Public Speaking
How to Sound Natural When Delivering a Scripted Speech
Recently I came across a great post by fellow presentation skills trainer Cordelia Ditton. It covers the thorny topic of how to deliver a speech from a script. I loved Her step by step take on how to make the speech sound like it was yours and I thought you might find it useful too.…
Read MoreUsing Visual Aids – Ikea Replaces PowerPoint!
Whilst I am a fan of the intelligent and sparing use of PowerPoint and other presentation tools I am always on the lookout for great examples of presentations which use props to bring their messages to life. I recently came across this short 10 minute video on TED and I commend it to you. Hans…
Read MoreThe secrets of running workshops and successful seminars
When people ask me if running workshops and seminars is a good idea for their business, I usually say “It depends.” They are proven to strengthen relationships with existing clients and showcase your expertise to new ones. Seminars and workshops can also create a comfortable environment where existing happy customers can help you to “sell” your services…
Read MoreStorytelling in speeches and presentations
[cincopa AINAMtq8HsZ5] Stories are at the heart of communication. Ever since humans developed language we have used stories as a powerful method transfering knowledge. We teach our children through stories. We build relationships and bonds through sharing stories. We are entertained by stories. I would argue that we spend much of our non-work time storytelling.…
Read MoreHow To Write A Speech – Take a Leaf out of Walt Disney’s Sketchbook
Most of us probably can’t afford the luxury of a professional speechwriter to craft our presentations for us but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn how to write a speech by looking at how the pro’s do it. In this post, I want to share with you how you can use the same strategy to…
Read MoreNine awesome techniques for managing presentation and public speaking nerves
The most asked question I get is “how can I overcome my fear of public speaking”. In this post I want to share my top tips for managing your anxiety and encourage you to add yours. 1) Breathe! I know this one sounds like a no brainer, but when we are nervous, our breathing gets…
Read MoreHarnessing the power of self talk to improve your presentation skills
Learn how adding one word to your self talk can help you become a better presenter. Recently, at a networking event, I had the pleasure of speaking to lovely man called Peter Moore who runs a small domestic electricians business along with his son Russell. We were talking about public speaking and he was telling…
Read MoreNine awesome techniques for overcoming fear of public speaking
“How can I overcome my fear of public speaking”. In this post, I want to share my top tips for managing your anxiety and urge you to add your own. 1) Breathe! I know this one sounds obvious but when we are nervous, our breathing gets shallow and rapid and we deprive ourselves of vital…
Read MoreStart with the audience.
RESEARCH YOUR AUDIENCE BEFORE WRITING YOUR PRESENTATION In a previous post I encouraged all presenters to start by asking the question”What do I want my audience to do as a result of this presentation?” The second golden rule is to tailor your presentation content to suit your audience. A “one size fits all” approach may…
Read MoreBuilding humour into your speeches and presentations
Weaving humour into a speech can be a real challenge. In a earlier post I recommended that speakers avoid using jokes in favour of self-deprecating stories. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Jan Jack of PerfectVerse who used to be a corporate secretary but is now a professional speech writer, speaker and comedian. Jan specialises in writing humorous…
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