One of the ways VerticalNet grew traffic and stature was by sending their CEO Mark Walsh on the road to make speeches at just about every related B-to-B event out there.

But what do you do if your CEO is … a lame speaker? Alan Brody, President of the iBreakfast Club, a pitching forum for start-up's CEOs told us, “A good speaking consultant can make amazing improvements in your CEO’s presentation style in less than 24 hours.

The problem is finding the right consultant. Many are tempted to comment on the content of your speech versus the manner in which you speak. Look for someone who will focus on practical suggestions such as breathing, voice pitch and pacing.”

Brody’s personal favorite: McAdory Lipscomb, Jr. who’s worked extensively with both dot-com start-ups and traditional company leaders.