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

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

An analysis of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech

It is part of the UK’s political tradition, that outgoing and incoming Prime Ministers give respectively a farewell speech and an inaugural speech. Let’s have a look at Boris Johnson’s speech delivered yesterday on the steps on 10 Downing Street.   Purpose The likely anticipated purpose of this speech, was to inspire the British people … Read more

An analysis of John F Kennedy’s Moon speech

JFK's speech at Rice University

JFK’s speech delivered in 1962 at Rice University in favour of the Apollo programme. Is in my opinion one of the best political speeches of the 20th century. There is a lot that can be learnt from this speech. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, this speech is a very good example of … Read more

So you want to become a great speaker?

“Over 90% of people aren’t serious about developing themselves.” This is what a past World Champion of Public Speaking said to me in passing some months ago. This remark may seem negative but I think its entirely true. I have often seen aspiring speakers in Toastmasters who had high goals and aspirations but never lived … Read more

When you speak purpose is power

Purpose

Standing out as a memorable speaker and clear presenter can open new doors to you, and help you establish credibility as a leader in your field. A very effective way to stand out while you speak is to have a clear sense of purpose. Here are a few tips to help you when you next … Read more

What Tyrion Lannister can teach you about public speaking

Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion Lannister character in the Game of Thrones books and TV series is famous for his wit and sharp remarks. Public speaking is nevertheless not something that one would associate with him, unlike other characters in the show. Yet one of his defining moment is a speech delivered in the midst of the battle of … Read more