivery Coaching from 2018-08-30T22:17:12

On Thursday, August 30th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted Jeff Davenport in a free conference call.



Jeff serves as an executive speaker coach and senior conte...

A Conversation with Bob Sands on Sermons and Speechwriting from 2018-06-20T04:29:50

On June 19, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable held a conference call with Bob Sands.



Bob is a speaker and speechwriter who has helped people and businesses tail...

A Conversation with Barbara Seymour Giordano on Storytelling from 2018-05-25T01:25:55

On May 24, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable Held a conference call with Barbara Seymour Giordano. Barbara is a Story Doctor, Speechwriter and Presentation Coach who specializes in h...

A Conversation with Felicity Barber from 2018-05-04T05:25:42

On April 26, 2018 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable Held a conference call with Felicity Barber. Felicity is the Executive Speechwriter at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. She i...

The 2018 Cicero Speechwriting Awards – A conversation with David Murray from 2018-02-10T01:54:36

More than 2,000 years ago, Cicero called rhetoric a “great art.” Since then, staggering advances in mass communication haven't diminished the transformative power of a great speech.


Listen

Podcast: Shel Holtz on Social Media and Speechwriting from 2017-10-05T00:44:46

On Wednesday October 4th the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted a conference call with Shel Holtz. We discussed the ways in which social and digital media — which have given rise to con...

A Conversation with Tim Pollard on Fail-Proofing Your Communication from 2017-05-20T19:06:51

On Thursday May 18 members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable were in conversation with Tim Pollard, author of The Compelling Communicator: Mastering the Art and Science of Exceptional ...

Why consider a career in Marketing from 2016-12-20T23:55:50

My son recently graduated with a degree in International Business and Marketing and is looking for an entry-level position in this area. I met today with a group of marketing professionals who shar...

A conversation with Bob Lehrman from 2016-09-23T23:03:51

On Thursday September 1, members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted a conference call with with renowned author, speechwriter and professor Bob Lehrman.



Robe...

A Conversation with Sanjay Nambiar from 2016-05-05T20:38:15

On Thursday May 5, members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted a conference call with freelance speechwriter, author and publisher Sanjay Nambiar.



Sanjay is a...

A Conversation with Matt Teper from 2016-02-28T20:48:41

On Wednesday February 24, members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable hosted a conference call with Google speechwriter Matt Teper.



Matt is the Head of Editorial at ...

Meeting Report: The wit and wisdom of speechwriter Hal Gordon from 2015-09-21T21:34:29

On Thursday September 17, 2015 the Silicon Valley Speechwriters welcomed Hal Gordon as our guest on a conference call.



Hal was a speechwriter for the Reagan White House and lat...

5 Tips for a Wedding Toast from 2015-05-27T20:08:36

With wedding season approaching, happy couples from around the world are preparing to walk down the aisle and begin their lives together. Wedding season also marks the time when friends and family ...

Jessica Pettitt: Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Taken from 2015-05-04T03:50:34

The afternoon speaker at Saturday's Northern California NSA Chapter meeting was our own chapter member from Eureka in the far north of California (and National NSA Board member) Jessica Pettitt, C...

Karen Jacobsen: The GPS Girl from 2015-05-03T15:30:09

No member of the National Speakers Association speaks to as many people on a daily basis as does Karen Jacobsen. Her voice is one of the options on over 100 million GPS systems and 300 million smar...

The Professional Speechwriters Association from 2015-03-20T17:17:03

Members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable joined David Murray on a conference call earlier this week. This is the third and final edited highlight of the call. In part one David talked...

Highlights of the 2015 Ragan Speechwriters Conference from 2015-03-20T17:13:48

The changing world of speechwriting from 2015-03-20T17:05:22

Members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable joined Vital Speeches of the Day Editor David Murray on a conference call earlier this week. This is the first of three edited highlights of t...

Changing the Corporate Conversation from 2015-01-27T21:21:54

There are over 11 million corporate meetings every day in the United States, yet how often do we walk into a corporate meeting wondering why we are there? Or walk out angry that we've wasted anothe...

Screenwriting and Storytelling Secrets for Speechwriters from 2015-01-23T17:54:19

Members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable joined speechwriter, screenwriter and author Mike Long on a conference call earlier this week. This is the second of two edited highlights of ...

Becoming a Freelance Speechwriter from 2015-01-23T17:47:30

Members of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable joined speechwriter, screenwriter and author Mike Long on a conference call earlier this week. This is the first of two edited highlights of t...

Secrets to Building a Successful Speaking Business from 2015-01-19T05:51:03

"The job is not doing the speech. It is getting the speech" - Shep Hyken



The National President of the NSA, Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE spoke to members of the NSA Northern Califor...

How to Prepare and Present Powerful Presentations, with Patricia Fripp from 2014-09-22T19:56:54

Hall of Fame keynote speaker and executive speech coach Patricia Fripp spoke to the members of the NSA Northern California Chapter Speakers Academy on Saturday. Fripp is the founder of our Chapter ...

NY Speechwriters Conference Debrief 3 of 3 from 2014-05-27T17:04

In this third and final edited highlight of the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable conference call from the PSA World Conference, I give a summary of Bob Lehrman’s break out featuring a conver...

NY Speechwriters Conference Debrief 2 of 3 from 2014-05-27T16:46:51

In this second edited highlight from the call, social media director Jerry Weinstein reviews postings to the tweet-stream under the #PSAworld hashtag. He discusses the unusual nature of the opening...

NY Speechwriters Conference Debrief 1 of 3: David Murray from 2014-05-27T16:26:10

The Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable conference call took place May 21 at the end of the first day of the Professional Speechwriters Association (PSA) World Conference held May 22-23 at New ...

The Speechwriting Secrets of Jon Favreau from 2014-02-24T18:24:02

There’s only 24 hours in a day, which is why President Obama, despite being an accomplished writer and orator, needs help with his speeches. During his first term in office, much of this help came ...

Speechwriters Conference Debrief 4 of 4: Q&A Session from 2014-02-21T12:22:26

In this fourth and final edited highlight from the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable call, we hear from the callers who had comments and questions. Helping me respond to callers questions is ...

Speechwriters Conference Debrief 3 of 4: Michael Long from 2014-02-21T11:57:33

In this third edited highlight from the Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable call, freelance speechwriter Michael Long shares his impressions of the conference. Mike taught a pre-conference work...

Speechwriters Conference Debrief 2 of 4: Rosemary King & Douglass Hatcher from 2014-02-21T11:46:38

In this second edited highlight from the call, freelance speechwriter Rosemary King and Douglass Hatcher, VP of Thought Leadership at MasterCard, share their impressions of the conference and speci...

Speechwriters Conference Debrief 1 of 4: Jon Favreau keynote from 2014-02-21T11:33:20

The Silicon Valley Speechwriters Roundtable conference call took place Feb 20 at the end of the first day of the 2014 Ragan Speechwriters Conference.



There were 16 callers onli...

Celebrating Voices of Leadership with The Bright Side of Life from 2013-07-12T01:53:32

Back on June 27 I spent a delightful and instructive day helping judge emerging speakers at Sahar Kordahi's Bright Side of Life Voices of Leadership day.



Over 30 speakers compe...

Interview: Alicia Berberich – parent / child coach from 2013-06-03T14:27:34

How many professional speakers do you know that go to work in their bathing suits? Well, that is exactly what Alicia Berberich does! Besides speaking to parents groups around the Bay Area, she te...

Interview: Julie Mergen – Financially Savvy Speaker from 2013-04-26T22:15:50

Julie Mergen is fascinated with business systems. She admires those who create products from concepts. Along with her innate entrepreneurial spirit, she simply finds money interesting -- even mor...

Interview: Emiko Hori, Musician and Speaker from 2013-03-18T14:54:52

“Speech is my Music. Music is my Speech” – Emiko Hori



A native of Japan, Emiko Hori grew up in California. An accomplished musician, she has been actively speaking and giving p...

How to book more business and own your niche from 2013-03-03T03:43:24

NSA/NC Meeting Report: Saturday March 2, 2013



The Saturday meeting of the Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association featured two savvy businesswomen who ...

Interview: Melanie Watkins, MD – motivational speaker from 2013-01-27T00:01:15

Melanie Watkins always dreamt of becoming a doctor but when she found herself sixteen and pregnant, that dream seemed out of reach.



Having been raised by a single mother, Melan...

Interview: Kathy Stershic, Tech Policy Freelancer from 2013-01-11T22:27:38

Kathy Stershic is Principal Consultant of Dialog Research & Communications. She provides senior-level business and communications consulting expertise to executives at leading-edge organizations, a...

Interview: Kathy Hart, Corporate Clarity Consultant from 2012-12-28T00:35:58

Kathy Hart is President of ClearVision Consulting, Inc., a global company that specializes in accelerating organizational excellence and improving human performance. Kathy is a highly sought after ...

Book Review: The Art of Immersion, by Frank Rose from 2012-12-20T23:46:31

A decade ago, the tools of communications belonged to a chosen few. Editorial control over newspapers, television and radio was in the hands of those professionals tasked with selecting content dee...

Interview: Liz Bowen – Speaking out against school bullying from 2012-12-14T00:27:02

Liz Bowen is passionate about helping kids with one of the biggest problems of their young lives, bullying. Born with a severe birth defect, Liz experienced bullying at an early age. As a Christian...

Interview: René Siegel, High Tech Connect from 2012-12-10T14:15:41

This article marks the start of a new series in Professionally Speaking. For the past three years I've published a monthly Pro-Track Profile interview featuring members of the Pro-Track class of th...

Interview: Paul M. Wood – Transmedia Storyteller from 2012-11-06T14:38:27

Transmedia storytelling is a hot topic. It's a form of storytelling where multiple platforms tie together to tell a common story. It has been heralded as "a new storytelling form that is native to ...

Interview: Monique Martineau – Wellness Wisdom Catalyst from 2012-11-01T17:41:56

Monique Martineau’s mission is to share profound insights learned during her own pursuit of health and happiness. She’s had several painful “wake up calls” ranging from childhood crisis to having a...

Interview: Jag Randhawa – Technology Innovator from 2012-09-22T03:56:20

“Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things” – Theodore Levitt



Jag Randhawa shares a deep passion for making a difference in the world, and enjoys sha...

Interview: Austin Hill Shaw – Creativity Instigator from 2012-08-17T21:57:27

For as long as he can remember, San Francisco Bay Area-based Austin Hill Shaw has been enraptured by creativity and the creative process. In 2004, stemming from a life-changing insight gained duri...

Interview: Aaron McDaniel, young professional from 2012-07-02T15:46:51

Aaron McDaniel is a corporate manager, entrepreneur, public speaker and community leader. Aaron has held diverse management roles at AT&T, being one of the youngest to serve as Regional Vice Presid...

Interview: Ann Rea – Artist, Speaker, Businesswoman from 2012-06-05T17:43:17

San Francisco-based artist Ann Rea creates an Experience of Art™ for select patrons that is an innovative blend of new and old world mediums. Patrons choose their favorite landscape and join this ...

Interview: Rachna Srivastava – Geek Woman Speaker from 2012-05-16T05:08:25

Rachna Srivastava is a passionate speaker. Her goal is to inspire and empower girls, women and other underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and math. Her vision is of a globa...

Interview – Cynthia Klein: Speaker, Educator, Author from 2012-04-09T16:17:12

Since 1994, Cynthia Klein has been guiding parents to creating happy and healthy families. As a speaker to over three hundred groups, Cynthia has given parents the tools and confidence to improve t...

Book Review: 10 Steps to Writing a Vital Speech, by Fletcher Dean from 2012-03-21T19:04:17

10 Steps to Writing a Vital Speech: The Definitive Guide to Professional Speechwriting, by Fletcher Dean



Fletcher Dean is a working speechwriter at the Dow Chemical Company whe...

Interview: Rod Dunican – Wikipedia expert from 2012-03-07T21:15:41

Rod Dunican is an accomplished senior manager and trainer, whose entire career has been centered on delivering exceptional results with a positive, “can do” attitude. With more than 25 years of exp...

Interview: Timothy Tosta – transformative listener from 2012-02-04T01:30:55

Timothy Tosta is a cancer survivor, a seasoned hospice volunteer and a widely acclaimed speaker and lecturer. He is the author of two books and a featured columnist of the Daily Journal, California...

Interview: Larry Dodd – Change Agent from 2012-01-11T16:44:02

Larry Dodd is a proven financial leader, consultant and trainer who applies an innovative, people-centered approach that helps the teams that he serves turn problems into business opportunities. Listen

Interview: Manuela Pauer – Life Coach from 2011-11-28T14:14:38

Manuela Pauer, CPCC is a Certified Professional Coach and workshop leader. She is an authority in personal leadership and self empowerment. She works with clients who are stuck doing what they thi...

Interview: Paul Larsen – Business consultant from 2011-10-28T14:20:44

Paul Larsen is an engaging and inspiring business consultant with over 20 years of experience within the business world. He has a proven track record of success in advancing strategic thought, str...

Interview: Madelyn Mackie – Career coach from 2011-10-04T14:02:01

Madelyn Mackie is a Professional Development and Career Advancement expert. Having successfully navigated careers in biochemistry research, Tony Award winning theaters and major nonprofit agencies,...

Interview: Janet Chahrour – The Yoga of Relationship from 2011-08-25T14:34:58

Janet Chahrour (Sha-roor) is a life-change artist with a passion for matters of relationship. Her most popular presentations are The 7 Questions to Ask Yourself about Your Romantic Relationship an...

Interview: Carrie Vawter-Yousfi – Mommy Coach from 2011-07-25T15:32:32

Carrie Vawter-Yousfi, founder of Mommy’s Coach has unlocked the secret to successfully running a busy household, while ensuring plenty of quality time.



She created her own busi...

Interview: Clare Mullin – from Trauma to Triumph from 2011-06-18T17:28:54

At twelve, Clare was diagnosed with Epilepsy. Years later after an accident at a gym, the diagnosis became traumatic brain injury which affected her ability to speak. She had to learn to speak ag...

Interview: Terry Barton – Savvy Leader from 2011-05-26T14:26:25

Using the “single most powerful question anyone could ever ask”, Terry Barton helps individuals and businesses connect to what is preventing them from moving in the direction they want to go. Wh...

Interview: Susan Gluss, UC Berkeley School of Law from 2011-05-06T04:00

At the end of the second day of the Ragan Social Media Conference I met Susan Gluss who is the Media Relations Director and spokeswoman for the UC Berkeley School of Law.



She i...

Interview: Wendy Hanson – Sassy Lady from 2011-04-29T01:29:29

Wendy Hanson helps startups and legacy companies act more aggressively, create more accountability and be more innovative. By shifting the culture, she helps teams communicate more clearly and wor...

Future Business Leaders of America – California State Leadership Conference from 2011-04-17T01:34:11

I was fortunate to volunteer as a speech contest judge for an impromptu speech contest for High School students held Friday and Saturday as part of the State Leadership Conference of the California...

Interview: Linda Benn – No worries mate! from 2011-03-26T03:49:34

Born and raised in Australia, Linda Benn brings a breath of fresh air to the USA. She shares her cultural experiences and unique approach to overcoming the issues related to stress in the workplace...

Interview: Mark Stiving – The Price is Right from 2011-02-21T20:15:54

Mark Stiving, MBA, Ph.D. helps companies implement value based pricing strategies to increase profit.



As a pricing strategist, he 'spreads the gospel' of value based pricing. ...

Interview: Kurt Shaver – Sales Trainer from 2011-01-24T20:34:49

Kurt Shaver delivers high-impact sales training and consulting to companies seeking increased production from their sales force. Kurt’s live training classes are followed by reinforcement sessions...

Interview: Dr. Joel Wade – Master of Happiness from 2010-11-26T14:58:18

Joel F. Wade, Ph.D. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Life and Executive Coach, writer, and speaker. He is the author of Mastering Happiness: Ten Principles for Living a More Fulfilling ...

Interview: Melinda Heryford – Dental Consultant from 2010-10-27T04:16:43

Melinda is an enthusiastic, effervescent motivational speaker, coach and management counselor with over three decades of experience in the dental industry. She is a past board member of the Academ...

Podcast: Public Relations & Social Media from 2010-10-22T22:51:19

At the recent PRSA Conference in Washington DC there were over 30 sessions on Social Media.



I was intrigued to hear what the PR professionals at the conference thought of the i...

Interview: Socially Diverse, James Walker from 2010-10-22T13:38:16

At the resent PRSA Conference in Washington DC I attended a presentation by James Walker on Diversity and Social Media. He's a Gen-Y Communications professional interested in Public Relations, Dive...

Launch Party: Resonate by Nancy Duarte from 2010-10-08T06:26:31

Thursday evening at the Silicon Valley Computer History Museum saw the launch of Nancy Duarte's new book Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences.



A couple of ...

Interview: Harold Lustig – Estate Planner from 2010-09-25T00:39:28

Harold Lustig is the Founder and CEO of the California Estate and Elder Planning Center and Managing Member of Lustig Financial Services LLC.



After the distressing experience o...

Interview: Diane Mariant – Living with a Bipolar partner from 2010-08-21T23:08:31

Diane gives talks about living with bipolar disorder. Her husband, David (profiled in this series back in March) had to overcome his own struggles with bipolar. It's estimated that 1 in 50 people ...

Interview: Guy Kawasaki – Enchanting Speaker from 2010-08-20T14:08:26

Guy Kawasaki is a Silicon Valley legend. The erstwhile Apple software evangelist, now a successful VC, has written a string of best sellers from the 1990 The MacIntosh Way to the 2009 The Art of th...

Interview – Allison Massari Ignites Rebirth, Vitality and Renewal from 2010-07-25T01:12:55

Museum artist Allison Massari found peace, purpose and happiness after overcoming two extraordinary personal tragedies. In 1998, Massari survived a near fatal 60 mph car crash where she was trapped...

Interview: Marsha Egan – Inbox Detox from 2010-07-24T02:20:50

Celebrated keynoter, facilitator, author and ICF-certified business leader coach, Marsha Egan is on a quest to help others save thousands of hours and reclaim their lives due to email mismanagement...

Interview: Rory Vaden – Selling with Social Media from 2010-07-22T19:07:47

Rory Vaden is a Self-Discipline Strategist who relates profound truths coupled with humorous anecdotes empowering professionals to conquer their fears and take immediate action in their businesses...

Interview: Michelle Cullison – Event Sponsorship with Social Media from 2010-07-22T06:32:07

Michelle Cullison is a social media speaker and an expert in web technology. Together with her colleagues Myra Corrello, PhD and Jennifer Ledet she presented at the 2010 National Speakers Associati...

Interview: Christine Robinson, Winning Toastmaster – Part 2 from 2010-06-02T14:11:35

How does someone prepare for a Toastmasters International Speech Contest?

In the second part of my podcast interview with Toastmasters District 57 winner Christine Robinson, we discuss th...

Interview: Christine Robinson, Winning Toastmaster – Part 1 from 2010-06-01T14:09:06

How are winning Toastmasters speeches created?





I asked Christine Robinson, whose speech The Empty Chair won the District 57 Spring Conference May 8, 2010, held at th...

Interview: Matt Upton – Wisdom Coach from 2010-05-27T16:00:18

Matt Upton's employment career has taken him from selling cards and lawn care to flipping burgers, folding tacos, selling knives, air conditioners, home insulation, to overseeing housing developmen...

Interview: Shel Holtz – Business Communicator from 2010-05-11T23:27:30

Having spent 30-plus years in organizational communications in Fortune 500 companies, consulting firms, and as an independent consultant since 1996, Shel Holtz, ABC, brings a depth of experience to...

Interview – Roberta Guise: Marketing Consultant from 2010-04-22T05:47:46

Roberta Guise, MBA, advises small business owners, consultants and non-profits on how to make best use of their marketing dollars and resources.



She shows them how to build a p...

Interview: David Mariant – Bipolar Survivor from 2010-03-25T15:30:04

David Mariant is an author, speaker, life coach, and founder of The Bipolar Coach and Surviving Bipolar. David reaches thousands by radio in over 30 countries worldwide. He is a sought after speake...

Interview: Vickie Sullivan – Branding Queen from 2010-03-07T03:40:43

Vickie Sullivan is internationally recognized as a top market strategist for experts. Specializing in branding for high-fee professional speaker markets, she has launched thousands of thought lead...

Interview: Jack Sramek – Land Banker from 2010-02-20T20:14:48

Jack Sramek is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former Marine Corps Fighter Pilot. He flew 125 combat missions in Vietnam as a member of the famous "Blacksheep Squadron" and ser...

Interview: Frauke Schorr – Centered Leadership Coach from 2010-01-26T07:07

In order to gain a competitive edge it is essential for professionals to strive for both professional and personal excellence. Frauke Schorr's work focuses on professionals who struggle and need ou...

Interview: Phillip Van Hooser – President, National Speakers Association from 2010-01-11T21:37:16

"We must always remember that the act of speaking professionally is only a part of our individual journeys. It is not a destination."

- Phillip Van Hooser

The Evolution of a Pr...

Interview – Janet Hebert, American Cancer Society Speaker from 2009-12-28T14:09:40

Janet Hebert has been a ranch hand (her parents raised prunes on over 100 acres in the Coyote Valley), an elementary school teacher, a full time single mom for her two children Katie and Jeff, and ...

Interview: Krim Stephenson – The Branding Implications of Social Media from 2009-12-11T01:30:38

I met with Krim Stephenson who presented at the December lunch of the Silicon Valley Chapter of the IABC on the topic of social media - beyond the hype.



Krim is a principal in ...

Interview: Laura Delizonna, PhD – Choosing Happiness from 2009-11-25T23:36:02

Speaker, Author, Positive Psychologist and Life Coach

Dr. Delizonna is an expert in sustainable happiness. She coaches individual clients, conducts workshops at companies and nonprofits, ...

Interview: Bob Houlston, St. Albans, UK, Guitar Teacher from 2009-11-20T15:59:44

During my University of Hertfordshire presentation on Social Networking I interviewed local guitar teacher Bob Houlston. He offers relaxed, informal, supportive but professional one-to-one guitar ...

Interview: Jason Kersten, Author and Journalist from 2009-11-08T07:02:52

The afternoon session of Saturday's Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSA/NC) meeting featured a conversation between Craig Harrison and journalist and author Jason...

Interview: Pro-Track Profile – Susan Thaxton: Senior Housing Consultant from 2009-10-17T19:17:02

Susan Thaxton has learned the meaning of resiliency and the power of transformation.



Susan has had two full careers and is moving into a third. After completing an internship ...

Audio: Practical Social Networking – Twitter and Integrating Social Networks from 2009-10-16T20:47:21

Here’s an edited audio track from the final one of the five webinars on Practical Social Networking that Jim Carrillo and I hosted in September. This webinar was first broadcast on Wednesday, Septe...

Audio: Practical Social Networking – Podcasting and YouTube from 2009-10-16T14:46:55

Here’s an edited audio track from the fourth of the five webinars on Practical Social Networking that Jim Carrillo and I hosted in September. This webinar was first broadcast on Wednesday, Septembe...

Audio: Practical Social Networking – Websites and Blogging from 2009-10-16T01:00:31

Here’s an edited audio track from the third of the five webinars on Practical Social Networking that Jim Carrillo and I hosted in September. This webinar was first broadcast on Wednesday, September...

Audio: Practical Social Networking – LinkedIn and Facebook from 2009-10-15T14:44:55

Here’s an edited audio track from the second of the five webinars on Practical Social Networking that Jim Carrillo and I hosted in September. This webinar was first broadcast on Wednesday, Septembe...

Audio: Practical Social Networking – Introduction from 2009-10-15T05:31:18

Here's an edited audio track from the first of the five webinars on Practical Social Networking that Jim Carrillo and I hosted in September. This webinar was first broadcast on Wednesday, September...

Interview: Jane Atkinson – The Wealthy Speaker from 2009-09-13T04:09:50

NSA/NC September Meeting

September marks the start a new year of meetings for the Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSA/NC). It kicked off with a "Wealt...

Interview: Diedra Wallis – The Power of Choice from 2009-08-19T21:21:21

Keynote Speaker, Author, and Singer

Diedra has made the incredible journey from orphan and "lost cause" to an honor-roll student and college graduate. Her journey of survival --through th...

Interview: Donald Hunter from 2009-07-31T21:54:57

Donald R. Hunter has been totally blind since seven due to a medication reaction to sulfa drugs. He has been a CEO, consultant, product marketing manager, software developer, public speaker, and fi...

Interview: NSA Convention – Dressed Up Cat Bags from 2009-07-18T22:58:08

Continuing my investigation of the NSA Vendor fair I talked with Tracy Penwell who sells handbags under the name Dressed Up Cat.



Her one-of-a-kind bags are created from "found"...

Interview: NSA Convention – Illusion Jewelry from 2009-07-18T22:56:15

NSA Exhibit Area

As with many large conventions, the National Speakers Association gathering has an exhibit area where vendors sell everything from self-publishing solutions to, well, han...

Interview: Dr. Ellen Taliaferro from 2009-06-18T00:55:53

Ellen Taliaferro, MD (aka Dr T) is a recovering emergency physician now serving as the Medical Director of the San Mateo Medical Center Keller Center for Family Violence Intervention in San Mateo, ...

Interview: Women’s Radio and Audio Acrobat from 2009-06-16T06:17:52

I spent the day at the Women In Technology International (WITI) 20th Anniversary conference in Santa Clara.



One of the exhibitors was Pat Lynch, CEO and Editor in Chief of Wome...

Teleseminar: Magcloud – magazine printing on demand from 2009-05-28T20:11:57

Back in August 2008 I wrote a long review of the Magcloud print-on-demand publishing solution from HP Labs.



Since then I've helped produce a number of editions of Professionall...

Interview: Ronna Phifer-Ritchie – Enneagram Expert from 2009-05-15T14:56:06

Dr. Ronna Phifer-Ritchie has been a coach, consultant, professor, public speaker/workshop leader, and author during the past two decades of her career.



Ronna has a formidable p...

Interview: Pat Obuchowski from 2009-04-21T01:18:07

Pat Obuchowski is the CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer) of inVisionaria, a seven year old leadership, team and life coaching organization. She helps clients achieve their vision on both a profession...

Interview: Michael E. Lara MD from 2009-03-16T14:47:47

Michael E. Lara, MD maintains a private psychiatry and psychopharmacology practice in Belmont, California, where he specializes in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and memory disorders.

Listen

Speech Showcase: Hans Rosling at the TED Conference from 2009-02-26T14:18:13

Representing data in a unique and compelling way



This brief presentation by Hans Rosling revolutionized the way I understand statistical data. He gave this presentation at the ...

Interview: Britt Bravo – Big Vision Podcaster from 2009-02-20T01:20:50

At the recent San Francisco Writers Conference I attended an excellent introduction to podcasting. The class was taught by Britt Bravo.



Britt specializes in telling, and helpin...

Interview: Laurie Vincent – Award Winning Speechwriter from 2009-02-17T20:40:07

Following Ted Sorenesen's moving keynote address to the 2009 Ragan Speechwriters Conference, Laure Vincent of MasterCard Worldwide won the first Annual Theodore C. Sorensen Speechwriting Award for ...

Ted Sorensen Keynote – Audience Reaction from 2009-02-14T21:04:34

After videotaping the Sorensen keynote I took the opportunity to engage in some good old-fashioned audio interviewing. There was a line of well over 150 people - half the audience - waiting patient...

Interview: Jeff Slater – NLP trainer from 2009-02-06T10:27:15

Last month I attended an introductory evening on Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). It was taught by Jeff Slayter of the World's Hidden Masters publishing company.The course promised that the tech...

Interview: Charlie Krackeler – Real Estate King from 2009-01-13T23:48:35

Charlie Krackeler has been a professional speaker since 1990. His background as a successful real estate practitioner, manager of a large real estate brokerage office and the Director of Training ...

Interview: Catherine Athans – Manifesting Dreams from 2008-12-17T00:41:28

Catherine Athans, Doctor of Clinical Psychology, is the author of several well-received books. She is a frequent guest lecturer on topics, which enable people to improve the quality of their lives....

Interview: Ed Tate, World Champion of Public Speaking from 2008-11-20T03:53:50

During my recent visit to the Toastmasters Conference in Oakland I was pleased to run into the 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking - Ed Tate. Ed won Toastmasters highest award - a world-wide con...

Interview: Mike Olson at the Behavior, Energy and Climate Change Conference from 2008-11-19T02:38:03

The 2008 Behavior, Energy and Climate Change Conference taking place November 16-19 in Sacramento, is focused on understanding the nature of individual and organizational behavior and decision maki...

The Medieval Speechwriter from 2008-11-17T17:20:28

Think for a moment of corporate America in terms of Medieval England.



This is of course quite ridiculous. We've come a such a long way since the 14th Century. Back in the Dark ...

Interview: Cindy Light – Image Consultant from 2008-11-17T16:02:24

Shining Spirit

12 years ago, Cindy Light emigrated from her native China to America not knowing a single person or how to speak a word of English. All she had were four simple things: on...

Interview: Aaron Crowe – Job seeker, blogger from 2008-11-16T02:22:16

Following a presentation on podcasting to the Saturday morning CPC Job Connections meeting I held a drawing for the name of a lucky job seeker who would like to be profiled in a podcast interview. ...

Interview: Doug Neeper – CPC Job Connections from 2008-11-12T23:52:08

Doug is one of the leaders of a networking group in Danville, California called Job Connections. The purpose of the group is to support and encourage people as they search for employment. The group...

Podcasting 101 from 2008-10-26T15:19:31

I gave a 20-minute presentation on podcasting at the BiztechDay event held Saturday October 25th in San Francisco. I recorded the class on podcasting as a podcast (duh!) using my trusty Olympus DS3...

Voices of BiztechDay from 2008-10-26T14:44:04

BiztechDay attracted over 500 small business owners and entrepreneurs to the San Francisco Hilton on a sunny October Saturday.



Attendees heard from a wide range of keynote spea...

Interview: Paul Konasewich – Supportive Listener from 2008-10-18T02:25:33

Paul is a member of the NSA/NC Pro-Track class who is fascinated by the idea that listening can became a societal phenomenon.



He has partnered with Stanford PhD Dr. Eran Magen ...

Interview: Nicole Bachelor – Master of Telecommuting Success from 2008-10-03T06:23:28

The Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSA/NC) hosted our annual Open House this evening. Over 35 people turned up on the night when much of the rest of the nation wa...

Interview: Lauren Mayer – Humorist from 2008-09-20T23:42:36

Lauren Mayer is a humorist and songwriter who started piano lessons at 3 and started writing song parodies and funny songs shortly thereafter. (She needed to do something - she was a liberal Jewis...

Why I’m interested in podcasting from 2008-09-20T00:07:57

On Thursday evening I taught a class in podcasting at the San Francisco SBA office. I took the opportunity to ask the class members why they were interested in podcasting.



Clic...

Interview: Nicole Devlin at the SBA Podcast Class from 2008-09-19T02:57:52

On Thursday I taught a class on podcasting at the San Francisco SBA and Nicole volunteered to be interviewed.



She stood out in the class as the first one to raise her hand when...

Interview: The Technology Dojo from 2008-09-18T04:46:41

Wednesday evening I attended Edith Yeung's SFentrepreneur networking session in San Francisco. I ran into Christina Poremski from the Technology Dojo.



A traditional dojo is a s...

Presentation: The Value of the National Speakers Association for Toastmasters from 2008-08-27T05:39:32

This evening I spoke to 50 Officers of Silicon Valley Toastmasters clubs about the value of the National Speakers Association (NSA). My talk covered the history of the NSA; its focus on the busine...

Interview: Rhys Ludlow – Videographer from 2008-08-21T05:40:16

Since beginning his career in the video business in 1977, Rhys Ludlow has worked in field production, lighting, engineering, editing and producing. With a talent for clear communication with stron...

Geeks Speak – Silicon Valley Summer Interns from 2008-07-25T17:24:45

Every summer, the best and brightest science and engineering students from across the country and around the world spend a summer interning at Silicon Valley companies. This select bunch of student...

Interview: Dan Moirao – MBTI guru from 2008-07-21T03:58:33

This month's Pro-Track profile podcast features an experienced Myers-Briggs expert.



Dan Moirao is an educator of students -- from kindergarten through working professionals. He...

Interview: Eve Abbott – A Brain New Way to Work from 2008-06-19T03:44:58

The New York Times reports that the typical U.S. executive still wastes six weeks a year searching through paper piles and e-mail! Got better things to do with your time?

Since 1988, Eve ...

Interview: David Allen – The Art of Stress-Free Productivity from 2008-05-30T01:43:46

I took time out this afternoon from my overflowing email inbox, endless string of to-do's and overwhelming number of projects, to sneak into a Senior Leadership seminar at Hewlett-Packard. Since I'...

Interview: Bruce Sterling – Cyberpunk author plans European book from 2008-05-23T02:15:29

Sci-Fi legend Bruce Sterling (Heavy Weather, The Difference Engine, Distraction and other great novels) is one of the cyberpunk gang of authors who have seen through the more pollyanna views of 'co...

Interview: Hank Brigman – Touchpoint Guru (redux) from 2008-05-20T16:23:39

I first met Hank at a Northern California National Speakers Association meeting in September 2007. I posted a podcast interview with him at that time, partly to demonstrate how easily podcasts can ...

Interview: Robert Swan, OBE – Man of Ice and Fire from 2008-05-15T18:43:41

Robert Swan: Boy's Own Hero

Robert Swan is a modern hero cut in the cloth of Shakleton, Scott and the larger-than-life characters of the Victorian Era. His story is impressive. He's the f...

Interview: Carlos Cruz – A Path to Success from 2008-04-20T00:39:22

Carlos Cruz is a life and business coach, corporate, community and personal motivational speaker, and trainer. Carlos, a former member of the US Navy, founded A Path to Success, and he is an experi...

Interview: Carlos Gutierrez – bilingual inspiration from 2008-03-20T22:17:15

Carlos Gutierrez is an inspirational bilingual speaker.



Carlos is a survivor. He's survived several car accidents and paralysis. Carlos's story is captivating; not only for hi...

Interview: HP retiree Zvonko Fazarinc from 2008-03-07T02:32:34

Just after I finished talking with Art Fong, my colleague Barbara Waugh introduced me to another distinguished HP retiree - Zvonko Fazarinc.



Dr. Fazarinc emigrated from Yugosla...

Interview: Art Fong who joined HP in 1946 from 2008-03-07T02:23:35

One of the unexpected delights in the HP Labs event in Palo Alto today was the opportunity to meet many of the retired employees who were invited to attend.



It was a great hono...

Interview: Nelson & Niranjan – Pluribus from 2008-03-07T02:22:01

E Pluribus Unum - Out of One, Many

HP Labs Pluribus - Out of Many projectors, One super-screen



Super-bright, large-scale, and very high-resolution digital projectors ...

Interview: Bernardo Huberman – Social Computing from 2008-03-07T02:15:05

Bernardo Huberman is one of only four Senior Fellows at HP Labs - the most distinguished technologists in the company. He runs the Social Computing Lab. His research focus is on the behavior of mil...

Interview: Chandrakant Patel – Sustainable IT from 2008-03-07T02:12:23

I blogged on Chandrakant's work measuring lifetime energy use last December. He runs the Sustainable IT Lab at HP.



In this podcast, he expands on the issues he's researching on...

Interview: Stan Williams – nanotechnology from 2008-03-07T02:09:51

Stan Williams is one of the four Senior Fellows at HP Labs - the most distinguished technologists in the company. He runs the Information and Quantum Systems Lab and his research focus is on what i...

Interview: Candace Campbell – Filmmaker and Speaker from 2008-02-21T07:16:18

Another in an occasional series of interviews with members of the National Speakers Association, Northern California Pro-Track class of 2008.



Candace Campbell is a speaker wit...

Interview: Michael Benidt and Sheryl Kay – Social Media Teachers from 2008-02-20T23:53:09

A theme of last weekend's National Speakers Association convention in San Francisco was the emergence of Social Media as a tool for entrepreneurs and freelance professionals.



I...

Interview: Marjorie Brody, CSP, CPAE – Social Media Novice from 2008-02-18T05:50:10

One of the most popular break-out sessions at this weekend's National Speakers Association Conference was a three-hour session presented by Michael Benidt and Sheryl Kay on social media and the "Hi...

Interview: Jeanette Fisher, Social Media Queen from 2008-02-16T06:41:08

You never know who you'll meet at a National Speakers Association conference. I was lucky to run into an amazing entrepreneur, blogger, podcaster and social media superstar: Jeanette Fisher, the so...

Interview: Shel Holtz, Social Media Guru from 2008-02-15T05:57:02

Shel Holtz is a social media guru - a recognized authority on how people can thrive in the midst of the current information explosion by using a dynamic 'cloud' of services to promote themselves an...

Interview: Elfrena Foord – Wealth Management from 2008-01-22T01:47:35

Elfrena Foord owns Foord, Van Bruggen, Ebersole & Pajak, a Sacramento wealth-management firm.



She and her 3 partners are in the process of distilling their 20+ years of experie...

Interview: Scott Sigler – Sci-Fi Author & Podcaster from 2007-12-10T01:41:17

A recent San Francisco Immigrant Entrepreneur's Meet-up hosted by the entrepreneur queen herself - Edith Yeung - featured a talk by pioneering podcast Sci-Fi author Scott Sigler. He's the first aut...

Interview: Scott Hammond – Father Speak from 2007-11-26T23:39:07

Scott Hammond, the founder of Momentum Creation, is a professional speaker, and a businessman with 30 years of marketing experience.



Scott was born in Emmitsburg, Iowa and grew...

Interviews: Why Join the National Speakers Association? from 2007-11-18T06:14:27

I spent the weekend at the annual 'Camp NSA' training program held at the headquarters of the National Speakers Association in Tempe, Arizona. This workshop takes future Presidents of the regional ...

Interview: Brian Haven – Web 2.0 Fundamentals from 2007-11-16T04:36:25

I spent the day at a Forrester Analyst workshop on Web 2.0 Fundamentals for the B2B Marketer. The workshop covered a wide range of topics: Online Video, Podcasting, Blogging, Wikis, RSS and Social ...

Interview: John Kremer – How to Make Your Book a New York Times Best Seller from 2007-11-12T16:36:58

John Kremer spoke at the afternoon session of the NSA Northern California meeting. He exposed the manipulations behind "best seller" lists such as the New York Times and Amazon.com rankings.
...

Interview: Robert Middleton – Solving the Four Biggest Marketing Problems from 2007-11-11T04:45:29

Robert Middleton drove down to the airport hotel from his home in the Santa Cruz mountains on Saturday to ask the National Speakers Association of Northern California if there was anyone in the roo...

Interview: Buzka – Social networking for subject matter experts from 2007-10-24T05:46:17

My third and final interview at the ANZAtechnet Conference was with Raphe Patmore of Perth-based Buzka.



His product blew me away!



If you are a subject matt...

Interview: tallstoreez – Video Skills Training from 2007-10-24T04:48:27

The second of my ANZAtechnet Gateway to the US Conference interviews is with Jennifer Lyons-Reid of the video production and training company tallstoreez.



Their innovative pro...

Interview: Centricminds – Web Publishing Software from 2007-10-24T04:18:48

I spent the afternoon at the annual ANZATechnet Gateway to the US Conference in Sunnyvale where a dozen of Australia's most innovative companies present their solutions. Their goal is to break into...

Interview: Kare Anderson – Say it Better from 2007-10-15T00:14:56

Sausalito resident Kare Anderson invited my wife Sandra over to discuss marketing her new business College Steps. This once "phobically shy" Emmy-winning TV commentator - turned public speaker - kn...

Interview: Gary Karp – Life on Wheels from 2007-09-09T22:38:28

Disability Awareness expert Gary Karp is an internationally recognized author, keynote speaker, trainer, and facilitator.



Gary injured his spinal cord in a fall from a tree in ...

Interview: Howard Miller – You’re Full of Shift! from 2007-08-18T20:45:48

Originally from New York, Howard has lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years. After spending many years in the corporate world, as a trainer, consultant and project manager, Howard opened his own ...

Interview – Gary Wright, Copywriter from 2007-07-21T21:53:08

Gary is an employee and board member of Ascribe CopyWriting Services. He specializes in intellectual information products and writes on personal growth and development.



Gary ha...

Bloggers Meeting – National Speakers Association from 2007-07-17T03:48

On Tuesday July 10th I hosted a 'Birds of a Feather' meeting on Blogging at the National Speakers Association annual Convention in San Diego.







We started ...

Ed Rigsbee – Explains the ins and outs of the Cigar PEG from 2007-07-14T23:19:13

Every night when the speeches and awards end, the bar closes and the majority of NSA Members are tucked up in bed dreaming of miles of aisles, there's only one place left to party, network, grab a ...

Susie Vanderlip – CPAE Award Winner from 2007-07-14T22:49:05

Each year the National Speakers Association honors five of its members with the coveted CPAE Award (Council of Peers Award for Excellence). There are only 120 living members who have the CPAE desig...

NSA Youth Leadership Program – Sunjay Nath from 2007-07-14T22:20:59

My 14-year-old son, Neil, accompanied me to NSA and attended the Youth Leadership Conference. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my colleague from Sun Microsystems, Mark Ivey, who first persuaded me...

Jenny de St. Georges – Why I’m pained by this year’s conference from 2007-07-14T21:24:46

After hearing from Ian Percy I decided to ask around to see what conference attendees thought of the 'disruptions' he had set out to achieve. Were they able to deal with issues they don't agree wit...

Ian Percy – Learn to deal with issues you don’t agree with! from 2007-07-14T21:08:12

In the final hours of the 2007 NSA Conference I sought out the person responsible for the Agenda - Ian Percy, CSP, CPAE.



This conference has been seen by more than a few as a ...

Rebecca Staton-Reinstein – Sharing historical insights for CEO’s from 2007-07-14T20:44:40

The value of large conferences like this year's NSA Convention in San Diego is as much in chance conversations over lunch as in listening to presentations from the podium. "It's not what you know, ...

Judi Moreo – You Are More Than Enough from 2007-07-14T20:07:06

Immediately after talking with Fripp, I had a brief conversation with Las Vegas resident, NSA member, inspirational speaker and author Judi Moreo.



Her most recent book You Are ...

Fripp – Why I love this year’s NSA Conference! from 2007-07-12T00:00:04

One of the joys of a Conference like the NSA meeting is the serendipity of chance encounters. I lucked out after lunch when I met Patricia Fripp, doyenne and past-President of the National Speakers...

Holly Stiel – The World’s Greatest Concierge from 2007-07-11T23:37:19

I was introduced to Holly Stiel by Barry Wishner of the NSA Northern California Chapter.



Holly is known as the World's Greatest Concierge. She offers superior customer service ...

Helice Bridges – Difference Maker from 2007-07-11T23:16:45

Continuing the series of happenstance podcasts from the National Speakers Association 2007 Conference in San Diego, I sat down with Helice "Sparky" Bridges who told me about her amazing blue ribbon...

Rebecca Dunbar – Author from 2007-07-10T23:56:01

In the first of a series of podcasts with attendees at the 2007 NSA Convention in San Diego, I sat next to Rebecca Dunbar at Tuesday's lunch.



Rebecca is the author of the book ...

Interview: Betsy Rosenberg – The Queen of Green from 2007-06-20T17:27:18

Betsy is a 25-year veteran of broadcast news, spending most of her career in electronic journalism with the CBS Radio network as a reporter and news-anchor. In 1997 Betsy took a turn for the greene...

Marketing for Speakers: Nan Andrews Amish from 2007-06-18T20:31:45

Nan Amish spoke this weekend at the NSA Northern California Pro-Track seminar on Marketing for Speakers, Trainers and Consultants. As a professional speaker, she takes a systematic approach to brin...

Public Speaking Excellence: Seth Godin from 2007-05-24T21:18:37

Seth Godin, author of The Dip spoke in Santa Clara last night. He's a masterful public speaker as well as an awesome entrepreneur and thought leader.



I can recommend dipping in...

Interview: Feleciai Favroth – The Power of Beauty from 2007-05-19T01:29:34

Feleciai is a member of the National Speakers Association 2007 Pro-Track class. She recently launched The Power of Beauty - an image management company offering education, events and products. Her...

Interview: Paulette Ensign, the Tips Booklet Queen from 2007-03-30T23:01:33

Professional speakers and information brokers of all kinds can leverage their knowledge into tips booklets and related information products for marketing, motivating and making money.

Listen

Carolyn Millet: Starting a Speaking Business from 2007-03-25T05:28:09

Anyone starting out in the speaking business faces the challenge of finding people willing to pay for their services.



Carolyn Millet created a successful speaking business fro...

Michael Soon Lee: Working with Speaker Bureaus from 2007-03-24T03:41:34

Speaker Bureaus are an important way for Professional Speakers to market their services.



Michael Soon Lee, CSP, spoke to the Pro-Track meeting last Saturday about the advantag...

Bill Wittich: Speaking to Associations from 2007-03-22T12:11:17

Associations across America spend millions on meetings and events.



Dr. Bill Wittich, incoming NSA Northern California President, shared his expertise Saturday on how professio...

Podcast – Pro-Track Profile: Nannette Carroll from 2007-03-21T05:25:59

The National Speakers Association Northern California Newsletter goes out monthly to over 600 subscribers. Each month we profile one of the Pro-Track training group. This month I'm breaking new ter...