Whether it's acing interviews, engaging with audiences, or crafting stories to boost your brand, we're all in the business of communicating these days. And how we use our words matters.

How much can you fit into 30 mins about speaking with impact and using your words well? It turns out, quite a lot!

I was a guest on Gillian Whitney’s LinkedIn Live recently and we had a great conversation about…

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?

It’s back, it’s back! The mild mannered, moustachioed man, Ted Lasso, is here and it’s crammed with terrific communication skills lessons. Like these four gems…

**spoiler alert, go watch episode 1 of season 3 and then come back**

First up, there was some amazing stuff out of the mouths of babes.

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. 

You’re probably familiar with Oliver Twist,  who was brave enough to ask ‘Please sir, I want more’ after he’d finished his food.

But do you know the real life story of what happened to a group of hungry American women when they wanted more?

Picture the scene.

Going to be speaking to a group of folk? Want to engage with your audience? Add more energy to how you present?

Do this.

First up, you’ll need a bunch of coloured pencils.

I’ve music on in the background and I’m thinking “There’s something odd going on here. Something strange.”

I listened.

And then I heard it…

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.

The world’s worst marketing you’ve never seen.

Yet…

A tale of terrifying your waitress, what food tastes like in heaven and managing our energy.

Rhapsody. 

Sublime.

Taste-tacular (it’s a word. I’ve just made it up).

Picture, if you will, the following…

Lying, relaxing floating on a blissful cloud with an “Oooh” and an “Ahhhhhhh.” Versus, lying with every muscle taught waiting for the moment when there’s pain followed by a series of sharp intakes of breath.

There’s a street in Amsterdam which has a gorgeous, nurturing massage place next door to a waxing shop. I’m not making this up. I’m wondering how that works.

What are you doing to meet your audiences’ needs? How would you rate your connection with them? And what happens when you don’t get them and they don’t get you?

The short answer is that you look a bit daft and it teaches you to laugh at yourself. Here are two occasions when I did not do my homework about who was sitting in front of me.

We are all public speakers. Whether it’s show and tell at school, being put on the spot at work to “just say a few words” or facing a sea of expectant faces from a stage. Here are ten top tips to help you.

It covers a range of topics from storytelling to the power of pauses, and why clarity, editing and learning the needs of your audience are your best friends when you’re preparing what you’re going to say.

You've an audience in front of you and your role is to motivate them. Here's a simple 5 piece structure to help you do just that.

We know Mickey Mouse and M&Ms have shaped American culture, but what about Alan H. Monroe? I'll give you a few clues. He invented something in the 1930s. You'll know his work. It might have brought a lump to your throat. It made you care. It made you want to take action. Any ideas? Read on…