What is your presentation seeking to achieve?

This post is part of a series of posts aimed at PMO professionals ahead of my keynote Public Speaking Demystified at the Future PMO Conference on October 17th in Hammersmith. In an earlier post in this series, I mentioned the importance of having a foundational idea behind every speech or presentation. While having a clear and well-structured idea … Read more

Leadership success via networking

One of my favourite aspects of attending big events like the Toastmasters 2019 Convention. In Denver, is catching up with peers and acquaintances from all over the world. More than educational sessions, training, and trophies. The real value of these events lies in the connections we build and maintain. Yet, once upon a time I … Read more

How to use words to your advantage when you speak

The words you use can make the difference between a good speech and a great speech. They can keep your audience engaged, interested and allow audience members to paint mental images of what you say. Only a few general principles should be followed to use good language when speaking. The magic of synonyms I didn’t … Read more

What can speakers and presenters learn from Tyrion Lannister?

Tyrion Lannister of Game of Thrones fame isn’t a fictional character that one would associate with public speaking. Nevertheless, I previously looked at Tyrion Lannister’s speech from the Battle of the Blackwater. A speech that is a quintessential example of a strong motivational speech. Tyrion did another speech later on in the series and this … Read more

What’s the idea behind your presentation?

This post is part of a series of posts aimed at PMO professionals ahead of my keynote Public Speaking Demystified at the Future PMO Conference on October 17th in Hammersmith. We’ve all sat through boring presentations be it at meetings or conferences. Part of what makes a presentation boring are poor uses of PowerPoint. Poor … Read more

The power of fun and gamification

I spoke earlier this year about the development of a visual monopoly style incentives board, to communicate the initiatives linked to long-term strategies that I developed. At the challenge of a colleague, I eventually ended-up fleshing this into a playable board game. So far, hundreds of people have used the board game as part of … Read more

Leaders must master the challenges and opportunities of strategy

Perhaps because of my experience of playing strategy games when I was younger. Leadership and strategy have always been closely interrelated in my mind. Yet, over the past few years, I have observed that this isn’t the case for everybody. While strategic planning and strategic analysis are super strengths I’ve developed as an executive leader … Read more

How to memorise your speeches and presentations

A topic that often comes up when I work with clients. Or with anybody doing speeches and presentations. Is how to memorise one’s speeches and presentations. Forgetting one’s content is one of the most common fears that people have with public speaking. Do you need to memorise your speeches in advance? Does it matter if … Read more

Make the most of Toastmasters to become a good speaker – 8 Tips for you

Toastmasters International logo

An excellent way to improve your public speaking skills and to become a confident speaker is to join a Toastmasters club near you. Here are some top insider tips for you to make the most out of your Toastmasters membership. 1. Attend meetings regularly You’ve joined a club whose members and atmosphere you like. Congratulations, … Read more

How to say it! Top tips for clear speech delivery

Speech preparation takes three stages: writing, editing and practicing its delivery. Writing is manly about what you say, but more effort goes in how you say it. In this blog, I will highlight important points of speech delivery or how you say it. When you practice it, one of the first things you need to … Read more