We hear it from our clients all the time—the structures within the workplace continue to change, and many organizations are becoming flatter. Knowledge and information are more critical than ever, hierarchies and bureaucracy are recognized as barriers to developing and implementing ideas, and people are increasingly working in project-oriented teams with few clear lines of authority.

From the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino came last week’s product launch presentation about the most recent updates to the Apple family of products. This recurring event dates back to when Jobs himself led the presentations, clad in a pair of jeans and a black turtleneck top. Last week it was a two-hour multi-media event, opening with a great “Mission Impossible”-inspired video sequence, complete with the classic TV show’s memorable theme music.

While many presenters feel some apprehension just before they step on stage, most tell us that their biggest fear is that the audience will recognize their feelings of fear.

If you want to communicate a big idea, here are a few quick rules of thumb: shorter is better than longer; simple is better than complex; and you need to present in a memorable way.

Did you get a chance to watch the recent 2018 NFL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies from Canton, Ohio? If you did, you were treated to some amazing speakers who shared amazing stories.

There was a moving moment at this month’s ESPYs when survivors of sexual abuse by USA Olympic and Michigan State team doctor Larry Nassar received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. 140 women came up in unity, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a powerful show of solidarity.

This year’s ESPY awards were full of teachable moments—moments where speakers used techniques that you can incorporate into your own presentations to enhance your message and connect with your audience.  What were some of the best examples?

What’s the best way to hold your audience’s attention? By telling stories, preferably ones that relate to your topic.

Admit it. Sometimes while listening to someone speak, you lose focus and your attention wanders. No matter how engaging the speaker is, you start to think about picking up your kids, navigating construction to get home in time for dinner, or who will be pitching for your team this weekend.