Patricia Fripp Presentation Masterclass Saturday, May 17, in Zoom.

Good to Great Presentations: Fripp’s Best Techniques to Transform Your Speeches 

How Your Experience Becomes Your Expertise

One of the most common questions I’m asked is,

“Fripp, I love to speak… but what can I talk about?”

My answer? Speak about what you know.

That’s how I started my speaking career—with a program titled “How to Get, Keep, and Deserve Your Clients.” It was based entirely on what I had done and succeeded at in my hairstyling business.

You’re Already an Expert—In Your Own Experience

You may not think of yourself as an expert, but yes, you are.

You are the leading authority on your own life.

The stories you’ve lived, the lessons you’ve learned, and the people who’ve shaped you—that’s where your content lives.

In your business presentations, pepper in real-life stories of those who influenced, inspired, or advised you. Your audience will not only remember your points… they’ll remember you.

The Once Upon a Time Technique

When I coach clients—or even at group dinners—I always ask my favorite conversation starter:

“Will you please give me a snapshot of your life and career?”

Where were you born?

What did your parents do?

What advice did they give you that influenced you to be who you became?

Who were your managers, mentors, or professors who made a difference to you?

What were the turning points in your life or career?

When was the moment you knew what you were destined to do?

This isn’t small talk. It’s how we discover your content goldmine.

A Real Coaching Moment

One senior executive, new to a major tech company, told me about a college professor he’d never forgotten.

“He was a brand-new PhD, not much older than us. We were his first class. He was so excited about data analytics.”

As he described the energy in that classroom, I said, “It sounds like his enthusiasm ultimately led you to accept this role.”

He paused, blinked, and then smiled.

“You’re right. I never made that connection before. I can’t wait to tell my wife why we moved!”

Everyday Situations = Extraordinary Opportunities

Let’s explore a few everyday moments where speaking from experience connects and inspires:

Situation: What to Share

Welcoming new employees. Share what happened on your first day on the job. What were your fears, surprises, or lessons?

Receiving a promotion. Talk about the leadership lessons you learned from great and not-so-great managers.

Giving a career talk. Highlight the people who shaped your journey. Share setbacks as well as wins.

When you are asked to give a presentation on how you became a success, you don’t want to sound like you’re bragging.

Most of us were raised with “Don’t show off!” echoing in our heads.

Here’s the key: You’re not the hero—your mentors are.

If you’re asked to give a speech about your success, shift the spotlight. Talk about the people who shaped your path. Make them the stars.

We all know that no one becomes successful alone.

Check out Patricia Fripp’s Presentation Masterclass

Good to Great Presentations: Fripp’s Best Techniques to Transform Your Speeches Saturday, May 17, in Zoom.

“For my most important speeches, I call Patricia Fripp.” Wanda Hope, Chief Diversity Officer, Johnson & Johnson Worldwide