I get it: you don’t want to forget your words, so you script your presentation…and then you read from that script. Or maybe you think you’re not doing that because your presentation is a series of Powerpoint slides…which you then read to your audience. .Reading from a...

The tone of your voice can have a huge impact on how your message is received. A defensive tone of voice often leads to misunderstandings, conflict, and strained relationships. You can come across as prickly, and unapproachable. Understanding what a defensive tone is,...

For a lot of us, the thought of getting up and speaking in front of people is akin to facing a dragon – a daunting challenge that triggers anxiety and fear. If you find yourself trembling and feeling sick at the very thought of talking in a room full (or even...

Are you a good leader? Do you invest in your team? Grow their skills - develop their capabilities both as individuals and as a group? When members of your team come together to give a presentation, there are pitfalls. They're working on their own sections; their...

Words are powerful. But truly effective communication is about more than the words we speak. Our gestures and body language play a crucial role in conveying emotions, emphasising points, and connecting with our audience during a presentation. Just as a picture is...

We all know those speakers: they’re captivating; they have us hanging on their every word as they effortlessly command the stage.We’re envious of  their ability to engage the audience, convey their message with conviction, and leave a lasting impact. It's easy to...

A couple of days ago, my friend Sarah messaged me for some advice. In her new role, she has been asked to present to the board. Her exact words were: “I’m really hoping I get hit by a bus or something so I don’t have to go”. And she wasn’t joking. Sarah isn’t alone in...

A lot of people start their presentation with the wrong idea. They go out there thinking about how they can sound like the authority on something – how they can elevate themselves and sound brilliant. Public speaking has this aura of “ego” around it that is, in my...

I was recently interviewed, for a Podcast, about public speaking – general advice on how to engage; how to feel confident; and so on. The interviewer, Andy, commented that I didn’t seem to “um and ah” very much, and, on listening back to the recording, a realised he’s...

When we are trying to persuade someone of something – to buy in to our idea or our product; to give us a job; to sign up as a client – we need to get them to trust us. We need them to understand that we want the same things: you want them to know that they can trust...

Lots of people worry that they are going to forget their words when they’re giving a speech or presentation. And it’s a valid fear: when we’re nervous, we often experience the terror of our mind going blank (I still have anxiety dreams about this from my acting days)....

With three children in the house, there’s normally someone having a meltdown. Quite often, me! But last night was my daughter’s turn. She couldn’t find her school iPad in her bag. Within five seconds she was crying - completely catastrophising the situation: “I can’t...