Blog

The Power of Pre-Framing: Many professionals jump into presentations without checking what their audience actually needs—leading to missed connections and wasted time. Pre-framing is a simple strategy: ask a few key questions upfront to tailor your message in real time, keeping it relevant, efficient, and action-oriented. When you align with your audience...

A Credential Story paints you as the trusted advisor and highlights your experience, the unique way you work and thing, your knowledge, your decision-making, and the financial impact.

Why Stories Work Better Than Data: If your pitch is packed with data but not driving action, you may be leading with information instead of inspiration. Storytelling builds emotional connection, urgency, and trust helping people feel the why behind your message. Lead with a person, show the tension, and end with transformation, then let the data support the story.

Group settings like panels and roundtables require a balance of confidence and collaboration. To stand out without overpowering, great panelists listen actively, speak with focused clarity, affirm others, use their physical presence wisely, and close with thoughtful brevity. The goal is to contribute meaningfully while elevating the conversation—not dominating it.

As a mid-level executive leading major client projects, you’re often joined by more senior colleagues. And despite owning the strategy and execution, it’s easy to feel overshadowed by their titles. How do you shift your mindset and your presence to become a trusted advisor?

Great executive speakers know the power of the pause - It’s not filler, it’s influence. Silence between words builds clarity, presence, and authority.

How to Prepare for a High-Stakes Talk : You’ve got a big moment ahead—and the fear of sounding stiff or going blank is real. But intentional rehearsal doesn’t kill spontaneity; it unlocks it.

In high-stakes moments, your inner critic whispers doubt “Don’t mess this up.” But your inner coach is there too, reminding you: “You’ve prepared. You belong. Lead with clarity.”

How to Build Trust with CEOs: 5 Proven Strategies for Earning Executive Confidence. Starts with listening, Research, Stand out, Be a good person and Communicate as a leader.

Great speakers aren’t born—they’re built. Stage presence comes from clarity, control, and consistent practice, not charisma.

We included Dame Ellen MacArthur in our Best Public Speaker's Blog because of the direct way she speaks to her audience and the confidence she conveys in her delivery.

Concise communication is a skill worth mastering. It shows clarity of thought, respect for your audience’s time, and executive presence. But here's the truth: being concise isn’t always the right strategy.

We included John Mackey in our "Best Public Speakers" list because of how thoroughly and well-researched he lays out his argument, and how he doesn't shy away from the tough questions and dissent he knows he'll be up against.

Communication is not just about words. Every time you speak, you send two messages: a content message and a relationship message.

5 Tips for Leading the Expert Who Won’t Listen, will be earn the Right to Challenge, Power of Perception, Coaching as an Investment, Promote Openness and Performance to Promotion.

We included him on our "Best Public Speakers" for his great storytelling. Save a Warrior has helped over 2000 veterans.

July 9, 2025 | Birmingham, MI with Stephanie Bickel At Speak by Design, we believe leadership communication is a skillset that’s always...

Practice together to ensure seamless transitions between CEO and CFO, Get feedback and Polish your delivery

Senior Leaders Leading Technical Teams: They need a leader who can see the big picture, connect roles, create clarity, and remove roadblocks.

Practicing Public Speaking: The goal is not to soften the truth, but to package it for impact—so it lands and leads to change.