I’m never that bothered about seeing the ‘evaluation reports’ that the crowd fills in after they’ve heard you speak. I always know how it’s gone don’t you? 30, 60, 80 90% as you’d expected it to be, and the reactions that you got after the event, the number who’ve connected to you on twitter or linked in. You always kind of know. But you don’t really do you?
Before the study began, facial expressions were considered a “hard-wired human behavior trait,” suggesting that various cultures did not interpret facial expressions differently. However, Jack conducted his study to prove that facial expression interpretation is culturally relevant, using statistical documentation and computer-generated facial expressions.
The patients from the Thatcher Memorial home for incurable pedants are occasionally allowed out under supervision I’m a proud member of the UK Speechwriter’s Guild. The purpose of The Guild is to: Sell English language speech-writing skills in Britain and across the world. Bring together political and business leaders to improve their communication skills and exchange ideas….
I had a really interesting challenge the other day, to speak to 30 or so 14-16 year old girls about ‘personal impact’. I had 30 minutes to make an impression and help them make the most of the event they were at. The event was a ‘bring your daughter to work’ day, arranged by the fabulous people…
Here’s a lovely trashing of Ed Miliband’s conference speech last week. It’s by the elegantly uptight Martin Shovel and if you haven’t visited his blog yet. Please do, it’s really rather good. Here’s his view. Ed Miliband’s bargain basement speech. I thought Ed’s speech was like the worst ever bullshit bingo entrant. Someone in the…
My occasional and much admired colleague, Charles Crawford, shows how using metaphor to make a powerful point, but gently, is an art that never loses it’s impact done well. To do it we have to understand 3 things- That metaphors are comparisons that show how two things that are not alike in most ways are similar…
I know my Spanish, French and US friends will forgive me for this, but here’s a lovely post from Max Atkinson- Rhetoritician (?) is that a word, on Deputy Prime Minister’s Speech at the Lib Dem (Lost demoralised and broken political party of UK coalition government) conference yesterday. Max Atkinson’s Blog: Clegg’s conference speech: 1 plus &…
Winston Churchill’s finest hour as a leader came in the dark days of 1940-42. His belligerence and oratory stood out in the world at war. Politics aside, it’s a great speech for a few simple reasons- It matches the mood- Britain was scared, the future looked grim, the mood was sombre, we were alone. It starts where…
As a travelling speaker, you don’t ask for much really, just the right directions, a decent hotel, a fee, and then a chance when you get to the venue. Part of giving you a chance is that the host introduces you properly, politely and professionally to the crowd. I mostly give the introducer and few short written lines in the preparatory exchanges when all the arrangements are made, but it doesn’t always work.