Could the nightmare happen to you? Speaking in public. We all fear getting it wrong. And when it goes dramatically wrong, the embarrassment is all-consuming. Not to mention the frustration. Perhaps this rings uncomfortable bells for you. Have your leadership communication skills ever flown out the window at a critical moment? Have you ever wished the floor would … Read more
The role of physicality in leadership Being a great leader isn’t just about making careful choices and guiding people towards your way of thinking. It’s about connecting with others in a way which engenders respect and makes them want to follow your directions because they believe in you and want to do well for you. In … Read more
Win hearts and minds through executive presence You have just two seconds to make an impression. Two seconds to make a lasting impression that counts. In the first two seconds of meeting you or watching you speak, people will get a gut instinct about you. And research shows that initial gut instinct is usually accurate … Read more
The vocal attraction of business leaders and Hollywood stars Powerful men are attractive. There’s no doubt about it. We’ve all seen media photos of beautiful women draped around very ordinary-looking guys who just happen to be highly successful. Money may well come into it but if those men communicate for a living – whether they are … Read more
The impact of physical activity It’s well known that children’s creativity is enhanced by moving. But does the same apply to adults? Does physical activity increase our ability to think laterally and creatively? And if so, how can that benefit our communication? Physical activity at work can have very positive effects. Incorporating a few basic … Read more
The controversy over high heels at work There’s a row in the UK over whether employers should be allowed to force female staff to wear high heels at work as part of the dress code. Regardless of the sexist nature of such an outdated policy, any company that compels women to wear heels is damaging … Read more
Create effective body language with your hands Your hands are an amazing part of your body, and what you do with them has a significant impact on those around you. Effective body language means using your hands appropriately. As I told the finalists of an HSBC business competition recently, when you are truly connected with … Read more
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim: the power of a great female speaker Among the world leaders and dignitaries to speak at last Friday’s UN climate signing ceremony was a woman from a nomadic tribe in Chad, whose mother walked 10km every day to collect water and food. Talking to the world from the podium at UN headquarters in New York … Read more
The power of three The number three: it’s lucky for some, magical for others, powerful for us all. Three is seriously useful to achieve brilliant communication. When you want people to hear your words, understand your point and buy into your message, you just can’t beat a good three. Our brains are hard-wired to recognise … Read more
The root of public speaking anxiety revealed Scientists have just discovered that when someone is watching you perform, or even when you think you are being watched, an important part of your brain switches off. It’s called the inferior parietal cortex (IPC), and it’s situated in the outer part of the brain near the top and … Read more
