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, […]
A Leader’s Unforgettable Story
A Leader’s Unforgettable Story (A Very Sticky Message) Recently I heard an unforgettable story of inspiration and mentorship, which I would like to share with you. The location was a “Communications Masterclass” I was presenting, entitled: “Create Sticky Messages”. I asked the group to prepare and deliver a talk on the theme: “A lesson learned in […]
Improve Your Communication Skills
Improve Your Communication Skills – (Focus on connecting, not perfection) Having listened to somebody present to you, are you likely to remember everything they said? No, that’s very unlikely! You will remember how they made you feel – uplifted, informed, enthused, energised, happy, content, and inspired! Would you be happy if your listeners experienced some […]
Add more Creativity and Inspiration to your Life (Business & Personal)
I often hear people use the analogy that a computer is like a brain. I am not qualified to know if this analogy is correct. It seems to me that the computer has a long way to go before this happens, if it ever does! However, I will use the analogy for the purpose of […]
A Picture Paints a 1,000 Words
Presentation Tip I acquired a new corporate client recently, and by way of getting underway, I asked them to send me a sample of a typical presentation deck. Imagine my lack of surprise when I received a deck full of bland slides, each slide populated with seven to eight bullet points. This is not a […]
What have Golf, Funerals and Rock Concerts got in common?
This week I had three different reminders of why good timekeeping is essential. Arrive early: My first is an obvious example; I was on the first tee box at my Golf Club. Anthony arrived late in a flurry, apologised, stood up on the tee hurriedly and hit his ball into the deep rough. He did […]