BLOG

1. Start right. When I first started as a professional speaker I was taught to make your opening strong – make a statement – tell a story – capture the audience’s attention in 30 seconds. I still adhere to that and make sure my first 30 seconds is memorised – keep still and make eye contact. However, I recently heard a presenter say, “Start gentle and build.” He was very impactful. Whether you want to start with a statement or a gentle story – is up to you – it’s your style – but make that first minute count. Don’t waste time with “fluffy” small talk – make an impactful first impression. ..

I am still feeling the good vibrations of a short, relaxing, tropical island getaway. Which segues perfectly from feeling good in holiday mode – good vibrations– Beach Boys (get it?) to the final in my series of Leadership Presence blogs with the R in LeadeR for Resonate.  ..

This week I was at my local Chamber of Commerce breakfast where Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk spoke. She engaged the audience with her succinct speech, spoke from the heart and injected some light humour into the presentation. As a leader it is her job to be engaging and connect with audiences. Connecting through public speaking is one aspect of her role as Premier that has been honed well over the years. Are you connecting emotionally through your presentation style? ..