I had a lovely conversation recently with someone who told me they have to use notes when presenting; more specifically, they feel they need to read their speech when speaking in public. They saw this as a problem. Which made me wonder… a problem for whom? It’s worth saying that they’re not a professional speaker. […]
Can you be a good speaker if you have to use notes? Read More »
You’re about to speak. Maybe it’s a team meeting, a client call, or a big presentation. Your heart races, your mouth dries up, and your mind goes blank. Panic sets in. What causes the panic Your brain is doing its job which is to keep you alive. When you speak in front of others, your
Why we panic when speaking … and how to stop Read More »
Questions and interruptions during a presentation can feel unsettling, especially if you’re already nervous about public speaking. Some people worry they’ll be thrown off track or asked something they can’t answer. That worry can lead to self-doubt and a loss of momentum. The good news is that with a bit of preparation and some simple
How to handle questions and interruptions during a presentation (without losing focus). Read More »
If you run a business, you’ll probably find yourself presenting more often than expected. Whether pitching to investors, updating your team, or talking to potential clients the way you present makes a real difference … good presentations build trust while poor ones do the opposite. Rehearsal is key to feeling confident, but too much practice
How to rehearse without sounding rehearsed. Read More »
We’ve all been there … standing in front of a room full of people, our heart racing, palms sweating, and words threatening to tumble out in a rush or refusing to come out at all! Whether it’s a presentation, a high-stakes meeting, or an important conversation, staying calm under pressure is essential for effective communication
How do the best communicators stay calm under pressure? Read More »
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to students and older job seekers about how to make the best first impression at an interview. Lots of questions have ensued, but one of the key areas of concern was how to make sure you come across as professional and engaging during a
How to master the art of presenting online. Read More »
Whether you’re delivering a presentation, asking questions of others, speaking to a customer or just having a chat, I’m pretty confident that you don’t pause often enough. Many people find silence really difficult to deal with, so fill it as quickly as they can. They speak very quickly, ask a 2nd or 3rd question before
Why you should pause more than you do? Read More »
We’ve recently started our Presentation Club. An opportunity for members to stand up in front of the room and deliver a short presentation. All the attendees create written feedback on how the speaker came across. You then get to keep all the sheets of feedback to digest in the comfort of your home. In can
How hard is giving and receiving feedback? Read More »
I recently spoke at an online presentation. Nothing unusual about that, I get asked to speak a lot and it’s one of our core routes to market. I show you what we do and then you might remember me when you’re looking for training on that topic. However, this was slightly different as the person
How to make the most from a potential disaster Read More »
On 22nd May 2024 the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, stepped out of the door at 10 Downing Street to a wall of journalists and photographers to announce that he was calling a general election. A moment of great importance; his opportunity to show his leadership skills and authority to the world. I know he
Have you checked there’s nothing distracting your audience? Read More »
