Tag Archives: quote-ables

Your Quota of Quotes

‘Simplicity is the greatest sophistication.’     Leonardo Da Vinci, 15th century Italian ‘Renaissance man – artist, inventor and architect.

‘If you think presentations cannot enchant people, then you have never seen a really good one.’ Guy Kawasaki, 20th century Silicon Valley entrepreneur, author and speaker.

‘People don’t remember what we think is important. They remember what they think is important.’  John Maxwell, 20th century pastor, speaker and author of over 60 books on leadership

Mark Twain on Public Speaking

What can we learn about public speaking from Mark Twain, 19th century American writer, humorist and lecturer? Lots!

“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” 

“There are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.” 

“The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” 

‘Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.’

‘Words are only painted fire; a look is the fire itself.’

Brief Quote-ables

Now let’s take a brief look a brevity through the ages …

The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do. Thomas Jefferson, (1743 – 1826), Founding Father and third President.

The fewer the words, the better the prayer.’ Martin Luther, (1483 – 1546), German monk and founder of the Protestant Reformation.

“… brevity is the soul of wit … ‘, William Shakespeare, (1564 – 1616), English poet, playwright and actor.

It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book.‘, Friedrich Nietzsche, (1844 – 1900), German philosopher, poet and scholar.

 

Wisdom & Humor

I thought it was time for some quote-ables with a sense of humor.

‘No one has a finer command of language than the person who keeps his mouth shut.’ (Robert Benchley, (1889 – 1945), American humorist, columnist and actor.

‘Once you get people laughing, they’re listening and you can tell them almost anything.’  Herbert Gardner (1846 – 1921), British lord, politician and author.

‘Speak when you are angry – and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret.’ Laurence J. Peter (1919 – 1990), Canadian educator and author of ‘The Peter Principle’

‘Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain.’ Lily Tomlin (1939 – ), American actress, comedian and writer

 

Inspiring Leadership

My most recent contribution to PR Consultant Carol Roth’s popular Business Unplugged blog was for her “100+ of the Best, Most Inspirational Leadership Quotes” article – https://www.carolroth.com/blog/top-leadership-quotes/#smallbiz. Thanks for the great exposure, Carol. Read More »

Gitomer Gets Writing

‘Write it like you would say it. Speak as you write the words down. This will help you write a clearer and more complete thought. If you write like you speak, you’ll never be at a loss for words.’

Jeffrey Gitomer, 21st century sales expert, author and speaker

Phil’s Faves On Time

Thanks for the positive comments about including ‘Phil’s Faves’ in the Quote-able section – here’s another helping. So, you might hear these words of wisdom in one of my Time Management presentations.

  • You can’t save time – you can only spend it. So, spend it wisely.
  • Don’t say ‘I don’t have time.‘, because you do have time. Instead say ‘I don’t want to spend the time.’  
  • You’re in charge of how you spend your time – no one else is.
  • Start each day with a ‘To Do’ List – plan your work, then work your plan.
  • If you paid yourself $1,000/hour, would you get your money’s worth from each task on your list? If not – dump them.
  • Ask yourself ‘What’s the worst thing that can happen if I don’t do this thing today … or ever?‘ Then, act accordingly.

Phil Stella, 21st century entrepreneur, communication consultant and executive coach

Naisbitt on Networking

As the self-proclaimed Godfather of Networking’, I’ve often quoted John Naisbitt, author of ‘MegaTrends’ in my articles and presentations. He initially coined the phrase over 35 years ago and his definition still works today in the age of high tech and social media. Funny thing – everything old is new again. So, let’s all learn something old from the master. Read More »

Even More ‘Stellar Wisdom’

I so appreciate the positive reader reaction about sharing my own ’Quote-ables’ based on over 35 years of workplace communication practitioner experience. Enjoy this month’s trio …

  1. Do what you love and love what you do. All the rest is just details.
  2. Plan your work, then work your plan.
  3. Your customers are not always right, but they are always your Customers. So, take good care of them by meeting their reasonable expectations and make a profit doing it.

And in case someone asks ‘Says who?’ …

Phil Stella, 21st century executive presentation coach, author and professional speaker

More ‘Stellar’ Wisdom

Looks like sharing some of my favorite ‘pearls of wisdom’ in last month’s ‘Quote-ables’ was a hit, based on reader comments. So … here’s another helping from my practitioner perspective: Read More »