1/16/2026
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
From the Editors
It’s Our 30th Anniversary, and You Get the Gift!
We can hardly believe it — SpeakerNet News has been around for 30 years! Time has flown, and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s been part of the journey.
To celebrate, we want to give YOU a gift: Enjoy 30% off any and all recordings on our website.
This special offer is good for the first 30 orders we receive in the next 30 days (see what we did there?)!
Looking for fresh insights and tools to grow your business? Explore our program recordings and our intensives. You’ll find:
- In-depth interviews on how speakers are using AI to land more engagements
- Tips for writing a quality book fast
- Proven ways to sell more products and services
- Strategies to position yourself as a thought leader
- And much more
Don’t miss out — wisdom from legends past and present awaits.
Use coupon code SNN30 at checkout to claim your 30% discount.
Thank you for being part of our community for 30 incredible years!
Miscellaneous Tips
Become a master in delivering your signature story — Jeff Davidson
How so? Tell it often. Speakers say that their story gets better each time, not because they are embellishing, but because details become clearer, their pacing improves, they learn more ways to draw in the audience, and they become more adept at using gestures and props.
“Won’t I become tired of telling the same story over and over again?” No, because each time you tell it, something else might come to mind. Maybe someone in the room inspires you. Perhaps the story reminds you of someone new in your life, or a recent event.
Technology Tips
AI-related YouTube tutorials — Ian Griffin
Tina Huang is a super-smart computer engineer with a vast library of over 300 AI-related YouTube tutorials on her channel.
Check out her 15-minute overview of 101 Ways to use AI in your daily life.
Her videos are awesome!
 |
You think your virtual presentations are good enough — but could they be even better? Would you like to learn some nuances that will make them more compelling? Engaging? Fun? Rebecca Morgan, CSP, CMC, VMP is now offering individual consulting to take your virtual presentations to the next level. Rebecca@RebeccaMorgan.com |
Travel Tips
Using a VPN internationally — Brenda Bence
If you use a VPN internationally, make sure it’s installed on your phone as well as your computer. Why?
Phones are often your primary device on the road (email, banking, WhatsApp, calendars, maps). You’ll be on public Wi-Fi (hotels, airports, conference venues) — a VPN adds an extra layer of protection. Many people forget their phone is also vulnerable because it “feels” more secure than a laptop.
Important caveat: VPN use is restricted or regulated in some countries (China being a common example), so I’d position this as a privacy + security best practice, not a way to bypass blocked services.
Award-travel tip — Rebecca Morgan
If you’re looking to use points/miles for a trip, look beyond the airline you want to use. Often, other carriers have better deals on miles. For example, business class on Cathay Pacific is less miles through Alaska Air than CP. Turkish Air flights are less miles through United or Avianca.
This is why it’s often wisest to accumulate points with credit cards that let you transfer to multiple airlines. Plus, there are often bonus offers through transfer partners.
Topic of the Month (TOTM) — Your Input Wanted
Our TOTM is: What redundant items (back-ups) do you bring when traveling — especially for long trips?
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.
- Reading glasses
- Device-charging cables
- Watch band (mine once broke at the beginning of a long trip)
- Phone (only on long foreign trips where replacing it would be difficult)
- AirTag battery in case one in my luggage dies (only for long trips)
About SpeakerNet News and the Editors/Publishers
- Publishers — Rebecca L. Morgan, CSP, CMC, CVP, VMP, and Ken Braly
- Please respond directly to the person posting an item.
- How to submit tips or questions for publication.
- How to advertise to our readers.
- To unsubscribe or change your address, click the link at the end of this newsletter.
- To subscribe, go here.
- The latest three issues are posted on the SNN website.
- Although we are proud to be long-term members, SpeakerNet News is not affiliated with the National Speakers Association.
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).