When you’re nervous about an upcoming presentation, it can cause stress on your body and mind which will impact on your ability to communicate your message effectively. In this article I outline a simple exercise to help combat the symptoms and instil a sense of calm; it can be done anywhere at any time you feel a little scattered, apprehensive or anxious.
What's the best piece of advice you've received about public speaking? In this article I share the two words that changed EVERYTHING for me about how I prepare and deliver presentations.
Long ago I lost count of the number of people who have said to me “I HATE public speaking!” But what if I told you that you could learn to love public speaking?
If you fear or loath public speaking and avoid it at all costs, you may be missing out on opportunities to promote your business, progress your career or share a few words about a special person at an important occasion such as a wedding or a funeral.
Having the right speakers and break out session facilitators is crucial to the success of an event. Therefore, if you’re in charge of planning, it’s important to put time, effort (and money) into finding the right speakers who will engage and inspire your audience and ensure your event is talked about for years to come. In this post I share my top tips to help you book the ideal speaker.
Have you ever wondered how to deliver a great presentation when you really can't be bothered? Or why your online meetings and presentations seem so boring and flat? Or how to get rid of your nerves before speaking in public? In the fourth interview in my recent series, I'm in conversation with Julie Creffield, award-winning speaker, author and activator of people who shares her answers to those questions and so much more!
Suffer from impostor syndrome? Want to know how to capture and keep your audience’s attention when you are presenting? In this conversation with Joanne Lockwood, founder and CEO of SEE Change Happen, she shares her journey to becoming a global speaker, explains how she repositioned herself after gender transition and gives practical advice to help you become a better presenter.
Do you want to find your authentic public speaking style? Have you ever wondered how professional speakers and event hosts make it look so easy? Find out the answers to these questions and much more in my conversation with Warwick Merry CSP, CVP who has been engaging and entertaining audiences for over 20 years.
Do you struggle with trying to be the 'perfect' presenter? Would you like to learn more about how to engage your audience and create a meaningful connection with them? Recently I interviewed the fabulous Pam Burrows, known as The People Booster; she shared loads of tips on how to be a more confident and authentic communicator.
In theatre there is a concept of a ‘fourth wall’ which refers to the invisible barrier between the audience and the actors on stage. Whilst many stage techniques can be used to enhance your presentation style, there is no escaping the fact that you need to ‘cross the fourth wall’ when public speaking. Read on to find out why…
Do you dream of leaving your job and going into business? Or maybe you’ve already taken the plunge? In 2023 it’s 10 years since I took the leap from the world of an employee to working for myself. In this post I am sharing 10 lessons I’ve learned, so you can avoid making some of the mistakes I’ve made!
When you’re nervous about an upcoming presentation, it can cause stress on your body and mind which will impact on your ability to communicate your message effectively. In this article I outline a simple exercise to help combat the symptoms and instil a sense of calm; it can be done anywhere at any time you feel a little scattered, apprehensive or anxious.
As presenters we are in the privileged position of being able to share our knowledge, experience, and passion with an audience. However, with this privilege comes responsibility – a responsibility to ourselves to ensure we don’t kill our credibility, but more importantly, a responsibility to our audience to ensure that our message is relevant and interesting to listen to. It is vital that you avoid these 11 mistakes that will make your audience cringe...
In this post I’ve written about three of the sessions at the Professional Speaking Association’s ‘Refresh!’ online conference. I have included the main takeaway messages as well as my observations on what the speakers did well so that you can consider using some of the techniques to enhance your own presentations.
Being isolated for an extended period during the Covid 19 pandemic has left many people feeling a bit anxious and uncertain, which has impacted on their mental wellbeing and overall confidence and self esteem. In this post I share some practical tips on how to re-build your confidence and cope with life after lockdown.
