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
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
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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 »
