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
“Shh” When you need to present important information, what you don’t say is just as important as what you say. I’m not talking about physicality here, although body language plays a big part, of course. I’m talking about the pauses between words. When you speak to inspire, giving people time to think is absolutely vital. … Read more
“Ho ho ho” If there’s one man who knows how to speak with a rich and resonant voice it’s the world’s most famous driver of reindeer, Santa Claus himself. “Ho ho ho”, he chuckles, bringing the sound from deep within his rotund belly. Santa obviously appreciates a few mince pies at this time of year. … Read more
I wish I’d got there first… Every now and again I come across a book I wish I’d written. “Talk Like TED” is one such publication. I recommend it as a great start to any executive presentation training program. One of the reasons I like this book so much is because it is written by … Read more
Coaching magic Sometimes magic happens. And when it does it blows me away. This month a benevolent fairy has been sprinkling magic dust over one of my clients. Both he and I are delighted with the results. A devastating fear of public speaking My client (let’s call him Thomas) is the founder and CEO of a … Read more
Understanding the incomprehensible Some people express themselves so clearly that their meaning is immediately obvious – even though their language is foreign to the listener. My taxi driver on a recent business trip to Oman was a point in question. Speaking in Arabic, he demonstrated vividly how clear speech can transcend language barriers. Now I’m … Read more
The benefits of biscuits for effective meetings Biscuits are apparently the king of effective meetings. Survey after survey has underlined that the better the biscuit, the better the meeting. This doesn’t mean that the world’s most expensive biscuit will net you that multi-million dollar deal. In fact the world’s most expensive biscuit is probably inedible, … Read more
Powerful connections make all the difference This week I’ve been considering the issue of creating strong interpersonal connections while speaking. It’s the most important way to engage, influence and inspire those around you. Connecting effectively with others helps people take your message on board, and this increases the likelihood that you will influence and inspire them … Read more
The active listening habits of leaders "Most of the successful people I've known”, said Bernard Baruch, financier and political adviser, “are the ones who do more listening than talking". His observations were astute. Academic research indicates that leaders really are better listeners. They listen with an open mind, without becoming emotional or defensive. Studies show … Read more
The significance of a strong voice I lost my voice this week. It totally disappeared and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it apart from remain quiet. Even communication professionals can fall victim to vocal cord viruses, although this was a first for me. But never one to let an opportunity slip by, I … Read more
