Category Archives: Learning

Public Speaking, Facilitation, and Corporate Training: Choosing the Right Approach for the Right Outcome

June 2, 2026

By Phillip Tanzilo, CPTD, MHRM

Why understanding the difference can improve learning, collaboration, engagement, and results.

Introduction: Not Every Audience Needs the Same Experience

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that different objectives require different delivery approaches.

Years of client work across leadership development, organizational development, workplace learning, executive facilitation, keynote speaking, and coaching have taught me something important: not every audience needs the same type of delivery. Organizations often group speaking, training, facilitation, coaching, and presentations together because all involve someone standing in front of a room communicating.

The reality is very different. Each delivery style serves as a unique intervention designed to achieve a different outcome.… Read More “Public Speaking, Facilitation, and Corporate Training: Choosing the Right Approach for the Right Outcome”

Death by PowerPoint? Reframing Visual Learning Tools to Light Up Learning

June 2, 2026

By Phillip Tanzilo, CPTD, MHRM

Why visual design should support engagement, not compete with it.

Introduction: The Problem Isn’t PowerPoint

Most learning challenges are not caused by the tool itself but by how the tool is used.

We’ve most likely heard the phrase “death by PowerPoint.” I have learned to understand why.

Several years ago, I worked with a client whose slides contained nearly every word they planned to say. Part of that was driven by legal requirements because participants needed a detailed reference document after the session. The challenge was that those slides were being used as both a presentation and a takeaway resource.… Read More “Death by PowerPoint? Reframing Visual Learning Tools to Light Up Learning”

Leadership Strategies: Speakers Avoid the 3 B’s

November 23, 2016

Early in my speaking and management career, my mentor introduced me to this lesson. I learned it a few times the hard way and again in Toastmasters. Remember, speakers are leaders. A leader is constantly working to build trust and maintain credibility. I apply public speaking skills when I am engaged in strategic planning, change management, performance consulting, corporate training, etc.

Therefore, it is important to avoid controversy and keep a neutral stance when delivering a program. This contributes to a safe environment that allows participants to remain fully focused. Word choices require a level of deliberateness; otherwise, they may distract the audience by pulling their focus from the message.… Read More “Leadership Strategies: Speakers Avoid the 3 B’s”

Accelerated Learning: Remembering People’s Names and More

August 5, 2016

First impressions are just that. There is no second chance. Remembering names and an even greater volume of information allows someone to stand out in today’s highly competitive workplace and global marketplace. There are accelerated learning strategies that, when applied consistently, will make the difference.

Retention of names is something many of us have said, at one time or another, we would like to master. This can be achieved as an experiential learning process. “Experiential” is being able to relate to or experience the result of an experience, which accelerates adult learning. Much of what this post introduces is credited to the work of David Kolb, credited as the father of modern experiential learning.… Read More “Accelerated Learning: Remembering People’s Names and More”