SpeakerNet News 5/8/2026

5/8/2026

Editors: Rebecca Morgan & Ken Braly

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From the Editors

Like many people approaching a milestone birthday or anniversary, as we approached our 30th anniversary, we reflected on what we’d accomplished, the wonderful connections we’d made, the fabulous tips from readers we’d implemented, and the experts who’d added value to our lives.

We also assessed what we envisioned for SNN going forward. We realized we both appreciated all that SNN has provided for each of us the last 30 years, but we felt it was time for the next chapter.

So we are seeking the next steward, publisher and owner of SNN. If you’d like to explore what that would look like for you, please contact us by May 15. We’ll share details with serious inquiries.

Miscellaneous Tips

Why your social media tone can cost you buyers — Vickie Sullivan

I’m seeing an interesting trend in business posts on social media. Some people are taking strong stances on cultural issues. Not only that, but they’re going a step further and declaring that anyone who disagrees shouldn’t buy from them.

Yikes.

This approach may feel bold in theory, but it comes with unintended consequences that few see coming.

The biggest risk is alienating your buyers and people who send you referrals, including those who agree with you on your position.

Think about it. Even people who support your views may start to wonder: Is this how you handle honest debate? Can I trust you to treat my referrals with respect? What happens if I push back on your ideas?

You don’t want those questions tied to your brand.

When that happens, your approach becomes the story, not the stance you’re taking. And that’s never a good strategy.

People these days have a lot of strong feelings, and for good reason. It’s absolutely OK to promote your values.

But that doesn’t give any of us a hall pass to be inflammatory.

There are many ways to support what you believe without alienating your buyers. Throwing down the gauntlet isn’t one of the better ones.

Get inspired and learn expert tips to greatly improve your slides in the “Scintillating Slides: Create Visuals as Fabulous as You Are” webshop with Rebecca Morgan, CSP, CMC, CVP, VMP. Register for half price before 5/12, and special 2-for-1 deal!

Travel Tips

Ensure your award ticket includes baggage allowance — Rebecca Morgan

I just learned that some award tickets on a different carrier may not include baggage. I booked an award flight on United for Turkish Airways. I was shocked to learn I had zero baggage allowance. If I had not noticed this ahead of time, I would have paid more at the check-in counter for a checked bag than I paid for the ticket. Always check not only with the airline awarding the ticket, but the airline you will be traveling on

Topic of the Month (TOTM) — Your Input Wanted

Our TOTM is from Makana Risser Chai: When you’ve had a hiccup (e.g., tech glitch, fire alarm, power outage) during your presentation, how have you handled it — or wish you had?

Send your brief, pithy responses *that are different from those previously mentioned* to editor@SpeakerNetNews.com. Please put “Topic of the Month” or “TOTM” in the subject line.

— Cher Holton

There are so many! One that stands out was for a program held in restaurant’s meeting room. The meeting planner had assured me an easel and full pad of chart paper would be provided — which was essential for this particular program. An easel was provided ... but no chart paper — and no one available to find it. So as part of the program, I created an Improv that involved everyone gathering clean paper placemats as part of the activity. We then taped them onto the easel and voila! We had the necessary chart paper to make the process work! Then we had a great debrief around the activity I’d just improvised. As an aside, participants rated the "improvised activity" as one of the best & most meaningful parts of the session

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About SpeakerNet News and the Editors/Publishers

Publishers — Rebecca L. Morgan, CSP, CMC, CVP, VMP, and Ken Braly
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