Fail to Prepare – Prepare to Fail – Thanks Roy
One of my most significant observations of the last few months is that very few people provide adequate preparation time for important meetings or presentations. The “It will be alright on the night” attitude is the strongest impression I gain when observing people speaking to a small team or a larger group. Stop before you […]
Sport & Business, the Similarities
The ball is now in your court, and you are expected to return the ball and, ideally, participate in an enjoyable back-and-forth rally which is exciting and engaging before bringing the rally to a conclusion with a final flourish. The back and forth is where you build a relationship and develop an understanding of the […]
People Love Stories – Stories Grow Businesses
The pleasure experienced by my clients when they realise that telling a simple, engaging story is the best way of explaining their business idea is a joy to behold. They say it can’t be that simple, but it is. A story well told will explain the problem you solve for prospective customers and inform them […]
New Light Through Old Windows
How do I help my audience? Initially, I am like a confessor or a psychologist. I ask a few questions, three in all, and then listen to the confusing responses I hear by way of a reply. The reason the answers are confusing is that the person I am speaking to is often too close […]
The Last of the Summer Wine
That title sounds familiar? Summer is drawing to a close, and my thoughts revert to that back-to-school feeling. My early memories are of returning from a summer spent in my mother’s home place in Enniscorthy. My uncle Mick would hire a car, and a group of his friends would travel to Dublin for the all-Ireland […]
Analogies Overcome the Curse of Knowledge
Analogies Overcome the Curse of Knowledge (Presenting Complex Information) Imagine this were to happen to you: You order pizza from your local pizzeria and collect it, but when you get home and open the box, there are only three slices in the box. Where have the other slices gone? Is it a mystery? You […]
Obey Stop Signs and Become a Great Speaker
An observation I have had for some time is the inability of some people to bring a conversation or presentation to a conclusion. I have a most annoying relative who talks continuously but never brings the conversation to a conclusion. I am sure you know similar people. Show business: How often have you read a […]
Never, Never Attempt To Memorise a Pitch!
Why do presenters always attempt to memorise presentations? You can learn to recite a poem or the lyrics to a song over days or weeks. Yet, if you are uncomfortable in front of your audience, you may still struggle to remember the words; I know I do! So here is my best advice on preparing […]
Once upon a time … My Favourite Story Opening
Today I wish to change how you think about public speaking. It’s not a chore to be feared; it’s an opportunity to be grasped. I dislike anything to do with Excel and Accounts. I keep putting this type of work off until the last minute and then do it under pressure, increasing my distaste for the […]
Make a Bigger Impression when Presenting
Make a Bigger Impression when Presenting (Be on the envelope, not the stamp!) I was recently asked to provide some feedback to researchers presenting their projects. My overall impression was as follows: Why must the slide take up the whole screen with the presenter in the top corner, the size of a postage stamp? Universities, […]