Get personal and change hearts & minds
Whenever I go to my local coffee shop and collect pre-ordered bread, I see it on a shelf in a brown paper bag bearing my name. And not just my name, but my name with some added 'design'. They get…
Be kind – ditch the script & start a conversation
How are you feeling about the month ahead? I woke up this morning feeling pretty low and under the weather, though I’m pleased to say I haven’t caught the virus! The grey miserable view outside did little to help chase…
What to do when like turns to dislike
Like has crept into (or should I say is revisiting) the English language and sometimes feels as if it's destroying the richness of the language, its nuances and variety. When you're giving a speech or presentation, the words you choose…
Burns night – Toast to the Lassies
“The sweetest hours that e’er I spend Are spent amang the lasses, O” And who can blame him! We all know that Rabbie Burns loved the lassies, but he also respected and valued us. He knew that the focus on…
Would customers please note … A rant can be a speech too!
We are born with just two fears – fear of falling and fear of LOUD NOISES. These two fears are part of our DNA that we pass from one generation to the next as survival mechanisms. They have one purpose…
3 smart steps to achieve your goals
It’s that time of year again! New Year’s resolutions. The time to set goals for even greater success. Have you made a new year’s resolution? Are you all ready to achieve your goals in 2020 or even the next few…
A writer’s challenge – three strangers come to call
We all love a challenge, don't we? They help you learn; help you grow; maybe even help you feel amazing when you achieve them? In the same way, writer's love a challenge. But do you always know what you're letting…
Speakers’ Twelve Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas my speech coach sent to me ... A message for my next speech Two stories true Three heartfelt points Four timing tips Five ways to bond Six ‘um’-free minutes Seven vocal stylings Eight ways with…
Contrast is key to powerful persuasion
Contrast is key if you want to persuade anyone to your point of view or proposed course of action. Blending into the background is not an option. Contrast blocks out the other demands competing for your listeners' attention and helps…
