For More Influence, Try Grounded Cognition
Imagine you’re in a meeting, pitching an idea, or presenting a new strategy. You’ve prepared well, and the content feels solid. But the moment you start speaking, you see their attention slipping away. You wonder, What’s missing? Here’s a thought: it might not be what you’re saying, but how you’re saying it. Let me explain. […]
3 Communication Lessons to Learn from Trump
At the risk of adding to the noise about Donald Trump’s communication style, I think now is the perfect time for me to highlight three things I believe he did very well during rallies. Things we can all learn from. And while I’m not going to mention the politics to avoid distracting from my message, […]
Confident Speaker? 2 Pitfalls that Disconnect Audiences
I ran a lunchtime session for the Law Institute of Victoria recently, and one of the topics mentioned was if you’re a confident speaker, pitfalls that disconnect audiences. If this is you, you might recognise 1 of the 2 issues I mention specifically! There are 2 common issues I see time and time again. And […]
To Avoid a Bored Audience, a Science-backed Tip on Timing
Boredom is universal. So to avoid a bored audience, here’s a science-backed tip on how to time some contrast. Even if you don’t believe in being bored (I count myself among those people), do you agree there are still moments when a situation is just…so…dull that it causes you to long for the exit? This […]
“Your truth” or “Universal truth”?
Video link below. Last week, I watched a media interview outside a court in Hobart, where I heard this bald statement: “The verdict demonstrates a simple truth. Women are better than men.” The speaker was Kirsha Kaechele, the creator of the Ladies Lounge at MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart. The issue […]
Communication that Sticks: Simple, Succinct, and Spacious Communication
Communication that Sticks with your Audience Simple, succinct and spacious communication – easy to remember, sometimes hard to do! I’ve been working in-house with a lot of organisations recently. And a topic that comes up over and over again is this: our ideas are only as good as our audience’s ability to consume and digest […]
Consistency is the enemy of engagement
When we don’t use enough variety as we speak, it’s almost inevitable that people stop listening and tune out. And consistency is the enemy of engagement! ‘Sameness’ will not get attention, and it won’t keep attention. Let alone bring it back once it’s been lost. And unless you’re super-aware of your own speaking style, it’s […]
Public Speaking Preparation: How’s your PEP?
With the main Olympics over (and Paralympians in action soon) – and whether you liked or watched the Games – you may know that competitors often have pre-event routines. Some competitors paint their nails in specific ways. Others knit, or listen to the same piece of music. This idea ties into work I may do […]
Don’t Forget to Breathe
I spent last week in SA running workshops for both Flinders University medical workforce and Limestone Coast Regional Development. My 3rd visit, and always so rewarding. And one of the topics that came up again – for many different reasons – breathing! At the risk of banging on about this again – believe me, it […]
Do you Shrink Wrap when you Speak?
Our mind and body follow each other when public speaking, and tightly controlling your body will mean that your mind also contracts. You want to move to be able to think! Do you ever shrink-wrap yourself when you’re speaking? Our mind follows our body and vice versa. And if you are nervous, or focused very […]