Do you want to get the boardroom addicted to your story? How about your staff or your clients? Thanks to the latest findings in Neuroscience we now know what brain chemicals make us stop and pay attention. So, can we use this information to engage our listeners and make them pay attention by sharing stories? … Read more
Presentation Skills
10 Big Presenting Mistakes to Avoid
10 big presentation mistakes to avoid if you want to nail your next presentation We’ve all been to those presentations. The ones where we stare in horror at the presenter who lacks any presenting skill or worse, the presenter who just doesn’t know how to behave appropriately from the platform, boardroom or training room floor. Yes, that same presenter who has been … Read more
Content isn’t always King when delivering a presentation
Content isn’t always King It’s sometimes the queen You may have heard the expression “Content is king” but, as I have explained in previous presentation principles, great content delivered badly is definitely not presentation royalty. When I have been asked to help find a keynote for a conference or a trainer for the day most … Read more
Leaders tell stories – Here’s why
The power of story Thanks to neuroscience we have learned a lot over the past few years about just how powerful stories can be. We now know which brain chemicals cause us to pay attention and which chemicals help us to connect with others. A great story releases a rush of brain chemicals like Cortisol … Read more
4 Must Read Tips to Help You Overcome Your Public Speaking Nerves
No need to avoid presenting any longer You have been asked to present at your next industry conference. Woohoo!! Or maybe not. The thought of standing in front of 400 people is terrifying and the self-talk starts in your head. I have no idea how to put together a presentation, what was I thinking? No … Read more
Does your audience remember your presentation? The primacy and recency effect.
A quick and easy tip to help you plan your next presentation. The most critical parts of your presentation are your opening and closing. Apart from your presentation opening needing to grab the attention of the audience right from the start, you need to ensure your critical key messages are communicated at the beginning of your … Read more
The Pros and Cons of Training and Presenting
The results are in from the Great Training and Speaking Debate I am a little bit obsessed with quality training and presenting. For the past 30 years I have been helping trainers and presenters to step up, step out and share their expertise through a variety of different modalities. It is my belief that you … Read more
It’s time you “Spiced It Up”
Spice up your Presentation Skills How many boring meetings, boardroom pitches or training sessions have you been to? I am sure you are running out of fingers on your hands to count by now. It’s very easy to ‘Spice It Up’. I am amazed that people still go into meetings, pitches or training unprepared or with little … Read more
When a speaker cancels at the last minute
Presentation Skills – what would you do? I used to joke that I hoped a speaker cancels at the last minute so I can jump up and say ‘I’m ready, pick me’ but when it happens…. Oh My Goodness. On Monday night about an hour before a big event one of the 6 speakers decides … Read more
Autism West Speaks Out – It’s time to have a voice
Autism West Speaks Out – It’s time to have a voice Programme Ambassador Paula Smith (Professional Speaker, Presentation Skills and Storytelling Author, and Mum of an adult Son on the Spectrum) believes anyone can be a powerful presenter given the right tools and the belief that their story or message is worth sharing. Paula is … Read more
