Every so often I watch a film that proves to be a fantastic source of learning and inspiration as well as entertainment.

Recently I saw the Kings speech and it really moved me.     Afterwards I started to wonder what it was that made it so powerful.

The acting was superb and believable.   The Prince’s frustration with his inability to speak fluently in public was palpable, and this made a wonderful contrast with the closing [...]

Life lessons from the movies is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

Today I am indebted to Nancy Duarte of Duarte Design and author of the fantastic new book “Resonate”  for drawing my attention to this inspiring presentation.   Watch it and enjoy conductor Benjamin Zander’s passion and his command of the audience’s emotions.  WOW!

Now share your thoughts by posting a comment and [...]

Leadership, Music and Presentations – Watch this TED video is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

When I was a sales manager I saw a number of potentially great communicators stall despite fantastic subject matter knowledge and great technique.   It was no surprise to me that sending them on a skills refresher course didn’t solve the problem as I instinctively knew that the problem lay at the level of identity and believe rather than skill or capability.

On numerous occasions I fought with my colleagues in the training department because they said that you couldn’t do anything [...]

Is your thinking holding you back? is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

This video clip serves four purposes for students of presentation and public speaking skills:

Enjoy

Watch this presentation and put your “big ears” on is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

Watch this presentation and put your “big ears” on is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

Charisma, some people have it and some don’t! How often have we heard that comment. everyone agrees that is an important and desirable characteristic whether you are a salesperson, a team leader, a presenter or a teacher but it seems such an intangible thing. Wikipedia, the online reference source defines it as follows: The word charisma (from the Greek word χάρισμα (kharisma), “gift” or “divine favor,” from kharizesthai, “to favor,” from kharis, “favor”: see also charism) [...]

What is charisma and can it be learned? is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

This post was promopted by a comment made by my wife Lyn after an early morning walk today.

It was a beautiful morning here in the South of Hampshire. The sky was just starting to colour up as the sun rose and the air was crisp and fresh. After a few minutes of silent contemplation we started to chat about anything and everything. In particular we gravitated towards talking about what it is that allows people to have [...]

How do we believe in ourselves? is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

Today I had the privilege of meeting up with my great friends and inspirational speakers Richard & Liz.     We talked about all sorts of things to do with success, self development and happiness and as ever, I left with a whole load of exciting new ideas and insights.

I could write several posts on the outcomes of this meeting but I just want to share one with you today.    We were talking about the ability of effective communicators to engage and connect with [...]

Perfection is not connection is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

In a slight digression from my normal posts, I’d like to share some thoughts about limiting beleifs and how they hold us back from realising our true potential, be that as a presenter, influencer, parent  etc.   I hope you enjoy this short (5min) audio podcast.

Just make sure your speakers are turned on and click on the little arrow below.

Prisoners of our own beleifs is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

Prisoners of our own beleifs is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

I’ve been training presentation and public speaking skills for more than ten years now and today I’d like to share one thing I learned which has had the biggest single impact on the results I get.   If you are curious to know what it it, then read on.

I still remember the first bit of feedback I got when I stood up to give a talk.   The giver, no doubt intending to be helpful told me that I had said “um” [...]

Discourage Critical Feedback If You Want To Improve Faster is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

Last week I started to talk about the power that limiting beliefs to make us ‘Reluctant Presenters’. In Part 2 of this article I want to share with you a simple yet practical technique for defusing your old limiting beliefs and empowering your new resourceful ones…

NB:If you haven’t done the exercises in part 1 of this thread, I suggest you go back and do it first as the rest of this post will then make more sense and you’ll have [...]

How To Develop Resourceful Beliefs – Part 2 is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing