It is a simple fact that people tend to make sweeping judgements about a person’s personality and competence based upon the ‘thin slices’ of information available. So if you present slightly better than those around you, you’ll stand out. If you stand out, you’ll get a reputation for being capable in so many more areas…
Of course it’s always possible to be caught of guard but, in business, we can reduce the chances of that. Reasoned responses to the unexpected can be prepared in advance. Taking the experiences of salespeople, stand-up comedians and pilots as examples, Jim shows how a bit of preparation and practice (and more practice) will have…
I was working with a group of (London) city professionals last week. Building a pitch for a piece of new business. One of the team asked me a great question. How do I stop myself ‘freezing’ when I’m speaking? She was an excellent presenter. Engaging, warm, knowledgeable and very well prepared. She asked me a simple, direct question and…
It was reported this weekend that Adele is nervous about her ‘comeback’ (having taken time off to have her baby) at the upcoming Oscars. Most of us are confident that the singer will be more than capable of delivering an fantastic performance – and she herself probably doesn’t truly doubt her abilities. Nerves and stage…
I love all of the contact I have with my readers and clients, I love the challenges that they bring to me and the stuff that they teach me. It really keeps me going – and if you would like to get in touch, please use the contact form, or sign up to the mailing…
You are most often the final ingredient that makes a good presentation on paper go well in the real world. Meet people (even if you know them) as they come into the room, shake hands, have a brief chat with them to help show your confidence and ‘break the ice’. Show enthusiasm for the subject….
It’s your instrument and most people don’t really know how to use it. Rehearse in the place where you’ll make your speech if you can, it makes a full dress rehearsal and readies you for the real thing. If you can’t use the venue, use somewhere like it. Project to people at the back of…
Role models, free lessons, blogs and other ways of keeping you sharp. 1. Watch the way that TV news (anything but CNN where there’s just too much going on) tells a story with graphics, text and voice. 2. Look at the structure of a story in a newspaper, notice the headline, the grabber first paragraph…
It’s your instrument and most people don’t really know how to play it. 1. Rehearse in the place where you’ll make your speech if you can, it makes a full dress rehearsal and readies you for the real thing. If you can’t use the venue, use somewhere like it. 2. Project to people at the…