I give talks to large groups of people on presentations and pitching. Just me and some slides. I’m pleased to say that it usually goes pretty well (I’m my own worst critic so I think that keeps my perspective and ego in check). The audience remains engaged throughout and occasionally I say something amusing. All […]
Scared Again? Good. Read More »
Pauses can be powerful in your communication. Here are a couple for you to try out: 1.) Dramatic You’re delivering your presentation; you’ve arrived at a particularly important point which would benefit from some emphasis and gravitas. At this stage, speaking more loudly and gesticulating could increase the material’s significance to your audience. Far more effective,
I recently gave a talk on pitching at a software development conference, where I focused on delivery and being human. In the Q&A, someone asked, “What if you’re not animated like you, Jon?” My answer was that you can be quiet and even awkward when pitching as long as you’re authentic and honest – and
Wanted: Introverted Nerd Read More »
…is guaranteed to be followed by something extremely offensive (see also “I’m not sexist, but…”). Contradicting yourself with a disclaimer is really stupid. Another example is ‘We respectfully ask that…’ (often written under the title ‘Polite Notice’). It’s not a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card to then say whatever you want; using the word
“I’m not racist, but…” Read More »
Who’s your favourite hero? Why? Mine possess the qualities I aspire to have: Bruce Wayne, James Bond, Ripley, Rocky, Wolverine and Indiana Jones are focused, courageous, tenacious, audacious (and other words ending in ‘acious’). They can easily do the things which I find difficult. Twisted and Evil However, much more interesting are my favourite villains:
Villains – Much More Interesting Read More »
