How One Simple Shift Took This Exec's Speaking from "Fine" to "Magnetic"

⏳ Read Time: Less than 4 min.

Welcome back to The Winning Edge—where we unpack real tools and real stories that help you become a more impactful communicator and leader.

This week, we’re flipping the script a bit. Instead of a framework or technique, I’m sharing a short success story from a client who made a tiny shift that changed everything about how he showed up in front of a room.

Because here’s the truth:

🧠 Big results rarely come from big changes.
They come from small shifts applied consistently—with intention.
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This Week’s Insights

✅ Case Study: From Flat to Captivating in Just 10 Minutes a Day
✅ The Confidence Habit That Builds Without Burnout
✅ Deep Dive: The “Before & After” Breakdown of an Executive Presence Upgrade
✅ AI Tip of the Week – Use AI to simulate real audience feedback
✅ Quick Hitters for instant communication wins

THE MAIN EVENT
🎤 Case Study: From “Informative” to Influential

Meet Daniel, a highly competent tech executive at a fast-growing SaaS company.

✅ Brilliant strategist
✅ Trusted by his team
❌ Struggling to command the room during high-stakes presentations

His slides were fine. His message was clear. But he felt…forgettable.

Here’s the turning point:
I asked Daniel to record 60 seconds of himself speaking every morning—for 10 days.

No slides. No script. Just practicing clarity, pacing, and presence.

After Day 3? His confidence on video improved.
After Day 7? His vocal tone was stronger.
After Day 10? He stopped “presenting” and started connecting.

Then came the big moment: a board presentation.
His CEO’s feedback?

🗣️ “You sounded like a different person. Focused, clear, and totally in control.”

QUICK HITTERS: Fast Wins for the Week

💡 Tip of the Week: Practice out loud, not just in your head. Your brain doesn’t build confidence from thinking—it builds it from repetition.

📊 Stat of the Week: According to a Prezi study, 70% of professionals say strong presentation skills are critical for career success—but only 25% actively practice them.

🎭 Power Move: Record a 1-minute explainer of your core idea or strategy. Watch it back. Would you be engaged if you were listening?

📖 Recommended Read: “Steal the Show” by Michael Port – A brilliant book on how to show up powerfully in high-stakes moments.

WEEKLY DEEP DIVE
Daniel’s “Before & After” Breakdown

Before:

• Flat tone

• Slide-heavy, minimal engagement

• Apologetic language (lots of “I think…” and “hopefully…”)

After 10 Days:

• Intentional pauses

• Confident eye contact

• Strong opening and clear close

• Replaced weak phrases with decisive statements

The real difference? He didn't try to become someone else.
He just started practicing like a pro.

🎯 Lesson: Charisma isn’t born. It’s built. One rep at a time.

AI TIP OF THE WEEK

📌 Tool: ChatGPT Pro

💬 Try this prompt:

ChatGPT can simulate a skeptical or analytical audience—and help you rehearse under pressure. Great for internal meetings, client pitches, and interviews.

💡 Bonus: You can even ask it to role-play as your toughest stakeholder.

WINNING WITH AI: The Future of Sales Proposals and Presentations

AI isn’t just for tech geeks or big corporations—it’s transforming how we sell, present, and communicate. The best sales teams are already using AI to:
✅ Generate compelling, tailored proposals in minutes (not hours).
✅ Turn data into engaging, visual stories that capture attention.
✅ Automate tedious tasks so they can focus on closing deals instead.

This isn’t the future—it’s happening right now.

Get your copy of my ebook here!

ACTION STEPS & COMMUNITY QUESTION

🎯 Your challenge this week:
Record a 60-second message explaining your latest idea, strategy, or pitch. No slides. No fluff. Just you and your message.

💬 Then ask yourself: Would I trust this person to lead?
If not—what one thing could I shift?

Hit reply and tell me: What’s your biggest hurdle when it comes to executive presence? I’ll address the top 3 in an upcoming issue.

P.S.
Next week’s edition is packed with Productivity Hacks—including one that could save you 3 hours a week (without downloading another app). Stay tuned!

Keep building your edge—one conversation at a time.

YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

If you have more feedback or just want to get in touch, respond to this email, and we’ll get back to you!

Thanks for reading!

Until next week!

Mary Beth