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
Want to be unafraid when speaking? Then remember, simplicity is the key to confident, effective communication. Don’t worry about including everything – if they want to hear more, they’ll ask. Be conversational; don’t use grandiose language (the bigger the audience, the more effective being conversational is). Try to have empathy with your audience, and consider what they
Confident Simplicity Read More »
Now, I may be the most white, middle-class English person you’re aware of (in fact, I probably am), but I certainly know a thing or two about hip hop (please don’t call it rap*). I draw great inspiration from this phenomenal musical form for my public speaking philosophy, specifically: Get your audience’s attention. Be yourself.
The Spirit of Hip Hop Read More »
Control. It’s probably the most important thing that you’ll learn in your life, particularly control over your fear and your anger. And yes, controlling your fear is essential for good public speaking. But don’t try to control the events that happen around you. You’ll achieve control with rehearsal and experience, through which you’ll start to gain a
