Public Words

12/17/2025

Wondering what to get the public speaker who has everything? If you're searching for that perfect (or last minute!) gift, I have a few great, practical ideas for that special speaker in your life this year. https://publicwords.com/2025/12/17/the-public-speakers-gift-guide-for-2025/

10/30/2025

Are You Missing Out on Effective Change Strategies?

When your team is overworked and stretched thin, inspiring change can feel impossible.

But transformation doesn’t always require grand speeches or lofty goals — sometimes it’s about tapping into the right psychology.

In this insightful read, discover less-typical ways to move your team forward with energy and enthusiasm:
✅ Frame change as avoiding loss — not just chasing wins
✅ Set short deadlines and achievable goals
✅ Share accountability with respected allies
✅ Use emotion — even fear or frustration — to fuel momentum
✅ Visualize the process, not just the end result
✅ Stay curious to stay adaptable

Lead smarter, not harder. Read the full article here:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communications-that-matter/202507/are-you-missing-out-on-effective-change-strategies

If we slow down and ask ourselves questions designed to make us curious about what we are doing, we become more flexible and open to change.

10/29/2025

Understanding Speaker Fee Ranges

From $500 for newcomers to $100,000+ for high-profile speakers, understanding fee ranges can help you position yourself effectively in the market. Your fee is not just a number; it's a reflection of your brand and the value you bring to your audience.
What strategies have you used to determine your speaking fee?

Share your experiences below!

10/23/2025

In an age of outrage, few skills are more powerful—and more neglected—than the art of a true apology.

A sincere “I was wrong” can bridge the gap between hurt and healing, restoring dignity and trust.

According to research, the most meaningful apologies share two key ingredients: taking responsibility and offering to repair the harm.

Because saying “I’ll fix what I broke” speaks louder than words.

Read more on Psychology Today:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communications-that-matter/202510/the-lost-art-of-apologizing

Imagine what our public debates, family arguments, and workplace conflicts would look like if more of us mastered these six steps.

10/22/2025

Understanding Memory in Public Speaking

Neuroscience reveals that our brains are wired to forget, often overwriting old memories with new ones.

This has profound implications for public speakers aiming to create lasting impressions.

By understanding how memory works, you can craft speeches that resonate and stick with your audience.

To elevate your speeches and ensure your message is memorable, visit:

🔗 https://publicwords.com/speaker-services/

10/21/2025

What’s your soundtrack when you speak?

At the movies, music makes every moment unforgettable — but on stage, most keynote speakers step into silence.

Why do we drop one of the most powerful emotional tools we have?

From bass lines that create power to melodies that open hearts, science shows music changes how audiences think, feel, and remember.

Maybe it’s time speakers thought more like composers.

Discover how the right soundtrack can transform your next keynote:

https://publicwords.com/2025/10/21/keynote-speakers-wheres-your-soundtrack/

10/16/2025

Thinking can literally hurt — but there’s a way to make it easier.

A global study found that most of us would rather do almost anything than think deeply — it causes irritation, frustration, and stress. But a simple mental technique can help: organizing your thoughts into “chapters.”

By deliberately starting new mental chapters — like shifting from one room or activity to another — you can boost memory, reduce overload, and make thinking less painful.

Learn how to train your mind to handle more with less stress:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communications-that-matter/202411/thinking-hurts-heres-one-thing-to-do-about-it

It hurts to think. A huge research project that studied 5,000 people in 29 countries found that we would rather do almost anything than think because it causes us to feel stress.

10/15/2025

Did you know that chewing gum can boost your memory?

Studies suggest that the act of chewing helps keep you alert and can aid in memory retention.

Combine this with mindful listening and associating names with familiar words to improve your recall.

To learn more about these techniques and elevate your speaking career, visit:

https://publicwords.com/2025/02/11/how-are-you-at-remembering-names-you-should-know-this/

10/14/2025

Want to remember new words—or make your ideas unforgettable? Move your hands!

Research shows that gesturing while you speak doesn’t just make you more engaging—it actually helps your brain lock in new memories.

From actors rehearsing lines to ancient Greek orators walking their “memory palaces,” movement has always been the secret to powerful speaking.

Your body isn’t a distraction from your message.

It is the message—made visible, memorable, and alive.

Read more:

https://publicwords.com/2025/10/14/how-to-gesture-your-way-into-better-speaking

10/10/2025

Speakers, It's Time to Go Beyond the Surface

Demographics and job titles are just the beginning.

Understanding your audience's deeper aspirations, like their desire for artistic fulfillment, can transform your presentation from good to unforgettable.

Challenge yourself: How can you tailor your next talk to address the hidden desires of your audience?

10/08/2025

The real secret to powerful public speaking?

It’s not about thinking harder — it’s about thinking less.

Neuroscience shows that our conscious mind is always half a second behind reality. The best speakers don’t rely on it — they train their unconscious through deep, embodied rehearsal until their message lives in their bones.

When that happens, speaking becomes effortless. Authentic. Alive.

Prepare deeply. Trust your instincts. Let your unconscious take the stage.

Delve deeper: https://publicwords.com/2025/10/08/the-real-secret-to-powerful-public-speaking/

10/02/2025

Want to give a crowd-pleasing speech? Neuroscience has answers.

New research shows our brains don’t judge talks holistically—we subconsciously add up the little things we like. That means speakers can win over audiences by stacking enough “good chunks” (stories, humor, relatable moments).

Check out how science explains what makes a speech land:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communications-that-matter/202306/neuroscience-shows-us-how-to-please-a-crowd

A recent study on how we humans decide what we like offers clues for those who need to craft a speech that will please a crowd.