Let’s talk tense. Not tense like how you feel before a big talk (though, yes, that too), but tense as in past vs. present tense when telling a story—and why it matters.

If you’ve ever sat in an audience and watched someone read word-for-word from a teleprompter, you know the feeling: distant, stiff, and just a little disappointing.

In the early stages of writing your speech, praise may feel encouraging, but that’s not what you need. What you really need is pushback.

Here is when to use ChatGPT, when to use it with caution and when to absolutely NOT use it, based on my experience — and seeing my speechwriting clients use it for their own talks.

As a TEDx producer and professional writer, I’ve worked with speakers who use ChatGPT. But what I’ve seen is that in our effort to be as efficient and productive as possible, something is lost.

I get it. Who doesn’t admire Brené Brown? But Brené Brown is already taken. You’re not.

Giving a talk—especially an emotional one—can feel like carrying a giant weight. Here’s the mindset shift that will change everything.

When working with Gregg Ward, we landed on the title Confessions of an Accidental Killer. Was it too much? Too edgy? Would people freak out?

TED isn’t a fashion show, but up there on stage—under the bright lights with everyone’s eyes on you—you can make or break your big moment with the wrong outfit.