Important Advice Don’t be boring. Don’t overdo it. Don’t mess it up. This is the kind of incredibly unhelpful self-talk that will undo any important verbal interaction, whether it’s a date, best man’s speech or a pitch for investment. The key to success in these situations? Well, thinking positively is good: Be interesting. Be cool. Get it right. But this kind of […]
Want Rapport? Relax. Read More »
Take No Chances When it comes to presentations, I think you should minimise the risks by preparing: Don’t rely on Powerpoint/slides. Rehearse until you are at one with your material. Visit the venue beforehand and get familiar with its size, layout and technology (projection, amplification and lighting). The Unexpected That’s what you can control. But I guarantee that
I’ve stood up hundreds of times in front of people to speak. Each event has advanced my progress in some way, but up until very recently I’ve never analysed the psychological science, only the facts and results (I have a LOT of data, albeit stored in my brain and not in any digital format). I’ve developed by iterating my techniques and proving their
The Science of Confidence Read More »
Antagonist My favourite movies always have a good villain. It’s well known that Hollywood loves an English actor for this role, whether it’s Benedict Cumberbatch in ‘Star Trek: Into Darkness’, Donald Pleasance as Blofeld, Peter Cushing in ‘Star Wars’, Alan Rrrickman in ‘Die Hard’, or Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter. They provide a sinister, intellectual character.
License to Kill (When Speaking) Read More »
The Theory Entertainment forms such as video games and movies benefit from having a good story. They should always have one anyway, though. Obviously. Information forms, however – such as lectures, pitches and presentations – benefit even more from having a good story, because they’re not expected to have one. The Practical I saw several academics speak at an event
