As part of a recent presentation skills coaching programme for a large client, I have been reviewing videos of some of their top directors presenting at a company conference. Some presenters got it right and got great evaluations and others clearly didn’t and,as an external observer the reasons for the latter were clear

What makes or breaks a conference presentation? 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

At my local Toastmasters club tonight one of our newer members asked me how I memorised speeches. Now that’s an intriguing question especially for me since I don’t normally think consciously about “memorising” memorising speeches at all. When I questioned him further on why he wanted to know, he said that he wanted to deliver interesting and informative talks that would be entertaining AND would motivate his audience to visit his upholstery shop.

My advice was as [...]

How do I memorise a speech? is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

I thought that rather than assuming you would want to read about the topics that I decide to blog about, I might put myself in the firing line today.

Have you got a questions, burning issues or comments that would like me to blog about?

If so all you have to do is either post a comment below or email me at blog@inter-activ.co.uk and I’ll respond via this blog!

In my book there is no such thing as a stupid question and, [...]

Ask The Expert – Your chance to put me on the spot is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

This morning I was chatting to a friend called Bob Jury whom I met at a breakfast networking meeting in the lovely little town of Hartley Wintney in North Hampshire.   Despite the early hour, Bob was on top form as usual.  We were discussing how people “sell” themselves at networking events and in particular the impact they make by the way the say their “elevator  pitch”

Bob is in the business of website design and produces easily update-able websites however he [...]

A lesson from the world of entertainment is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

Regular readers of this blog will know that I am a keen mind mapper and recommend this powerful technique as a great way to develop presentation content and even to use as your notes.   A little while ago I reviewed freemind, a free open-source application that can be downloaded from the web.  

Well the other day I was sent a link to an an alternative product called bubbl.us

I’ve had a quick look and it’s an interesting little application with a simple and [...]

A new free online mind mapping application is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

Every time I run a presentation skills workshop I get asked questions like;

My answer is always the same. “It depends!”

This is because I believe that there is no one right style.  What is much more important is that the presenter comes across as authentic.     If you try to be something you are not rarely works.

Interestingly though, this advice is not a “get out of jail free” [...]

Be yourself when you present. 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

All effective speakers know that they need to take their audience on a journey. A journey from where they are at the start of the presentation, to where they need to be at the end in order to take the presenters desired action.

Occasionally you’ll be lucky and your audience will have already bought in to the concept’s that you are presenting. If they are, then recognise this and give them what just what they need. Remember you are pushing against [...]

Leading Your Audience Down The Garden Path is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing

Happy New  to you all.   I was wondering if any of you had applied the principle of setting New Years Resolutions to your Presentation and Public Speaking skills yet.    Here are some suggestions that might get you thinking…

I resolve to learn how to use PowerPoint effectively so that I don’t bore the pants of my audiences as much as I did in 2007!

New Year Presentation Resolutions is a post from: Inter-Activ Presenting and Influencing