Category: Uncategorized

Some people have a tendency to want to show people how smart they are.  They’ll use big words and complex phrases and it makes them feel good.  After all, it’s a good thing to show people how clever you are, right? WRONG! The purpose of most presentations is to inform, influence or persuade.  To do do this, we need to be … Continued

Are you ‘magically’ distracting your audience? For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by magicians. How do they show you the coin in the hand, then show you both hands open and no coin, then, presto, they pull it out from behind their ear?! Well, the mystery was recently solved after watching … Continued

Are you credible? As a speaker or presenter, appearing credible to your audience is vital.  Without credibility, you really have nothing. Here are a few handy hints to really build up your credibility and leave the audience in absolute no doubt you are THE expert in your field. Memorise Quotes. If you’re using a famous or … Continued

ARE YOU GIVING YOUR AUDIENCE INFORMATION INDIGESTION? We are inundated with the message that we need to ‘over deliver’ content and value to our customers or potential customers.  In one respect its right but we need to be careful that we don’t overwhelm our audience and give them ‘information indigestion’. If you are like me, … Continued

Corporate sponsorship has been and is an especially important part of the commercial world.  Organisations such as sporting clubs, charities and even other businesses depend on the revenue from corporate sponsorship and in return the sponsor receives promotion of their brand in a variety of mediums. One of these mediums is often events where sponsors … Continued

How relatable are you? I was watching a video of a new client recently speaking to a group of year 11 and 12 high school students. He spoke confidently and whilst he had had things we needed to work on, the first thing that got me were the stories and analogies he was telling to make his … Continued

In every aspect of our lives we will face criticism and or feedback.  What’s the difference you ask?  You can look up the dictionary meaning but my short version is as follows: The only purpose of Criticism is to hurt, put down, belittle or deride whilst making the deliverer feel better about their short comings.  … Continued

One of the most important communication skills we can possess is the art of listening. We were born with 2 ears and 1 mouth and we should use them in those proportions but far too many people don’t and so, if you ARE a good listener, that my good folks works to your advantage! It’s … Continued

One of the most common memes /questions I see posed on social media is “What advice would you give to your younger self”.  It is an interesting question and whilst sadly time travel is not possible today, I’m sure there are many, if not all of us (especially me!) who would sell the farm for … Continued

WHY DIDN’T YOU RETURN MY CALL? One of the most frustrating things can be leaving a message on someone’s phone and not getting a return call or at the least a text back(at some point!) I have no doubt the lady that left a message on my phone Wednesday is absolutely cursing me at the … Continued

Public Speaking and the Air Force Pilot What could the 2 possibly have in common?  That was my thoughts as well. Late last year I was speaking to a young man who is determined to become a pilot in the Australian Air Force.  I assumed (very wrongly) that the process would be to firstly enlist … Continued

Funerals and Public Speaking Last year I attended the funeral of an elderly lady, who, to be honest, I had never actually met.  The obvious question is why the heck were you there?  I was there as a mark of respect to other family members who I was very close to and also to give … Continued

But I’m JUST the MC Just before COVID-19, I attended a small, but significant event held by a major charity.  It was significant because amongst the speakers and attendees was the CEO, The Head of Marketing, a number of senior staff and very importantly the State Government Minister responsible for this area.  They had done … Continued

Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You…  If you were born prior to the early 60’s and had any interest in music, you most likely remember the great Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”.  For those of you too young to know or too old to remember, … Continued

TALK TO ANYONE, ANYTIME Do you ever feel awkward during conversations with work colleagues, clients or even acquaintances and family?  Do you get a little anxious when you’re thinking about a party or a networking event that you really should be attending?  Do you have a lack of confidence in these situations? Well, don’t panic.  … Continued

PEEK A BOO….I CAN SEE YOU For those who are actively looking for work as a result of recently losing their jobs, looking for a career change or looking for a job which offers promotion within their chosen field, one thing is common……all interviews are currently conducted via an online medium such as Zoom and … Continued

I’M MOVING ON There is a saying which goes “It is what it is”.  Some people use it as kind of a mantra to accept the situation, understanding they can’t change the situation but they can change their response and actions.  Others loath it! I’m pleased to report that I am part of the first … Continued

DON’T EVER CHALLENGE “WORSE” Many years ago, a now infamous comedian recorded a live performance at a Las Vegas Casino and without a doubt, it was one of the funniest things I have ever heard.  His use of self-deprecating humour combined with his fantastic story telling skills made for entertainment on a grand scale.  In … Continued

Chaos In Review There is no doubt the current pandemic is creating havoc in every aspect of our lives.  Hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs literally overnight, thousands of small businesses closing, some sadly forever and an enormous strain on the health system.  There is fear, pain and suffering everywhere we look. No … Continued

How Lucky Are You? Many years ago, the great golfer, Gary Player, was being interviewed by a journalist after an outstanding round.  “Great round Gary, certainly had your fair share of luck out there today”.  After a brief moment of thought and contemplation, Gary replied “Yeah…  I did, but you know it seems the more … Continued

Powerful Secrets of Persuasion I recently spoke to a business acquaintance who has been having trouble getting his proposals accepted.  “I know my facts inside out and my presentation material is first class but I don’t seem to be getting them over the line” he confided in me.  Sadly, not an uncommon problem.  We can … Continued

Allow me to introduce…… You would think an introduction of a speaker or presenter would be pretty easy.  Mention their name, a bit about what they do, what you think, a couple of wise cracks to embarrass them, a few gratuitous laughs and job done.  WRONG!!  Work colleagues and friends are famous for this type … Continued

Do You Have a Job Interview Coming Up? A job interview can be very intimidating for many people.  Nerves, anxiety and fear can become all-consuming as the hour approaches.   Here are a few tips to help you nail it. Breath Before you go in, take a few big deep breaths.  You see when you’re stressed, … Continued

But I’m not in sales…. It’s an interesting conversation when I enquire what people do.  The only people who mention sales are the people who literally sell a product or service.  What about the rest?  Engineers, architects…… But here’s the thing, we are ALL in sales.  We may not be directly selling a product or … Continued

Christmas Day is fast approaching…again.  It seems to come around a damn site faster as I get older.  Some people genuinely look forward to the day whether it be a time to spend with loved ones, time off work or the gifts but for many it’s a period of high anxiety and stress that comes … Continued

For first time readers of my blog, last week I celebrated my 60th birthday and took a moment to reflect on the lessons I had learnt and given the opportunity, would share with my younger self.  I received plenty of positive feedback and most readers could relate to what I wrote.  However it was interesting … Continued

Well, today I turn the big 60! ​I must admit, I don’t feel any different physically than when I hit 50.  I have looked after myself.  I regularly attend the gym and eat well albeit I do have to battle to control the sweet tooth!  Other areas of my life, however aren’t quite where I … Continued