Stephy Lewis [check out her amazing website!], presentation designer from the Presentation Guild - and my new pal from the Presentation Summit - got a chance to catch up and talk the good, bad and ugly about presentation design and development.

Even though Stephy was dragged kicking and screaming from the field of design into the field of *presentation* design, she has discovered the depth, complexity and artistry of the profession - part of the reason why she's so passionate about her role at the Presentation Guild!

Jump in with us as we talk about what bad design can do to our mental state (ha), the importance of the collaborate nature of developing presentations, and 3 keys to designing intentional presentations.

Ah, the Presentation Summit!

I've had the most exciting September... last week I shared about the top 10 essential speaking lessons from the STORY Gathering in Nashville - and I went straight from Nashville to Tampa. I was met with gorgeous beaches and weather. Not bad for a work trip. :)

But here's the deal: I wasn't sure I was going to like this conference.

Last spring, I got an email from this man named Rick Altman, the creator of this conference and CEO of Better Presenting. He said, "Hey, you should come to this conference I put on!"

Now, I had HEARD about this conference as a great conference for Power Point users and designers, but because I'm not a Power Point designer, I thought it wasn't for me.  Not only am I not a designer, I'm not a huge fan of Power Point. :) I recognize it is a powerful tool - and a tool that many, many of my clients use. But I really wasn't sure there'd be much for me at this conference.

But Rick said - HECK NO - it's for any presentation professional. Well, ok! 

So, off I went! I had no idea what to expect, except that a few people I had connected with online couldn't stop talking about how excited they were for it! Well, that's a good sign... 

And can I say?

I loved it.

It was FULL of insight, powerful tools that I need to be aware of for my clients and that might be useful for YOU, and AMAZING PEOPLE. So, win-win-win. And, it was the most fun I've ever had at a conference, ever.

So - here are 5 of the most important takeaways from The Presentation Summit:

Last week I had the great privilege of being a part of STORY Gathering 2017 - a gathering of creatives from a wide breadth of industries, brought together by one thing: story.

I attended last year - and it was two days jam-packed with inspiration. Powerful speakers, moving music, thoughtful breakouts - and so. many. amazing. people. I was jazzed! From there, I got to interview a few of those amazing people on my show, including Brad Montague, Jason Jaggard, and Harris III.

But this year they asked me to take part. So, off I went - to Nashville - and two full days of ideas, inspiration and connections. To make the most of this experience, I wanted to jot down the best of what I'm taking with me - and wanted to share with you, in case there holds some wisdom for you as well.

Brett Trapp of the online memoir/story/audio story Blue Babies Pink is a writer, speaker and marketing consultant whose story took my heart by storm this past spring. Brett's "Southern coming out story" has been described as the "Netflix of blogs" - and is the epitome of Brené Brown's "excruciating vulnerability." He risked a lot to tell his true story. And it's awesome.

So I was thrilled to get him on the show to talk about what it really means to tell his own true story with so much grace - and to embrace not only the need for us as speakers and leaders to speak with vulnerability, but the power of that embracing as well.

Lauren Pibworth of Pibworth Consulting Agency for Speakers is joining me on the show today! She is a gem - and a powerhouse for speakers, helping you do all the behind-the-scenes work to help you find your audience and speak to more people - which is really the point of all this work we're doing!

It was a delight to have her on the show - hope you enjoy!

Harris III - magician, producer, creative guru - and the man behind the now practically infamous STORY Gathering that I continually rave about here on the show. Yes, that's right - I went straight to the source to hear about how it all came to life - and how to create something both uncommon and universally moving - a challenging feat.

I've had so many guests on the show that were inspired by my experience at Story - Jason Jaggard, Brad Montague, and now Harris. Hank Fortener - a favorite with my listeners - was also there last year. And it was first introduced to me by my guest Lindsay O'Connor who read some of Story's marketing materials for her This Moved Me Moment, and I gasped with awe for the beauty of the writing.

That's what I'm talking about: beauty, creativity, risk, identity, community. These themes swirl in and around the STORY crew, and it makes for an experience that will nourish your soul and challenge us to do work that really matters.

You guys - I realize that much of this sounds like a commercial for STORY. They are not paying me to say any of this. I get no kick back from this. I am just a real, live FAN because of my experience last year - and I want to see you there!

AND! And! And. (I'm excited. Can you tell?) Since I recorded this conversation, Story has asked me to be a part of the experience in September. Live coaching, anyone!? Aw yeah.

So - Let's do this! And listeners here at This Moved Me get a 10% discount if you use the code THISMOVEDME. Whoa! Do this!

Ticket prices go up by $100 on May 31st - so now is an awesome time to join in.

(And if you decide to go - let me know by sending me a quick note. I'd love to connect!)

To all: enjoy. <3

Rick Altman - founder of Better Presenting and the Presentation Summit Conference - joined me on the show to talk about how we can make better presentations with better slide decks. What an important mission!

As he said, hating PowerPoint is a badge of honor for so many people - but Rick's knowledge of PowerPoint has given him a chance to see the benefits of such a powerful tool, as well how we normal humans (read: not design or software experts) can use it well - in order to serve our audience and our goals.

Rick is a passionate advocate - and brings that passion and joy into this conversation.

Enjoy!

This week I hit my 150th episode. WHA??? (I know, I feel the same way.)

Almost three years ago, I ventured into this endeavor sure that I had something to offer - but NO IDEA really how to do that, or if it would work, or how much work it would be. Turns out it was a LOT of work - and that I love it way more than I ever thought I would!

This Moved Me has challenged me to show up, and take a risk. (A muscle all of us speakers need to flex as much as we can.)

And that sometimes people dig what I do! And sometimes, they don't. And that has to be ok if I'm going to do this.

At the end of every one of my Mini Moved Me episodes for the last year or so, I have included a little something for those who stick with me to the end: a tiny little outtake - me, messing up somehow.

There may be 3 people out there who hear them - but it's not really about that.

It's about practicing the art of showing up, ANYWAY.

I had the awesome privilege to go and see the TED Conference Opening Session/Event on Monday night.

Well, ok - I wasn't THERE. I was watching from a movie theater. Pretty much by myself.

It was still amazing to be there and see how it's all pulled together. Unbeknownst to many people, it is not just a litany of individual talks - it really is an event.

At the end, the amazing Chris Anderson (author and TED Conference curator and overall guru of life) asked for feedback from the millions of people watching online.

I was one of those people - and I am all about feedback!

So, I took him up on his offer.

This is the feedback I sent to Chris:

1. Keep breaking the mold.
2. Get the speakers off stage.
3. Move towards integration rather than memorization.

These are some big ideas! Take a listen to the show to dig in with me.

AND, if you're interested in joining me for a course on INTEGRATION vs. MEMORIZATION, shoot me an email. :) I am working on it.

Welcome to the Speaking Truths series!

Regardless of how capable or skilled or experienced or savvy we are, too many of us struggle to fully embrace the power and importance of sharing our voice.

We need to stand up - speak up - grounded in our authentic and courageous and clear voice. Even in that business meeting. Even in that workshop you've done a zillion times. Especially in that TED talk.

But over the last two decades I've worked with too many speakers who hold themselves back by myths and ideas that are not grounded in truth. So, I decided to create a manifesto of sorts!

The 7 Empowering Speaking Truths of Public Speaking.

(If you haven't yet downloaded the pdf, do that now. If you want in on the more intensive and free email course on the subject that has added resources, reflection questions and some random goodies - you can sign up for that here!)

Welcome to the Speaking Truths series!

Regardless of how capable or skilled or experienced or savvy we are, too many of us struggle to fully embrace the power and importance of sharing our voice.

We need to stand up - speak up - grounded in our authentic and courageous and clear voice. Even in that business meeting. Even in that workshop you've done a zillion times. Especially in that TED talk.

But over the last two decades I've worked with too many speakers who hold themselves back by myths and ideas that are not grounded in truth. So, I decided to create a manifesto of sorts!

The 7 Empowering Speaking Truths of Public Speaking.

(If you haven't yet downloaded the pdf, do that now. If you want in on the more intensive and free email course on the subject that has added resources, reflection questions and some random goodies - you can sign up for that here!)

Today we’re facing a speaking truth that most people know – but we don’t often talk about: Audiences are Generous! - IF we are generous with them. 

Check out the other posts/episodes in this series:

Speaking Truth #1: Audience + Authenticity = Connection

Speaking Truth #2: Perfection Kills Connection

Speaking Truth #3: Be an Un-Speaker

Speaking Truth #4: Stories are the Pathway to Empathy

Speaking Truth #5: Speaking Brings Us to the Truth of Ourselves

Welcome to the Speaking Truths series!

Regardless of how capable or skilled or experienced or savvy we are, too many of us struggle to fully embrace the power and importance of sharing our voice.

We need to stand up - speak up - grounded in our authentic and courageous and clear voice. Even in that business meeting. Even in that workshop you've done a zillion times. Especially in that TED talk.

But over the last two decades I've worked with too many speakers who hold themselves back by myths and ideas that are not grounded in truth. So, I decided to create a manifesto of sorts!

The 7 Empowering Speaking Truths of Public Speaking.

(If you haven't yet downloaded the pdf, do that now. If you want in on the more intensive and free email course on the subject that has added resources, reflection questions and some random goodies - you can sign up for that here!)

Today we're facing a speaking truth that most people know - but we don't often talk about: Speaking Brings Us to the Truth of Ourselves. Uff-da!

Check out the other posts/episodes in this series:

Speaking Truth #1: Audience + Authenticity = Connection

Speaking Truth #2: Perfection Kills Connection

Speaking Truth #3: Be an Un-Speaker

Speaking Truth #4: Stories are the Pathway to Empathy

Welcome to the Speaking Truths series!

Regardless of how capable or skilled or experienced or savvy we are, too many of us struggle to fully embrace the power and importance of sharing our voice.

We need to stand up - speak up - grounded in our authentic and courageous and clear voice. Even in that business meeting. Even in that workshop you've done a zillion times. Especially in that TED talk.

But over the last two decades I've worked with too many speakers who hold themselves back by myths and ideas that are not grounded in truth. So, I decided to create a manifesto of sorts!

The 7 Empowering Speaking Truths of Public Speaking.

(If you haven't yet downloaded the pdf, do that now. If you want in on the more intensive and free email course on the subject that has added resources, reflection questions and some random goodies - you can sign up for that here!)

Today we continue the series with Speaking Truth #4: Stories are the Pathway to Empathy.

Check out the other posts/episodes in this series:

Speaking Truth #1: Audience + Authenticity = Connection

Speaking Truth #2: Perfection Kills Connection

Speaking Truth #3: Be an Un-Speaker

Welcome to the Speaking Truths series!

Have you listened to Speaking Truth #1 and #2 yet? Go for it!

Over the last two decades I've worked with too many speakers who hold themselves back by myths and ideas that are not grounded in truth. So, I decided to create a manifesto of sorts!

The 7 Empowering Speaking Truths of Public Speaking.

(If you haven't yet downloaded the pdf, do that now. If you want in on the more intensive and free email course on the subject that has added resources, reflection questions and some random goodies - you can sign up for that here!)

And Today is Speaking Truth #3! - On Being an Un-Speaker!

Welcome to the Speaking Truths series!

If you missed out on Speaking Truth #1 - you can find it here.

Over the last two decades I've worked with too many speakers who hold themselves back by myths and ideas that are not grounded in truth. So, I decided to create a manifesto of sorts!

The 7 Empowering Speaking Truths of Public Speaking.

(If you haven't yet downloaded the pdf, do that now. If you want in on the more intensive and free email course on the subject that has added resources, reflection questions and some random goodies - you can sign up for that here!)

Today we continue with Speaking Truth #2: Perfection Kills Connection! Let's do this.

Welcome to the Speaking Truths series!

Regardless of how capable or skilled or experienced or savvy we are, too many of us struggle to fully embrace the power and importance of sharing our voice.

We need to stand up - speak up - grounded in our authentic and courageous and clear voice. Even in that business meeting. Even in that workshop you've done a zillion times. Especially in that TED talk.

But over the last two decades I've worked with too many speakers who hold themselves back by myths and ideas that are not grounded in truth. So, I decided to create a manifesto of sorts!

The 7 Empowering Speaking Truths of Public Speaking.

(If you haven't yet downloaded the pdf, do that now. If you want in on the more intensive and free email course on the subject that has added resources, reflection questions and some random goodies - you can sign up for that here!)

Today we start with Speaking Truth #1: Audience + Authenticity = Connection (And the point is connection!).

Brad Montague - creator of Kid President, creative genius, Founder of the Montague Workshop, and an overall wonderful human! As the creator of Kid President, Brad brought a message of hope and joy to life with his brother-in-law, Robbie. Together they created a "joy rebellion" that has inspired millions  - and which compelled him up on stage, continuing to create videos and stories that bring light and joy into the world.

I had the great pleasure of seeing Brad up on stage at the STORY Gathering last year - and since then we've been trying to arrange a conversation. It finally happened! And I couldn't be more excited to share with you a glimpse into Brad's kindness, insight and purpose - and his message for all of us:

If we can bring purpose and intention to our creative work - it works magic.

Such a joy to have you on the show, Brad!

To all: enjoy. <3

It is maybe the best thing I've ever seen, ever.

I think there’s a reason why so many people (like, 23 million! - and counting) have enjoyed this video: because it is real life ramming up against these facades we create for the sake of our image.

I’m guessing this is not how Mr. Expert (real name, Professor Robert Kelly, bless his heart) expected to be ‘put on the map.’ But here he is! And, to his and his wife’s credit, they are embracing it. And I love them for it. LOVE THEM.

But I keep thinking... If that had been me, what would I have done?

How do you choose the right presentation coach for you? It's a personal process - so the connection should be personal, too. Here are 3 key questions to ask yourself to help you find the right one for you! 

Jason Freeman - a writer, public speaker and Bravery Coach. His love of self and openness are some of the many superpowers he has as a speaker. He talks a lot about how the self-imposed limitations in our minds may prevent us from creating extraordinary lives. Jason himself has had to overcome hurdles in his mind, including not allowing his speech impediment to prevent him from using his voice to share his message. It's such a pleasure and honor to know you, Jason!

Ryan Hildebrandt –  a TEDx founder, creator, podcaster, traveler and a total adventure seeker. I love that he has a zeal for learning and creating new things. As someone who has founded and organized several TEDx events, he has reviewed numerous applications. He knows what works and doesn't work. Many speakers dream of giving a TED talk, but a lot of them don't know what makes an effective speaker application, or if their idea really is strong enough. Ryan talks about all these things and more!

Introducing: TMM Quick Coaching! Quick, personalized coaching to help you take your talk to the next level. 

"Sally, you talk about getting the content into you body. Sounds nice, but I have no idea what you mean by that. How do I do that?"

We are not writers - we are SPEAKERS. Speakers take the written word and become it. Can you tell a speaker who really wishes she was just writing it, and you were just reading it? Yeah - not too compelling.

The process of moving the content from something that is just bouncing around in your head to something that is living in your BODY takes two things:

Jan Schultink - founder and CEO of SlideMagic - is a former McKinsey consultant who is now an internationally recognized designer. Jan understands both business and design, and he uses his expertise to help people develop their content and design their slides. Speakers, Jan's insight is invaluable if you want to create effective, well-designed presentation slides that can engage

Movers, Jan's insight is invaluable if you want to create effective, well-designed presentation slides that can engage an audience!  (And of course we do!)

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

This man, from an early age, taught me that words can move the world. HE moved the world. And today - especially now, in this age that feels like we're reeling backward in some ways - I want to highlight what we as speakers can learn from MLK and pay homage to him through his incredible speech, "I Have a Dream." 

And so, I couldn't think of a better speech to start the  TMM Talk Club with. The idea behind the TMM Talk Club is to analyze a speech - pull it apart a bit - and think through what the key elements are so that we can learn from them, and bring more of these ideas into our own work.  [More on the TMM Talk Club soon!]

So what did MLK do especially well?  These three things:

Jason Jaggard - a coach, speaker, social innovator for cultural change and CEO/Founder of Spark Good and consultant with Novus Global. I got the chance to see Jason speak at Story2016 in Nashville this fall, and he was excellent. Funny, insightful, bold. I was so inspired by what I heard that I went to his breakout session - which BLEW MY MIND. I literally wrote a billion things on my notes (well, ok, not a *billion*, but close). I still think about his ideas and insights and try to apply them to my work and life.

While I was sitting in the audience of his talk and his breakout session, I thought to myself again and again, speakers need these same mindsets. 

In fact, we ALL do. Anyone doing creative work that yearns to influence requires something big in us as creators. What do we need? Well, take a listen!

"I know I need to cut some of my talk… but I hate to lose any of this material. It’s ALL important to me! How do you decide what to cut?"

I say a lot in my workshops and with my clients that you know you’re getting to the good stuff when it really hurts to edit your talk. “Edit until it hurts.” Ok, it hurts! It hurts! Now what?

Listen in!

Happy New Year!

One of my favorite ways to end the year is to ask the simple question, "What's something that's moved you this year?"

This year I asked the question to my family as we gathered together at my parents' cabin in Wisconsin.  (They really had very little choice in the matter - thanks, Fam!) The responses varied - from the simple to the sweet to the sad and complicated. Another year in the books - and another chance to reflect.