There is an endless stream of boring topics courtesy of the AICPA. They are talking to members who understand their terminology so it's not wrong for them. But please, oh please, Mr. or Ms. CPA, do not take the material they provide to you and deliver it directly to your clients.

Please take the time to translate concepts like these :

"Fair value accounting considerations including measurements of fair value in illiquid markets and auditing those fair value measurements" 

"Other than temporary impairment issues" (wouldn't they just be "permanent"? and what is the opposite of "impairment" - is there a "pairment"?)


And try defining a "material weakness" to a client. And you're telling me that I have a weakness somewhere in my internal controls - but it's immaterial? That sounds serious to me. 

We have some pretty funny language that we use as auditors in our profession. Just remember that your clients won't value what they can't understand.

No matter what the subject, if you approach it with enthusiasm, your audience is likely to be interested too. Energy spreads, and the lack of it can kill a presentation. I find that a responsive audience feeds my energy and can make me better as the presentation progresses.

That's part of the trouble with webinars. You don't have access to as much audience feedback. You are staring into a blank screen when you present online. It's up to us as presenters to find a way to keep the energy going - whether you are in front of a live audience or presenting to a muted crowd on the web.

Humor is one of the things I use to keep my energy going - I entertain myself. So even if I can't tell if anyone is listening or responding, I still get more energy by adding humor.