There are 4 ways of dealing with Anxiety Remove the source of anxiety – avoid the stress. This is a poor coping strategy. There is no growth in capability. There will always be a reduction of my performance levels when the stressor is present. Manage my level of anxiety – learn to auto-adjust down (relaxation … Read more
“Writing is among the greatest inventions in human history, perhaps the greatest invention, since it made history possible. Yet it is a skill most writers take for granted. As adults we seldom stop to think about the mental-cum-physical process that turns our thoughts into symbols on a piece of paper.” Andrew Robinson, The Story of … Read more
TED talks are some of the best speeches that I watch. TED organisers have a set of 10 rules that no speaker is ever allowed to break. This might be a lesson for all speakers. Thou Shalt Not Simply Trot Out thy Usual Shtick Thou Shalt Dream a Great Dream, or Show Forth a Wondrous … Read more
Ira Glass, presenter of This American Life, tells us that there are three basic building blocks of the story – the anecdote, “bait” and moments of reflection (video here). We improve a story by building up the central conflict, ensuring that the listeners can relate to one of the central characters and by adding surprise. … Read more
A short note inspired by a post from Verne Harnish of Gazelles. He wrote about a keynote speech by Dr. William Horton, author of Mind Control. After showing various debate clips featuring Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Obama, Horton outlined five techniques for winning over (manipulating) the masses: Encourage their dreams Justify their failures Allay … Read more
This is relevant for anyone who communicates regularly from a position of authority – doctors, scientists, professors… 3 Types of Experts I have had several people who have expertise say to me “but I haven’t been successful myself”. Toni Nadal isn’t better at tennis than Rafa, but he knows how to get results. Michael Porter … Read more
“When you forget yourself and your fear, when you get beyond self-consciousness because your mind is thinking about what you are trying to communicate, you become a better communicator” Peggy Noonan. On Speaking Well I have just read “On Speaking Well” by Peggy Noonan, speechwriter to Ronald Reagan. She sums up persuasive speaking with seven … Read more
“You either learn to sell, or you will always work for someone who has learnt to sell” This blog post is a summary of my notes on a session by Blair Singer on Sales. Your ability to selling has a major influence on your income, your promotions, your relationships and ultimately where you take your … Read more
I would place Steve Jobs way up there in my list of powerful public speakers. I think Steve is somebody well worth study because his presentations are so powerful because of how much hard work he puts in to making them that great. Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and Barrack Obama are great speakers but somehow … Read more
The conclusion: it doesn’t matter how good the idea, it matters what the “buyer” thinks of you as a person in the first few seconds of your pitch. I have just read “How to Pitch a Brilliant idea” by Kimberly Elsbach in the Harvard Business Review. In 150 miliseconds a “buyer” will have categorized you … Read more