Update: I've just completed my summer mini pastry course. My classmates were pleasantly surprised when I brought in a batch of cheese puffs that came out really tasty and flaky. Connie, whose doctor wanted her to stay away from starches and carbs, couldn't resist them.

Although I don't have any plans to open a patisserie—I love tasty, flaky and fresh pastry. It's yummy in my tummy. I've got a recipe for croissants from the transatlantic passenger liner SS France that I'll tackle next.

But let's get down to business...

Are you an a-list speaker? If not, would you like to become one? Let's look at this topic hardly anyone talks about in today's...

Feature Article: How to Become an A-List Speaker

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Shopper Savvy...

Shopping at the supermarket I noticed Tropicana Orange Juice has reduced their carton size from 64 to 59 fluid ounces. It can no longer be called the half-gallon size. Browsing at the entire juice section, you'd have a hard time noticing the difference unless you read the carton bottom.

Now I haven't seen or heard any news or advertisements informing consumers about this latest drop. I'm sure it will catch many juice drinkers by surprise. The truth is: consumers are getting less for their money without realizing it.

This pseudo half-gallon size appears to be a stealth marketing tactic where a company tries to sneak in less product with similar packaging below the consumer's radar. But you don't have to buy into anyone's below-the-radar tactics ever again. Stay informed by surfing consumer websites and shopper's blogs like The Consumerist.com and Mouseprint.org. That way, you can make an informed decision before spending a single dime.

How to Become an A-List Speaker

Dear Associate,

I attended the National Speakers Association's National Convention a few years back. I met some of the most extraordinary people I had ever come across. These were people who have messages that have made, and are making a difference in the life of others.

I wanted to do the same. Someday. That's right... helping others on a grander scale.

And I'm pretty sure you have, have had, or will have similar aspirations.

Yet I didn't have a lot of speaking experience. At that time I must have spoken publicly fewer than three times. In the words of a great Jedi Master, "A nervous wreck I was."

But that didn't stop me...

Next, I had to get training. I joined workshops, listened to CDs and studied DVDs. I pored over my favorite speakers, coaches and mentors. I knew that if I didn't do this today, I'd never be able to make the kind of difference I wanted to make tomorrow.

During the training I discovered three powerful keys that made a speaker really stand out. Keys that grabbed an audience's attention, made them feel something and leave them wanting more. Even celebrity speakers, who charge upwards of six figures a keynote, may not give their audience all three keys.

But I'm not talking about celebrity status here. I'm talking about powerful keys that can turn you from an ordinary presenter into an in-demand, who's who, and highly sought-after speaker. Something I term the a-list speaker.

Currently there is no a-list for speakers that I'm aware of (and why not?). But if there were one, they would deliver their messages using these three powerful keys:

1) Power to entertain.

What does it take to become amusing, interesting and/or humorous? For some great examples let's look at successful TV show hosts, talk-radio personalities and comedians. They are the master entertainers.

They draw you in with intriguing questions, controversial topics and big promises. They bring you into their story by putting you in the scene. And they use a little-known commodity in the speaking world called brevity.

2) Power of original content.

I cringe each time I hear a speaker tell someone else's story. Because that's the same story I heard from this other speaker last week. Which another speaker will retell next week.

Yeesh...

You have at least a gigabyte of original content stored inside your hard drive. (The thing between your ears.) It's fresh material audiences are craving for. You don't have to feed them the stale stuff your peers have been using.

3) Power to wow.

Wowing an audience isn't about impressing them with your knowledge, cleverness or experiences. Not at all. Rather it's what they get FROM your knowledge, cleverness or experiences.

People are wowed when you lead them to a place where they are inspired to think, ponder or maybe wrestle with a lesson, a point or an original idea. You can recognize this by the look in the eyes and the expression on their faces. Imagine seeing an overhead light bulb flicking on. That's what happens when they have a wow moment.

When they come out with an official a-list for speakers I expect to see your name there. Ahead of mine. In the meantime... keep the faith and keep speaking up.

Warm regards,