Presenting

Presentation Tips from The Jacksons

Presentation Tips from The Jacksons

Whilst watching The Jacksons in concert recently, I loved their showmanship and ability to really connect with the crowd. We can learn a lot about how to improve our presentations from their theatrical approach, so in this blog I share 11 techniques that you can apply to take your audience engagement to the next level.

How Crossing The Fourth Wall Connects You With Your Audience

How Crossing The Fourth Wall Connects You With Your Audience

In theatre there is a concept of a ‘fourth wall’ which refers to the invisible barrier between the audience and the actors on stage. Whilst many stage techniques can be used to enhance your presentation style, there is no escaping the fact that you need to ‘cross the fourth wall’ when public speaking. Read on to find out why…

How to Manage the Q&A Part of Your Presentation

How to Manage the Q&A Part of Your Presentation

Many people fear the Q&A at the end of a pitch or presentation, but with a bit of prior planning you can make the most of the opportunity. In this post I share the benefits of a Q&A, how to prepare effectively as well as how to answer those tricky questions with confidence and poise.

Presentation Lessons from a TEDx Event

Presentation Lessons from a TEDx Event

TED talks have changed the speaking landscape and I was honoured and privileged to be one of the speaker coaches once again for the Glasgow TEDx event at the SEC Armadillo. In a day that showcased 16 speakers some of them were more memorable than others, so in this post I look at some of the talks that stood out and examine the reasons why. Read on to find out how you can use the techniques to make your own communication more powerful.

Are you tired of feeling invisible?

Are you tired of feeling invisible?

Whether you are in business for yourself or working for an organisation, the ability to be seen and heard is vital to your success. If you’re someone who sometimes feels like you’re not getting noticed and you’re missing out on opportunities because of it, this post will introduce you to a simple new concept that will help you to stand out and make an impact in your personal and professional life.

11 Things You Can Learn About Presenting from Ice Skating

11 Things You Can Learn About Presenting from Ice Skating

Recently I went ice skating for the first time in 30+ years. As I was endeavouring to get used to the feeling of being on skates again, I amused myself with the parallels between ice skating and public speaking and the lessons we can learn from them...

7 Vocal Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Presentation

7 Vocal Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Presentation

What does your voice say about you? Whether you like it or not, people will make judgements about you based on your voice. They’ll make assumptions about where you’re from, how well educated you are or how confident you are. Regardless of the words you speak, your voice will impact on how engaging a speech or presentation is for your audience and how well your message is received. 

Lessons from Hosting the Scottish EDGE Final

If you had an opportunity to compere the final of the UK’s largest funding competition, how would you feel? If you’re like most people, including me, you may feel a little daunted by the prospect!

Ten (More) Parallels Between Running and Public Speaking

Ten (More) Parallels Between Running and Public Speaking

Did you know that there are a number of similarities between running and public speaking? Following on from a previous post on this topic, here are ten more parallels between running and public speaking.

8 Reasons Why You Should Stop Presenting From Behind a Lectern

8 Reasons Why You Should Stop Presenting From Behind a Lectern

It often surprises me how many presenters are happy to stand behind a lectern and deliver a speech; it really doesn’t do them any favours when it comes to communicating their message effectively. In this post I share 8 problems connected with presenting from behind a lectern.

What Dolly Parton Can Teach You About Public Speaking

What Dolly Parton Can Teach You About Public Speaking

Dolly Parton demonstrated her incredible ability to engage a 180,000 strong crowd during her popular performance at Glastonbury. The more I watched the more I realised that her techniques could be implemented in many public speaking situations. So read on to find out what Dolly Parton can teach you about public speaking.

Public Speaking lessons from a Drag Show (Part 2)

Public Speaking lessons from a Drag Show (Part 2)

Inspired by an experience I had watching a drag show whilst on holiday, this is my second post about what lessons we can learn from drag queens when it comes to public speaking. 

12 TEDx Talks: 12 Lessons in Public Speaking

12 TEDx Talks: 12 Lessons in Public Speaking

On Thursday 18 February, the TEDx University of Edinburgh (TEDxUoE) 2016 Conference was held in Edinburgh’s Central Hall for an audience of around five hundred people. I was delighted to have the opportunity to coach 10 of the 12 speakers for this event and was incredibly proud of the way each of them delivered a clear, concise and engaging talk. So, from my perspective as an audience member, this post covers public speaking lessons inspired by each of their talks.

What Mary Poppins Can Teach You About Public Speaking

What Mary Poppins Can Teach You About Public Speaking

Whilst in Australia I had the pleasure of watching a brilliantly produced and performed amateur production of Mary Poppins. As is so often the case when I attend live theatre, I identified a number of tips that can be easily transferred to your talks and presentations. Read about them here...

The Show Must Go On: 7 Tips on How to Give a Presentation When it’s the Last Thing You Feel Like Doing!

The Show Must Go On: 7 Tips on How to Give a Presentation When it’s the Last Thing You Feel Like Doing!

or many people, the thought of delivering a presentation makes them feel sick with nerves. But what if you’ve been booked to speak at an event and you are feeling unwell?