A few years ago, I read an interview with one of Obama’s speechwriters. I’ve forgotten their name, but I’ll never forget their quote: “You have to let the white space speak.” It’s a quote I often share with participants in the public speaking trainings I facilitate, to illustrate the value of pacing and pausing, and the fact that the space we put around our words is as important as the words … [Read more...] about Why you have to let the white space speak
public speaking
Thanks William and Harry for sharing a story from your scars, not your wounds
Back in the dark days of summer 2012, when I had just separated from my husband, I signed up for a public speaking course called Speak Like a TED Talker. The aim was to find my TED-style “idea worth spreading”. As I cast around for ways to articulate my message, it came down to this: I wanted to put an end to silent suffering. Looking back, it was a cry for help. I hadn’t told anyone … [Read more...] about Thanks William and Harry for sharing a story from your scars, not your wounds
My story of transformation through the power of community
I first became aware of Nick Williams in the summer of 2011, after hearing him speak on Sandy Newbigging’s Freedom for Life online summit. I resonated with his gentle, genuine, down-to-earth manner and felt sufficiently motivated to comment about it on Sandy’s website. I wrote: “I am grateful to Nick Williams for his insight about sharing our gifts with the world. ‘Don’t wait to feel good … [Read more...] about My story of transformation through the power of community
Finding my voice: the journey of a lifetime
The human voice can express itself in so many ways – on the outside and the inside. Your speaking voice. Your singing voice. Your tone of voice – both vocal and written. Your inner voice – your intuition. The voices in your head – from the inner critic to the inner champion. We speak of “finding our voice” even if we’re already articulate. And we talk of “giving someone a voice” if they … [Read more...] about Finding my voice: the journey of a lifetime
The day I finally found my voice…
I watched a video of myself today. This is something I would usually shy away from, but on this occasion it was different. Because it was a video of me doing my first ever talk to an audience. Once I’d stopped judging my appearance and wondering why I do that weird lopsided thing with my mouth, I allowed myself to appreciate what I had achieved. Even I thought I came across well, and that I had … [Read more...] about The day I finally found my voice…
Why it’s time to throw away the script…
Last week I stood up in front of a group of people, most of whom I didn’t know, and spoke without a script for about three minutes. This may not seem like a tall order to many of you, but for me it was a big deal. It took every fibre of my being to break through my resistance and walk the few yards from seat to spotlight. Why? Because I’m a writer. I enjoy the comfort of the written word. … [Read more...] about Why it’s time to throw away the script…