As part of my work as a public speaking coach and trainer, I facilitate a workshop called Speak Like a TED Talker, which teaches participants how to express themselves authentically, from the heart, and with diamond-sharp clarity. In the morning we play a game called ‘TED or Dead’. I read out the titles of various speeches and ask the group to decide whether or not they are TED talks or dead … [Read more...] about If you really want to stand out you’ll have to mind your language
BLOG
How can you fall in love with your audience if you can’t see them clearly?
Ten years ago, when I was a footloose and fancy-free 50-year-old, I started dating younger men. One day I received a flattering message from a man who looked like a male model. He was gorgeous. I couldn’t believe he was interested in me. We started messaging each other and eventually the conversation turned to meeting up. I was beyond excited. But every time I tried to pin him down, he would come … [Read more...] about How can you fall in love with your audience if you can’t see them clearly?
Why do you need clarity of purpose? Because people buy why…
Simon Sinek’s TED talk has been viewed more than 36 million times. It doesn’t have a particularly memorable title but what I'll always remember about it is a key phrase he uses all the way through – ‘People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.’ This has always made sense to me. When you are introduced to someone at a social or business event, they inevitably ask ‘What do you do?’ And … [Read more...] about Why do you need clarity of purpose? Because people buy why…
Take a dive into the pool of vulnerability
Today I am feeling vulnerable. I’m probably about four years old and in need of a hug. Tearful. Feeling sensitive. Wondering whether I should even be writing this. Far better to hide under a duvet with a cuddly duck. Or at least wait until I feel like a competent adult again. What has triggered this? Sharing the deepest purpose behind the work I do on my About Me page. And then being quizzed … [Read more...] about Take a dive into the pool of vulnerability
Three elements of a compelling story
“For the majority of my life, I felt deeply uncomfortable and confused in my own body. I starved and abused my body in many destructive ways – all because I felt that I wasn’t good enough or beautiful enough…” These are the words of photographer Alice Joiner (above), who for five years suffered from a mental illness that manifested as a serious eating disorder. In service of her art and her … [Read more...] about Three elements of a compelling story
Dear creatives: marketing is part of your job description
When I was a trainee music journalist in the early 80s, I was tasked with interviewing new bands and artists. Some of them – like Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran – were media-savvy before anyone talked about being media-savvy. They understood the importance of crafting an image. But many of them were either stuck in the belief that their music should speak for itself, or they hated having to do … [Read more...] about Dear creatives: marketing is part of your job description