emphatic listening

Listening and Leadership – The Skill of Empathic Listening

If we want to be an effective leader, then we need to develop our listening skills. One of the best ways to show that you are truly listening to what others are saying is to listen intently and empathically. This sounds obvious but it is a skill seldom mastered. Stephen Cove said that “Most people do not listen with the intent …

6 Ways To End A Presentation

There are several ways in which you can conclude or end a speech. In this post I explore are 6 ways that work. The end of your speech is very important and can determine the overall success or failure of your presentation. It is your end that creates great impact and determines what people will walk away with, what they …

open plan offices

Working In Open Plan Offices Is Getting A Bad Rap

Working in open plan offices is getting a bad rap. They were designed to improve teamwork, increase communication and collaboration between staff. However, staff who are required to work in open plan offices report difficulties associated with noise, distracting behaviors, bad smells (Tuna sandwiches) cramped work spaces and lack of privacy. A recent survey from the University of Sydney by …

Poise Presence and Passion

Poise, Presence And Passion

3 Tools To Help You Be More Confident And Effective. The two themes that continue to run through my public speaking coaching and training workshops are, “How can I be more confident” and “How can I be more effective” when I am speaking to a group of people. While other themes around, body language, structure, use of story, being influential …

giving and receiving feedback

Setting Goals When Giving And Receiving Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool that leaders can use when they need to change and influence employees’ behaviour. Ideally, a workplace should have an atmosphere where there is a high level of trust and honesty so that everyone feels confident to both speak up and give feedback and is also open to honest and constructive feedback. Unfortunately, not all feedback …

eye contact

The Eyes Have It: The Importance of Eye Contact When Public Speaking.

Eye contact is very important in any communication and even more so when you are standing up front as a trainer, facilitator or when public speaking. In this newsletter I will outline a few tips that will help you understand the importance of eye contact and how to ensure you are using great eye contact. You Don’t Need Eye Contact …