Working from home and needing to inject some va-va voom into your day? Here are some top tips on how to make completing your to do list feel more glamorous:

• Wear something with sequins.

• That pair of shiny earrings? Put' em on. 

• For men - that crisp shirt with snazzy cufflinks.

• For introverts - that vibrant pair of socks? Give them their first wearing. Your tootsies will thank you!

“I’m almost ready. I’m just going to put on a bit of an earring” I said to my husband.

To be clear I didn’t go out with one boot on. Or with my jacket half on. Or wearing one earring.

I’ve been around for a while and have got the getting dressed thing figured out. But my husband knew what I meant when I made the comment.

Everyone has a wobble, a crisis of confidence. This is a story about what one of my role models did when that happened to her.

Colleen was one of my teaching tutors at Uni.

She was creative, had a glint in her eye in the best kind of way and made good teaching look really easy.

Thinking and feeling. Making considered decisions and being led by emotions. Opposite ends of the spectrum.

I watched Moonstruck this weekend, a film that won three Oscars: two for actresses, Cher and Olympia Dukakis, and one for the screenwriter, John Patrick Shanley. 

Now Moonstruck isn’t a new film. It was made in 1987. But its themes are universal.

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.

A rule from rugby that could improve meetings…? Sounds a bit mad? Maybe not!

The Six Nations Rugby Championship is on right now and so lots of fit men are running after a ball to cheering crowds.

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

Yet…

Lessons from life in an igloo, chatty horses and dealing with emergencies.

Good communication skills are about being able to go up and down the gears smoothly.

To know the bonding effects of words, and to know when too many words can be dangerous. 

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…

What have all these things got in common?

• David Attenborough

• A puppy

• A cloud full of rain

• A star

• The girlfriend of a clown

Miss Fairley was put together and organised. She could get things done and didn’t suffer fools gladly. And I was sitting in her office. 

I was 15 and had been a Saturday check out girl for a year at a local supermarket. My little fingers flying over the big, grey till as, item by item,  I put through people’s weekly shop. And it was fine. Okay. A 20 minute walk from home.

But I wanted more variety.

Attention: the following may positively improve the quality of your relationships.

A story about mushrooms, one of the best no nonsense cooks, and taking your time.

Important meeting coming up? Nervous? Mouth dry? Wanting to show engagement and value but not comfortable speaking a lot?

Try these 3 techniques.

A tale about New York, travelling your way and why you should be grateful for what your gut’s telling you this Thanksgiving.

The 2 policemen looked at me like I was a bit nuts. “It’s like 20 blocks away” one of them repeated, raising an eyebrow.