Will Keepie Uppies Make You a Better Speaker?
Did Keepie Uppies win the election for Catherine Connelly? No, but the video clip going viral helped. It garnered 2 million views and kept her name in people’s minds. So why did she win the election? In my view, the reason she won was that she set out to win, starting her election campaign months […]
Speakers – don’t seek perfection, seek Believable!
The following is an extract from an interview with Rory McIlroy on how conversations with Bob Rotella have helped his game. “We are talking about not getting too much into results and outcomes, we talk about trying to chase a feeling on the golf course. Like if you’re on the golf course, what way do […]
How to Pitch to Increase Your Sales & Funding Opportunities
Recently, I attended a Pitch event and listened to four entrepreneurs present their business ideas. Of these businesses, three already had revenue. In my experience, the best presenter is more likely to win the pitch competition, because they will be remembered long after the other pitches are forgotten. You win by being the best communicator […]
Why Are You Angry?
Why, as a country and a people, have we become agitated and angry? As a nation, we need to chill out a bit more. Our laid-back attitude is the reason people like visiting Ireland and engaging with us both personally and in business. Our welcome has always been what sets us apart from other nations. […]
One more spin on the Merry-Go-Round
I am back in harness after taking a three-month break. I feel energised and ready for “One more spin on the merry-go-round”. (The title of a book written by Sean Duignan after Albert Reynolds became Taoiseach in 1992. Albert said to Sean, “Are you ready for one more spin on the merry-go-round?”) What did I spend […]
How to PITCH, be it for Golf or INVESTMENT!
A Senior PGA golfer wanted to be kept abreast of all the new discoveries being made in sports psychology. So, he asked Dr Bob Rotella, a world-renowned sports psychologist, to bring him up to speed with the latest developments. Dr Rotella guided Rory McIlroy towards his recent Grand Slam Masters victory. Here is Bob’s response: […]
It’s Not What You Say. It’s How You Say It.
Some years ago, I used this text as part of an article I published. (Apologies for being the first to mention Christmas on 7th May 2025. ) “My mother who never went abroad in her life was the owner of a passport. It was called Christmas, and it marked the completion of one journey and the […]
Practice Does Not Make Perfect
I recently listened to Matthew McConaughey’s audiobook, “Green Lights”, a most enjoyable and entertaining book with some good sound advice. The basic premise for the book, as I heard it, was that each day, you need to review and remember wherever you enjoyed green lights in your day instead of red lights. Green lights: A […]
Why Are Good Speaking Skills Necessary?
I regularly say to groups I speak to that your education gets you the interview, and your ability to tell your story gets you the job. In the time after you get the job, if it’s a leadership role, you will be evaluated by your ability to engage with and influence your team. Your style […]
Is this my Bob Dylan moment?
Today, I add some video content to my article. It’s not as momentous as Bob going electric at the Newport Folk Festival. However, it is something I have been thinking about. It would be nice to speak to people in person (sort of) if only online. It worked for Bob after some resistance from his […]