I was painting a wall in my living room the other day.

And as I opened a pot of white paint I noticed something that surprised me.

You normally think of white paint being, well… white.

Plain. Neutral. Disappear into the background stuff.

But on the inside of the rim I could see the finest ring of dark, charcoal grey.

I used to work as a receptionist.

A role that mostly gets ignored by folk. You’re in the background in many ways. Almost invisible, really.

That person who keeps the plants company. Answers phones. Smiles a lot.

Gives people directions. And not many people really talk to you.

But one person did.

Looking for a way to introduce yourself?  That won’t have people plastering a polite but not interested smile on their face? And instead instantly start to build rapport and connection?

Here’s how.

Chances are when you give a presentation at an event, you’ve got something prepared for how to introduce yourself to your audience. Do you have this kind of introduction for other audiences?

There’s just the two of them and it’s raining and dark. They’re in shock. And the look they share is intense. It’s clear there’s a history here. And still very much a sizzle.

And this is in the opening episode.

There’s a new thrilling series in town. 

She takes a step forward and the crowd goes wild. It‘s a moment of huge celebration. And yet also of danger.

When we think of public speaking we think of the what.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The four men harmonised as they sang. A bottle of red wine was open and there was laughter. Although this was a weekly get together between old friends it felt unique.

I will remember this, I thought, sitting in the visitor’s chair, an audience of one.