Update: This summer was a time for personal improvements. My eyesight improved... my work with turning dough and butter has improved... and certain fears that have once plagued me are less detectable. I even believe my hair color is returning.

Heading into September brings a host of new experiences as I reconnect with some friends from a baking class, try to lose that stubborn few pounds and corral all of my problems into a corner so small I won't notice them unless I look over there.

Here's what I've come away with:

Every new discipline you embrace, or bad habit conquered begins in the mind...

You have the ability to question long-held beliefs, attempt new solutions and stop destructive patterns. You really are in charge. If you don't like some particular aspect of your life—change it. You don't have to be its prisoner. Make your escape today.

To forge a mind-mind, mind-heart and mind-soul connection from the platform read more from today's...

Feature Article: How to Become an Engaging Speaker

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Innate Qualities or Outward Appearances...

While discussing an upcoming cultural diversity theme in my speaking group, Angela, the lead conspirator thought it'd be a great idea if I dressed up as a Fu Manchu character, just like the ones you've seen in the movie Big Trouble in Little China.

How ridiculous...

And tacky. Trying to dress like someone I'm not to somehow add validation to the cultural diversity theme. What I know is if you're trying to be someone you're not—you'll look uncomfortable.

Don't you agree?

Cultural diversity is defined as having ethnic, gender, racial and socioeconomic variety within a group. And the coexistence of said groups.

That's fine. But that definition stems from outward appearances. And we put too much emphasis on those appearances.

Why can't we simply be?

We are actually spiritual beings taking residence inside something we call flesh and bone. We tend to spend too much time judging each other's flesh and bone without acknowledging our spiritual beings. What a shame.

Why don't you and I recognize you just as you are... to see your greatness through your innate qualities... and to celebrate your uniqueness based on those innate qualities rather than outward appearances alone?

How to Become an Engaging Speaker

Dear Associate,

I gotta tell you... it was painful to watch. I viewed a speaking associate's online videos. She's a trainer with corporations, Fortune 500 companies and college academia. Prior to that she spent years as an educator in her native country.

But her teaching style, which she probably thought is her strength, is her Achilles heel...

Because what may have worked for young minds in classrooms doesn't necessarily work well for adult minds in the western world. Are you with me? When your audience is silent... when there's little engagement... when there's not much interaction... doesn't that make you wonder why?

"I watched a couple of your videos," I mentioned. "Would you like a suggestion?"

"Sure, I'd like that," she replied with a surprisingly eager anticipation.

"Spend less time educating—and more time entertaining," I injected.

"Okay. I agree," she responded. "Western audiences want to be entertained. But how do I do that?"

Aah... she asked the right question...

Because this is the start of working with the Force. This is where a Padawan's journey begins. The act of transforming yourself so you can impact humanity from a Jedi's view.

If you're looking to engage your audience, keep them engaged during your talk and maintain that engagement long after you've departed... then you must master these three powers of engagement:

1) Making a grand statement.

This is a statement that excites your audience to want to hear more. For instance, you can make a promise, give an opinion or introduce a smashing offer. A great time to make your statements—yes you can have more than one—is right before and/or right after scheduled breaks.

For example:

"Today I'm going to reveal my latest step-by-step formula on how you can become the most noticed, most talked-about and most famous sign twirler on street corners, strip mall entrances and shopping center parking lots.

"After 30 years and billions of dollars spent, we're no closer to finding the cure for cancer than we were on day one.

"Be the first to answer my next question and I'll give you this complete anti-vampire kit, filled with garlic wreaths, a crucifix, a wooden stake and a fiberglass neck brace... a $49 value."

2) Leading with a question.

Why a question? Because it begs for an answer. And it instantly engages people's minds.

You can ask questions that intrigue, are benefit-laden, controversial to long-held beliefs, drive your point across, and many other types that open minds. Avoid the trashy, manipulative and sarcastic questions. Those may close minds.

I'm not a fan of asking a question that requires little or no thinking. The reason is it lets them off the hook too quickly. To pique, keep and reap audience attention you must wrestle with their thinking.

3) Telling a story.

Bill Gove, the father of professional speaking always said, "Make a point. Tell a story. Make a point. Tell a story."

What do we know about stories?

Stories add impact to your points. They paint pictures. They create emotional connections. They move audiences. They provide fullness to your lessons. When you tell a story, people give you their full attention.

But be careful...

Avoid telling a story for the sake of storytelling. A story should lead to a point, a lesson learned or an unexpected revelation. There's nothing worse than leading people on a roller coaster ride with no end in sight.

In the final analysis speaking isn't about you, the speaker. It's about your audience. Give your audience your very best by engaging them with stories, questions and grand statements.

Warm regards,