Are you losing opportunities because of the sound of your voice? Have you ever heard a voice that was velvety and inviting? What about a voice that sounded like nails on a chalkboard? Recently, I attended a virtual program The webinar was about a new app. I was interested in the topic and took out my journal ready to take notes. What happened next was jarring. The presenter’s voice started to get in the way of the message. There were three reasons her voice was so irritating: Vocal fry. She had that low pitched gravely Kim Kardashian voice that is so popular in the media especially for fema ..read more

In today's technologically driven world, artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into many aspects of life including public speaking.. From chatbots to driverless vehicles, AI's influence is reshaping industries and changing the way we interact with technology. And AI is making an important impact in the area of public speaking, transforming the way speeches are crafted, delivered, and received. AI-Powered Speech Analytics One of the most important AI  public speaking applications is speech analysis. Algorithms can evaluate speeches and presentations with impressive accuracy, pr ..read more

To tell or not to tell. That is the question. When a crisis hits a company or institution what can you do so that it doesn’t blow up?  In January the public was told that Kate Middleton was going to have abdominal surgery and would not be fulfilling her duties until after Easter. The announcement occurred at the same time that King Charles would be treated in the hospital for a prostate issue. While King Charles was visible and didn’t deny his condition, we didn’t see or hear from Kate. The Palace said her surgery was planned. There was speculation about what was happening with her healt ..read more

Are you a strategic speaker? Talking too fast? Push the pause button. Persuasive public speakers know the key to influence is in the silence. In a fast-paced world, where every second counts, it may seem counterintuitive to promote pauses. However, when pauses are used strategically they  can be a powerful tool to increase clarity, impact, and influence in the spoken word. Whether you're leading a meeting, giving a keynote speech or having a conversation, mastering strategic pauses can elevate your communication skills to new heights. Why are pauses so important? The Importance of Strate ..read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Staten Island, NY – March 1, 2024 – The power of compelling communication has found its spotlight in the heart of New York City's iconic Times Square. Diane DiResta, acclaimed author and communication expert from Staten Island, has achieved a remarkable milestone as her book, "Knockout Presentations," illuminates the vibrant screens of Times Square billboards. DiResta's groundbreaking work has captured the attention of audiences worldwide with its practical insights and strategies for delivering impactful presentations. From boardrooms to classrooms, her book has become ..read more

Are you playing it safe in front of the room? Many of my clients work with me because they want more confidence and clarity. in their presentations. They know where they want to go as public speakers but don’t know how to get there. They want to be respected for their leadership and admired for their inspiration. What I discovered is that too often they are playing it safe in front of the room. They default to what they know and don’t take the risks that would allow them to stand out and be a memorable public speaker. A few years ago, I stopped in the Michael Kors store in New York City. He’s ..read more

What causes a public speaker to fade in the background instead of lighting up a room? Each presenter has an opportunity to share their wisdom but often barriers get in the way of conveying their brilliance. Are you afraid to step out of your comfort zone? There’s a saying, “The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know”. Public speakers easily default to the familiar instead of trying something new. Sometimes it’s because they don’t know anything else or may be unaware that they need to improve. It’s essential to understand that being uncomfortable is part of unearthing your bril ..read more

When I was first starting out I took a class in group dynamics. At the time I was a speech pathologist and trainer and I thought that recognizing group dynamics would enable me to be more effective with clients. I was caught by surprise when the leader told me the group didn’t know who I was. I always thought I was an honest, authentic person. Nobody would describe me as phony. But years later I’ve come to understand what that leader meant. I wasn’t sharing anything personal. They knew I was competent, professional, and pleasant. But so are a lot of people. They wanted to know me… And there w ..read more

You have a message you want to get out. Speaking in person is not efficient. But video presentations are the next best thing to being there. Why deliver video presentations? Video uploads have increased by 263.4% in 5 years. 86% of marketers say video presentations increased web traffic.(Source Wistia) Video presentations give you greater reach so that your message is heard and shared. A video can explain who you are what you do and what you offer better than any written copy. Most importantly, a video of you speaking, can build a relationship with viewers and which can lead to trust. As a le ..read more

I don’t remember the year, but I remember the event. I was at the National Speakers Association annual convention and I was psyched! I loved hearing top motivational speakers and imbibing the energy in the room. As I got ready to listen to the next keynote speaker, I suddenly had a change in mood. They announced that he had Cerebral Palsy. WHAT? I couldn’t believe it. Why would an association of the top speakers in the world give the stage to someone who had CP? I had been a Speech Pathologist and I knew the labored and unclear speech of someone with this disorder. The disorder affects movem ..read more