7/31/2026

Editors: Rebecca Morgan & Ken Braly

See “About SpeakerNet News” at the end for information on how to submit tips and use this newsletter. Remember, your “dues” for this free ezine are submitting two tips a quarter. Send your best tips to editor@SpeakerNetNews.com.

SpeakerNet News Sponsors

SpeakerNet News Sponsor
Plexicam lets you mount your webcam in the middle of your screen so you are always looking at the audience. Choose the size that works best for you. For 5% discount, use code SNN.

Miscellaneous Tips

The placement and pacing of your signature story — Jeff Davidson

An effective signature story ideally can be told to any audience because of the universal elements that the story encapsulates. Depending on what impact you want to have, the story could come first, last, or someplace in the middle. Regardless, tell your story in a manner that does not seem rushed. If you find yourself racing through, the audience will feel uneasy. A great signature story, even slightly rushed, can lose its potency; so, you need to know exactly how long it takes, accounting for laughter, applause, silence, and whatever responses you anticipate.

An overlooked content format that still gets attention — Vickie Sullivan

Looking to go beyond the standard infographic in your content marketing? Digiday has a guide that offers a great example of a lesser-used, but effective, B2B content marketing format: a what’s hot/what’s not list.

There’s a lot here that applies to our marketplace. But let’s focus on the structure.

You don’t see many of these types of lists in B2B content marketing. And that’s unfortunate, because they work in two important ways:

  • They provide a great heads-up on trends. Both visionary and cautious buyers want to know what’s coming next. (The fear of missing out is powerful.) These lists provide just enough insight to get people thinking and invite them to explore further. To apply this in your market, include links that expand on each idea.
  • They’re a finger on the pulse. From a branding perspective, these lists demonstrate insider knowledge. They signal that you understand what’s happening — and what’s coming. This is especially effective for futurists and change management experts.

Many of us focus on narrow topics to show depth. Fair enough.

But big-picture pieces like these create a valuable counterbalance. The 30,000-foot view of this B2B content marketing format offers perspective — and an invitation to go deeper.

This approach is worth considering.

Travel Tips

Interesting resource for solo women travelers — Holly Stiel

I ran across Greether, a service for private, personalized tours with verified local women. Greether connects you to verified local women wherever you go to help you get around safely, have unique experiences, and learn firsthand from their cultures. It’s available in 1000 cities around the world for a small hourly fee. I haven’t used it, but it sounds interesting.

Luggage belt for managing 2 suitcases — Rebecca Morgan

I traveled for a month 4 days after having my broken-wrist cast removed. I needed a way to manage my large suitcase and my carry-on since I couldn’t put much weight on the recovering wrist. I found a luggage belt similar to this one. It allowed me to securely lay my rollaboard on top of the large suitcase so I could move them both easily with my non-injured hand, using my recovering hand to just steer. (Just remember to wrap the belt around the trolley handles. Practicing at home, I adjusted the strap so it took just seconds to put it around the smaller bag.)

Even after my wrist healed, I use this method. It is easier to maneuver than rolling two suitcases beside me. (I’m not a carry-on-only gal.)

About SpeakerNet News and the Editors/Publishers

Copyright note: Submission of an email message or artwork affirms that you are able to and have given us non-exclusive permission to reprint the content of your message in all forms, electronic or otherwise, in all languages throughout the world.

Copyright ©2026 SpeakerNet News. Permission must be granted to reprint any item (other than your own posting).